Hello to all of my fellow camp counselors!
Since it is winter and I've been sick, I thought it would be a good time to talk about being sick at camp. Chances are, if you're working at a camp for roughly 3 months during the summer, at some point, you're going to get sick. It's happened to me multiple times, and it is one of the hardest things to deal with as a counselor. You have to balance caring for yourself, watching after your kids, participating in programming and still seeming like you're having fun, even though you just coughed up a lung. So here is what I've learned from the times I've been sick at camp.
None of this is meant to be medical advise. Always see a doctor if you're concerned. Better safe then sorry.
Be Honest
How sick are you? Is it a case of the sniffles, and you just need a day to relax and sleep it off? Are you throwing up constantly and can barely stand? The first thing you need to do is evaluate how sick you really are. Sometimes all that you need is a bit of rest. Other times, you need a doctor and a prescription. Don't exaggerate, but also don't underestimate how you're feeling. Trust your gut. Figure this out, then ask your boss for what you need.
Is it the "Camp Flu"?
Camp is tiring, and combine a lack of sleep, constant activity, stress and a sunburn, and you're likely to get the "camp flu". You feel achey, lethargic, and can't seem to rally. Ask for the day to recover. Get some rest, stay inside, drink lots of water. If it persists with the same level of discomfort for several days, I would think about seeing a doctor.
Go to the Nurse
Camp nurses are the best. They are skilled at figuring out what's wrong, telling you what you need, and sometimes even giving you a place to rest. At the very least, they are a source of Advil, ice, or just someone to gripe to for a few minutes.
Sleep When You Can
If you've decided this is something you can fight through, sleep as much as possible. Go to bed when your kids do, nap during rest periods, see if you can get a little free time. Sleep is incredibly restorative and may just do the trick.
Drink a Ton of Water
Dehydration is one of the most common and worst ailments at camp. Combine it with being sick, and you've pretty much guaranteed you'll be out for a while. Keep water by your bed, always carry your bottle, take a sip whenever you pass a drinking fountain or hose. Not only will this keep you hydrated, but water is involved in many systems in our bodies that can help get you feeling better, like regulating body temperature.
Keep the Stress Low
Ask for help. If you have a camper who is a particular handful, a duty that is difficult and getting you worked up, or even just need a break for an hour, ask for help. If you aren't stressed, your body will have a much easier time restoring its health.
Eat Healthy!
This is a preemptive step, as well as a possible solution. Have lots of fruits and veggies, eat good protein sources, and avoid eating a ton of junk food. All the vitamins in healthy food can really get you feeling better.
GET WELL SOON!
You are amazing!
Sam
Monday, January 7, 2013
Winter Camp and Other Non-Summer Camps
Hello to all of my fellow camp counselors!
I just got back from Winter Camp at the camp that I work at. This is a week that we have over New Years, which is run just like summer, but only for one week. It's a very special week, because usually nearly all of the campers are returners who really love camp. The week is smaller, and the counselors are usually long time staff members and people who grew up at camp. It's a lot of fun, but there are definitely some challenges.
To start with, it is FRICKEN COLD. Let me tell you this, you may think its not that cold in Southern California, but in cabins that are about fifty years old and not exactly air-tight, it may as well be the Arctic. My advise? Layer everything. Layer your bed, your clothes, your socks, your hats, EVERYTHING. I had two fitted sheets, one that was fleece, three blankets and two flat sheets. I typically slept with thermals, two pairs of socks, a tank top, a long sleeve t-shirt, a zip up sweatshirt, cover all of that with an awesome zebra print onesie, then put on sweats over the onesie, pull up all of the hoods and put a hat and some gloves on. I was toasty in bed. The only down side? If you have to go pee in the middle of the night, it takes fifteen minutes just to undress.
Another challenge can be an unusual mix of staff. Unlike summer, we don't have two weeks of training to get to know each other and all be brought to the same page. Often times, staff are from previous years, year-round staff or full-time staff. Some know each other, others don't. There may be some very close friend groups and some staff may feel like outsiders, especially if their friend from summer now has their best friend that they've known all their lives. How can you make it better? If you don't know someone, get to know them! Last wintercamp, I was lucky enough to get to know a girl who I hadn't ever met before, she became a member of my group of best friends at camp, and we got really close! I'm so glad that I was able to have an open mind and get to know her.
When it comes to having a majority of returning campers, the select first timers can be uncomfortable and feel very left out. If you have a first timer in your cabin, try to pair them up with someone who's been their for a while. Introduce them, and suggest that the long-timer give the other camper a tour! Play a game like "Never Have I Ever", or "Two Truths and a Lie", where the campers can share things about them that don't relate to camp. This way, they see what they have in common outside of camp, and the gap closes.
So that's my experience. I'm sure you all have lots of other challenges you have faced! Feel free to comment, or shoot me an email at LifeOfACampCounselor@aol.com
You are amazing!
Sam
I just got back from Winter Camp at the camp that I work at. This is a week that we have over New Years, which is run just like summer, but only for one week. It's a very special week, because usually nearly all of the campers are returners who really love camp. The week is smaller, and the counselors are usually long time staff members and people who grew up at camp. It's a lot of fun, but there are definitely some challenges.
To start with, it is FRICKEN COLD. Let me tell you this, you may think its not that cold in Southern California, but in cabins that are about fifty years old and not exactly air-tight, it may as well be the Arctic. My advise? Layer everything. Layer your bed, your clothes, your socks, your hats, EVERYTHING. I had two fitted sheets, one that was fleece, three blankets and two flat sheets. I typically slept with thermals, two pairs of socks, a tank top, a long sleeve t-shirt, a zip up sweatshirt, cover all of that with an awesome zebra print onesie, then put on sweats over the onesie, pull up all of the hoods and put a hat and some gloves on. I was toasty in bed. The only down side? If you have to go pee in the middle of the night, it takes fifteen minutes just to undress.
Another challenge can be an unusual mix of staff. Unlike summer, we don't have two weeks of training to get to know each other and all be brought to the same page. Often times, staff are from previous years, year-round staff or full-time staff. Some know each other, others don't. There may be some very close friend groups and some staff may feel like outsiders, especially if their friend from summer now has their best friend that they've known all their lives. How can you make it better? If you don't know someone, get to know them! Last wintercamp, I was lucky enough to get to know a girl who I hadn't ever met before, she became a member of my group of best friends at camp, and we got really close! I'm so glad that I was able to have an open mind and get to know her.
When it comes to having a majority of returning campers, the select first timers can be uncomfortable and feel very left out. If you have a first timer in your cabin, try to pair them up with someone who's been their for a while. Introduce them, and suggest that the long-timer give the other camper a tour! Play a game like "Never Have I Ever", or "Two Truths and a Lie", where the campers can share things about them that don't relate to camp. This way, they see what they have in common outside of camp, and the gap closes.
So that's my experience. I'm sure you all have lots of other challenges you have faced! Feel free to comment, or shoot me an email at LifeOfACampCounselor@aol.com
You are amazing!
Sam
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