An Ode To My Job: How Lucky Am I?

Hello to all of my fellow camp counselors and staff!

As we reach the middle of winter and I bury myself in layers, I can't help but think towards the coming summer. Certainly, I miss the warm weather. Undoubtedly, I miss not having to go to class every day. Indisputably, I miss not having to buy my own groceries (thanks mom).

But, there is something I miss more.

My Job. 

I never thought I would be able to say something like that. I miss my job. 

Here's the thing, I never imagined I could love doing something as much as I love my job as an assistant director. I never imagined I could love working somewhere as much as I love working at the camp I'm at. And I never imagined that I would miss it so much.

What's amazing to me is that it isn't just the easy, fun stuff I miss. Sure, dressing up for the Fourth of July is great (it's my favorite day of the summer). Of course, getting to work with some of my best friends makes every day entertaining. Yes, I love being a part of a team that becomes a family.

And those memories are wonderful. They shine bright in my mind, and take me back to warm sunny days filled with camp songs and wood chips. But there's something else I miss. 

I miss the hard stuff. I miss working through the challenges, and the frustration when things aren't going as planned. I miss when my counselors would come to me with a question that I just didn't know how to answer. 

Why? I have no idea. Maybe it's the culture of this amazing camp. Maybe it's because being there has taught me that it's okay not to know the answer. Maybe it's the bonding that happens over working through a problem with someone. Maybe it's because when things are hard, I know I have the opportunity to learn from some people that I regard as the most talented and brilliant childcare professionals out there.

I've had other jobs. I've had jobs that were hard. I've had jobs that were easy. I've had jobs that I loved, hated, and everything in between. I've missed jobs before. But never this entirely. 

And so, this one is dedicated to my camp, the camp that I have grown to love in just two short years. I never thought that a job could mean so much to me, and at such a young age. 

Thank You,

Samantha

Camp Isn't A Major... Or Is It?

Hello to all of my fellow camp counselors and staff!

As many of you know, I'm currently in my senior year of college. When I decided that I would strive for a career in camp, I found myself in an interesting position. How do you prepare yourself for a career through higher education, when there is no undergraduate program in it? I will be graduating with a Bachelors of Science in Equine Science and a minor in Business Administration. Not exactly camp, but there could be some parallels. However, I've found several ways to supplement a higher education, and prepare myself for my career. Here are a few of my experiences.

Elective Classes

Every major leaves room for at least a few elective classes. Make these count! A few of the classes that I've taken as electives are;

 Introduction to Psychology

 Adolescent Development

 Abnormal Psychology

Child Exceptionality and Psychopathology

Methods in Coaching

Marketing Technology

 Advertising

 I felt that these were classes that would be applicable to my camp career, and I found all of them to be very fun, engaging classes.

Minor

You should be passionate about your major! You should love it and feel connected to it! And a minor is a great way to supplement your major with more information in another field. Camp is a business, and my business minor has given me a great introduction into business law, marketing, management, accounting and finance. 

Get Out Of The Classroom

Gaining life experience is one of the most valuable parts of college! Are you interested in working in adventure based camps? Get involved in an outdoors club! Want more experience with different age groups? Find jobs babysitting, working in preschools or local after school programs! 

Stay Connected With The ACA

Keep up-to-date with whats going on in the American Camp Association. I'm a huge fan of the message boards, they're a great place to discuss camp with others. Look through their articles, keep up with their blogs, and know whats going on in our awesome industry! Also, there are awesome online lectures and classes available to members, and college students get a free one year membership, so take advantage. And of course, go to Spring Leadership Conference! 

Camp... Masters?!

 I am currently in the process of applying for this awesome program! It's through Touro University, Nevada, and it's actually a masters program in camp. Officially the title is Masters in Camp Administration and Leadership. I will be updating you with my progress through the program, of course, assuming I am accepted (fingers crossed)! 

So maybe you cant major in camp. But you certainly can make college work towards your own camp career. Just get creative! Also, I've linked the American Camp Association and Camp Administration and Leadership Programs at the end of this blog, so check them out! 

Go State! 

Sam

The American Camp Association:

http://www.acacamps.org/

Touro University, Nevada, Masters in Camp Administration and Leadership

http://tun.touro.edu/programs/college-of-health-and-human-services/camp-administration/