I have 18 staff between the ages of 19-22 years old. They are filled with energy, angst, questions, ideas and overall are a needy bunch. Working at camp is a journey for them- they are away from their friends and families, working with kids 22 hours a day, having their patience tested, being challenged, and learning constantly. It's exhausting, exciting, overwhelming.
This job is life changing for them and I am honored to be part of that experience in their lives. Kids are the reason we are here, but the most meaningful part of my job is the effect that it has on the staff. Supporting them is the biggest responsibility I have throughout the summer. It is not just important for their own development, but it is also necessary for the good of camp to have them happy, healthy, energetic and focused.
From the moment I wake up in the morning, my front door is wide open. Every staff meeting, I remind them that if they need something, no matter what time of day, that they can come to me, even wake me up if necessary. And so they do. And I am happy to be here for them. I'm only 10 years older than them, but I feel very parental towards them. I want them to succeed and I feel great pride when they do. And so when they come to me to share their excitement and happiness, it makes me very happy.
The whole group went to the county fair on Friday night and when they returned, 6 excited, loud, happy 19 year olds showed up on my door, excited to tell me about the adventures from their night. BF and I were watching a movie and when their faces appeared in the window of the door, I paused the tv and waved them in. Talking all at once, interrupting each other, laughing, going on and on, I did my standard- smile, nod, listen and repeat, "awesome, I'm so glad you had fun." I know that BF had zero desire to hear them go on and on, and I appreciated his patience. But I felt so stressed out. I wanted to be present for my staff, but also considerate to my boyfriend. He understands that my job is 24/7 during the summer, but I know it's difficult for him too.
Early this morning, one of the counselors woke up with an allergic reaction to something. She wasn't sure what was wrong, but her body was covered in hives and her fingers were so swollen, the nurse eventually used a wire cutter to cut off her rings.
I had woken up early to let the dogs outside and then left the door open when I went back to bed. Nurse J came to my house (looking for a wire cutter and benedryl- the health center's was missing). She called for me, but I was deeply asleep and didn't hear her. She went to Program Director S instead who was able to find her everything she needed.
When I heard about all of that after the fact, I felt terrible- I should have been available. I worry that they didn't attempt to wake me because BF was visiting for the weekend and they didn't want to bother me. BF was encouraging- clearly they had taken care of it without needing me and everything was fine. But it is a difficult transition for me to not be involved in every detail of camp.
From the moment I wake up in the morning, my front door is wide open. Every staff meeting, I remind them that if they need something, no matter what time of day, that they can come to me, even wake me up if necessary. And so they do. And I am happy to be here for them. I'm only 10 years older than them, but I feel very parental towards them. I want them to succeed and I feel great pride when they do. And so when they come to me to share their excitement and happiness, it makes me very happy.
The whole group went to the county fair on Friday night and when they returned, 6 excited, loud, happy 19 year olds showed up on my door, excited to tell me about the adventures from their night. BF and I were watching a movie and when their faces appeared in the window of the door, I paused the tv and waved them in. Talking all at once, interrupting each other, laughing, going on and on, I did my standard- smile, nod, listen and repeat, "awesome, I'm so glad you had fun." I know that BF had zero desire to hear them go on and on, and I appreciated his patience. But I felt so stressed out. I wanted to be present for my staff, but also considerate to my boyfriend. He understands that my job is 24/7 during the summer, but I know it's difficult for him too.
Early this morning, one of the counselors woke up with an allergic reaction to something. She wasn't sure what was wrong, but her body was covered in hives and her fingers were so swollen, the nurse eventually used a wire cutter to cut off her rings.
I had woken up early to let the dogs outside and then left the door open when I went back to bed. Nurse J came to my house (looking for a wire cutter and benedryl- the health center's was missing). She called for me, but I was deeply asleep and didn't hear her. She went to Program Director S instead who was able to find her everything she needed.
When I heard about all of that after the fact, I felt terrible- I should have been available. I worry that they didn't attempt to wake me because BF was visiting for the weekend and they didn't want to bother me. BF was encouraging- clearly they had taken care of it without needing me and everything was fine. But it is a difficult transition for me to not be involved in every detail of camp.
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