Summer as a Camp Counsellor
Hey,
Let’s talk about my summer as a camp counsellor!
In the summer 2022, I worked as a unit leader at Camp Molly Lauman in Ohio https://www.gsoh.org/en/camp/resident-camp.html. It was a girl scout camp and we would get new campers weekly.
1. Accommodation
My first memory of Camp Molly Lauman was the arched sign you drive through. The road leads past the pool, archery area and takes you up to the reception and main camp. Within the camp there are multiple units which either has platform tents, yurts or cabins.
2. Staff training/ induction week
Our staff training was a week of fun activities getting to know each other and the camp. We learnt the camp rules, first aid, and what we would do in certain situations. We also did a lot of practicing of camp songs.
One of the highlights of training was when we did a scavenger hunt where the staff got in teams to find multiple staff members who were around the campsite. At each person we had to do activities such as sing a song in order to get the signature. It was so much fun, we all really bonded when doing that. Plus, my team won!!!
3.Food
The food was incredible. At my camp we had roughly the same items each week and on a Wednesday each unit would cook their own breakfast and dinner which the kids loved. Especially the S'moresOne of my favourite parts was the salad bar, the best dressing was definitely ranch and who knew that the crispy bacon bits would be a delicious salad topper.
4. Activities
Every week the camp would put on different programmes for each unit for example Dr disaster Labs- did science experiments and tie-dyed lab coats.
The camp offered a variety of activities on top of the ones specific to the programme these include archery, hatched throwing, slingshot, swimming, challenge course, canoeing, gaga ball and all camp games.
5. Counsellors
The people you meet at camp become your family! The bonds you make will last forever, personally I have made some of my closest friends through camp. The connection is so strong since we help each other through the tough times and share many laughs throughout. Saying goodbye was the hardest part, on the last night we sat in a circle with a fire singing songs.
At my camp each of the counsellors went by nicknames, my name was Echo. The great part was that every week campers would try and guess your real name, it was funny to see what they came up with. At the last camp fire of every week we would play a game to reveal our names!
6.Campers
Now it wouldn’t be camp without the amazing campers. The best part is watching them grow and become confident in themselves and seeing the friendships develop. It was the most rewarding aspect. Don’t get me wrong it can sometimes be exhausting but there were laughs and tears. At the end of the day the activities, friendship bracelets and letters from campers made the whole experience worthwhile.
7. Days off
These days were some of my most memorable! I was so lucky that a couple of counsellors who lived in America allowed me to stay at their place on the days off. I got to experience so much of the culture.
On 4th of July, I went to my first baseball game in Cincinnati, Ohio which was insane. At the beginning of the game people walked out onto the field with the American flag and sang the national anthem.
I did not realise how long the games were and at first it was very confusing but about half way through I got really into it. I was hat person shouting and getting annoyed when they were losing. Since it was the 4th of July, they had fireworks after the game!
Another day we took a trip to Kings Island, we made sure to ride all the big rides but also had balance by going to the Snoopy show for a laugh. Can’t forget getting our face painted at the end, great way to finish off the day.
Those are only a couple of adventures I had in Ohio on my days off, I would be here all day talking about the rest. For example, Columbus art festival, bowling and Columbus pride parade.
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See you soon!!
<3 -Solstice
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ReplyDeleteLove this!! -pascal 🦎
ReplyDeleteReally like your blog! - Frosty
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ReplyDeleteThis sounds so rewarding well done for getting involved x
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