Mission: ENTHUSIASM (or life of a camp counselor)

I feel as if every three months I make a brand new start at something and this season of my life is no different.  This summer I am working at Camp Hope, a sleep-away camp for children and children-in-heart with special needs. Though the job description of a camp counselor says that I will help and teach my campers, that is not completely the case; they have taught me so much this summer. So because I love lists here is a list of everything I have learned this summer (or not really everything but what I can think of and describe in words):

1. Patience. I used to get really angry if I had to wait in traffic for more than five minutes. But now I can walk about 1 mph or slower if you average in breaks to walk to important things like dinner. I can not really explain this phenomena but it makes sense with this here quote. “We could never learn to be brave and patient, if there were only joy in the world.” from the master of patience and overcoming trials herself, Helen Keller. I guess it is because my campers try my patience on a regular basis and I am no longer living for just myself. Once I needed patience for others and not for my shopping agenda God blessed me with a smidgen of patience. 

2. ENTHUSIASM! As the great LC says “If you act Enthusiastic you will be enthusiastic!” and your campers will be too! I can now sing (or scream) a slightly cheesy but wonderful camp song at any moment even after little sleep or cleaning up poop. Now I think pretty much any occasion needs or can be fixed by a peppy camp song.

3. I think I will now celebrate Mother’s day, I expect cards and chocolate. Ok this may need an explanation in form of a story: Sunday was check-in day and I was waiting in line for the nurse with one of my new darlings and her mom. She had chocolate all over her mouth and her mom licked her finger and wiped it off. The mommy remarked “Sparkles** you need to be more careful when you are at camp because Miss Becca is not going to do this for you, she’s not a Mom.” Ah she must have never worked at Camp. I have officially wiped more sticky mouths than I can count. Plus kissed boo boos, explained that thunder is just angels bowling and looked for lost socks under the bed. I am declaring that I get to be celebrated on Mothers day. 

These are my main three and three is my favorite number so I am ending it here but all knowing that my mission and learning is not over. The campers have so much more to show me these next three weeks! 

P.S. Mommy if you are reading this. You are the bomb dot com.

**this name has been changed to protect my little bluebird’s identity. Incase you were planning to name your future child after my adorable camper, I do not suggest naming your child Sparkles unless you wish for rough and tearful middle school years.