Last week we heard from Jess, who returned to camp as a counselor after many years as a camper. This week, it’s over to Sarah, who has now spent most of her childhood and adult life at camp!
1. Where did you go to camp? How many years?
I went to Camp Sloane for 7 years as a camper and this will be my 3rd year on staff.
2. Why did you decide to work at summer camp?
My dream job when I was a camper was to be a counselor, I also plan to become a teacher and love to work with kids.
3. What is/was your role at camp?
I work in Performing Arts as a dance teacher and costume designer as well as have a tent of 7 to 10 year old girls.
4. What 3 essential items would you never go to camp without?
My crocs, a warm sleeping bag, and safety pins. I know crocs aren’t socially acceptable elsewhere but they are necessary at camp.
5. What is your best/favourite camp memory?
On an overnight there was a thunderstorm so we had to move to a more protected area. I had three 7 year old girls that were very scared, so we sat in hammock and ate leftover chocolate from the s’mores and sang songs, which probably annoyed everyone else, but we had a lot of fun.
6. What is/was your favourite camp food?
My favorite camp food is either s’mores or pizza bagels.
7. What is/was your favourite camp cheer/chant?
‘We will, we will rock you‘ because my counselor brought it to camp when I was a camper.
8. What is your favourite camp saying/word/expression?
Not CA, (camp appropriate)
9. Where did you travel to after camp (if you travelled)?
School started a week after I left camp both of the past two years but I am hoping that I can go into New York City this year.
10. How has camp influenced you/who you are/what you do?
I would like to go into teaching because I love it so much. I wish I could work at camp with campers all year round though.
11. What is the BEST thing about being a summer camp counsellor?
Meeting people from all over the world and instantly becoming best friends. It is very hard not to make a lot of friends at camp because you spend almost every waking moment with them for nine weeks.
12. What’s the WORST thing?
Not getting enough sleep is the absolute worst, I sleep through many of my days off because I am so tired.
13. What the most important thing that camp has taught you?
To be my essential self. As a result of my camp upbringing I do not really care about what others think as much as I would have without camp.
14. Anything else you want to say to people thinking about working at summer camp?
Try it at least for a summer and if it does not work out that is OK. You will also meet some of your best friends at camp.
Summer Camp Secrets 