Summer + kids = a great time. Many people are devoting their summers to working with kids at a summer camp. There are many camps in the nearby area including Ledyard Parks and Rec, NLC 4H Camp, Project Oceanology and so many more. While there are a lot of volunteers, a lot of people wonder “Why should I give up my beach time to hang out with some kids?” Well, here are a few reasons why volunteering at a camp is a great fit for you.
- It is rewarding. I will never forget the first time that a camper saw me in Target and ran up to me and hugged me. It was such a simple thing that made my day so much better because they remembered me. I also got the chance to meet the child’s parents and they were very impressed with how much I put into the camp.
- Friendships. Spending your summer with people who are also devoted to making the camper’s summer the best that it can be means that you’ll make some really close bonds with people. I am still really good friends with people that I met years ago at my camp. They don’t go to the camp anymore but because of the bond that we made I can still call them my friend today.
- Leadership skills. It goes without saying that as a camp counselor, one would have to take up a lot of responsibility and leadership, but the lessons they learn will stick with them forever. Many lessons that I learned I use in my everyday life, simple things from holding the door for the person behind me, to helping someone pick up their books from off the ground. I learned how to be a kind and open person through camp.
- Volunteer hours. When all is said and done, to graduate high school students need volunteer hours, this is the perfect way to do that!
I truly believe that everyone has a place at camp, and that everyone is welcome all the time no matter what they look like or how they act. And if you want to make a difference in a campers life then volunteer at a camp this summer. It is truly life changing.
Erin Tolles, Staff Writer
Sophomore Erin Tolles is a staff writer for the 2017-2018 Colonel. Erin, a.k.a. “CRAZY CAT LADY” enjoys singing and playing her ukulele. She would much rather be in summer camp being a super cool counselor than in school. Erin is obsessed with popcorn and Harry Potter, like most normal people, and flees America and travels to Austria annually.
