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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.