The Journey of a Camp Counselor

When picturing the summer camp experience, images that typically come to mind are campers playing games, making crafts, enjoying outdoor activities and more! None of these things would be possible without the amazing staff who lead the activities, live in the cabins, and make the magic happen. We have just begun our pre-camp preparations this week from New Hampshire and are starting to welcome staff from around the world. Being a camp counselor is not just a fun-filled summer gig; it is a real job with great responsibility and opportunities for personal and professional growth. We are beyond grateful that all our staff have chosen to spend the summer with us.

Our staff will soon encounter the same magic our campers experience summer after summer. They will make lifelong friends, try new and exciting camp activities (giant swing, camping trips, boat rides on Newfound Lake) and gain valuable skills. What they might not realize yet, is that even one summer at Camp Wicosuta can be life changing. We recently spoke with Grace Wood, a first-year staff member in 2022, who has been accepted to Teach Kentucky. Grace has immense gratitude for her experience at Wico, working in our outdoor adventure program and living with our Oskis (1^st and 2^nd graders), in helping her start a future career in the field of special education.

If you asked me last May what I would be doing after I graduated college in 2023, I would’ve avoided the question and felt nauseous just thinking about that dreadful decision. Luckily, my experience as a camp counselor last summer helped pave my path toward the career I am starting this summer! Being at Wico gave me many experiences that taught me a lot about myself and working with kids. I developed communication, conflict resolution, management of emotions, and leadership skills. I discovered what age group I work best with and that I can thrive when I step out of my comfort zone to try new things. What I took away from Wico helped me secure a spot in the Teach KY program. Before Wico, the thought of graduating with a psychology degree was scary. Now, I can confidently say I will be a full-time special education teacher while simultaneously getting my Master’s in teaching in Louisville, KY! I am especially grateful for my Wico experience as I will take many of the skills and tricks I learned into my future classroom! -G.W. Outdoor Adventure, Summer 2022

We are so proud of Grace and all our alumnae staff who have moved forward in starting their careers and having other experiences working with children, possessing leadership opportunities and carrying the 3Cs into their futures. We look forward to the amazing summer ahead and not only watching our campers grow in their confidence and competence but watching our 2023 staff thrive this summer and beyond.

Check out ACA’s Project Real Job on TikTok for so many reasons why you should work at camp!