Although one’s camping days are done, his camping career is not. One of the greatest opportunities at camp is the ability to go from a camper, a state of innocence, to a counselor, a state of authority and responsibility. As a camper, you think the greatest summer is your Upper Senior summer when if fact, the greatest years have yet to come. The satisfaction you receive from returning as a counselor and giving back to your campers by enlightening and leading them is so great. To teach your campers what you have learned and to be their role model–like your counselors were–as well as to give your campers the experience you had is the greatest feeling of gratification and fulfillment. Trying to teach campers the traditions of camp and have them appreciate them is not easy but a goal all counselors have. Besides teaching camping traditions, counselors also try to shape their campers into genuine, motivated, selfless and overall good people. Jared explains that his counselors “were always his role models” and that they “left a lasting impression…because as a camper there were many situations in which they were there in times in need.” Alex reflects on how respect and friendship were two values his counselors instilled in him. “Being there for your friends and respecting your elders were always emphasized at camp.”
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