The Summer Job I’ll Never Get Over

Venla S. of Finland was a counselor at a summer camp in Connecticut.

The sun rises over the Berkshires and fleeting rays of sunshine filter through the trees, warming camp on our last morning of the summer. The morning is as usual, but we all know it is the last time we are waking up in our tents with our campers, and everything feels a little bittersweet because of it.

As we start to say goodbyes, what goes through my mind is all the incredible memories we made over the summer. Every riding lesson taught, every square dance, Kaos, and breakfast, it all races through my mind, competing for my attention – in addition to the realization that somewhere between the long days and getting to know your campers, camp turned into your home away from home.

Working at camp has been one of the hardest, yet most rewarding jobs I’ve had, and you truly learn to enjoy the little moments in between it all. Sunsets are easy to enjoy when you are surrounded by beautiful nature, but what makes camp extraordinary is learning to dance in the rain. Waiting out rain in our tents produced some of our most fruitful conversations with campers. Heatwaves taught us how to take care of each other, whilst still enjoying every moment. Darkening evenings at the end of the summer taught us that endings can be beautiful as well as bittersweet.

And suddenly, my tent is empty. Eight weeks is over, and all that’s left behind is a sign that says "gone fishing" and the memories we created together. My suitcase lies there on the plank floor of my tent, half-packed, signed by my campers, waiting for me to fill it up with both the things I brought halfway across the world just 3 months earlier, and the things I bought over the time I spent at camp.

But the most important things we gain from camp cannot be packed away and flown in cargo. They go with us everywhere we go, as memories, lessons, and friendships.

And the most valuable knowledge of all is that camp is there, waiting for us to return.

And the sun will rise over the Berkshires again.

Interested in becoming an American camp counselor next summer? Reach out to the CIEE BridgeUSA Camp Counselor team to learn more.