One of the biggest things I learned this past year at camp is that it’s important to appreciate the little things. From small memories and crazy things that kids say, to little everyday things we take for granted, it all is important. I extremely miss some of these obscure things in my everyday life. Part One of this sequence is strictly camper memories while Part Two will be more staff oriented.
Some of my favorite camper memories this year include:
- Me: “During Me Time the floor is lava. You need to stay in your bed.”
- Camper: “Well, I have lava boots….”
- Me: “Okay, time to pack up all your stuff so you can be ready for your parents.”
- Camper: “How do I know what stuff is mine?”
- My Co (thankfully!): If you didn’t see it at home before, don’t pack it!
- Me: “We walk at camp!”
- Camper: “I SAW A BEAR!” (Sure she did…in Northern Illinois…)
- Camper: “My tummy hurts.”
- Me: “Well, maybe drink some more water and check back in later to let me know how you’re feeling.”
- Camper: *extended fart*
- Me: “Or, maybe you just need to go to the bathroom….”
- Camper: *Smile and nod of head*
- Camper “I just like you!”
- Me: “I haven’t gotten a friendship bracelet all summer, so if anyone wants to make me one, that would be great…”
- Camper: 2 seconds later “I hear you haven’t gotten one all summer… here you go!” *hands me bracelet*
- Camper: *crying hysterically* “I can’t find my hat. I haven’t started looking for it yet but I lost it”
- Me: “How about we look for it in the morning and you just go to sleep?”
- Camper: “Okay.” *instantly stops crying*
- Camper (via a letter): “Thank you for being in my life.”
Sure, some of these situations stressed me out, but looking back on it I can fully appreciate all the little things my campers said. My campers were funny, caring, and I wouldn’t trade any of them for anything! Kids really do say the darndest things!
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