Mountain Camp

Summer Camp Counselor

June - August 2021 • Pollock Pines, CA

What I liked

I liked being outdoors and interacting with people all day. I was a nanny on the campsite for one of the director's sons, Eli. Eli is a lovable, fun 8 year old boy with special needs. Him and I created a tight bond throughout the summer and we still keep in touch. I had limited phone time each day which ended up being so refreshing to clear my mind. Being outdoors and being a kid again was just what I needed. Meeting people from all over the world opened my eyes to new experiences. I wouldn't trade my experience at Mountain Camp for the world.

What I wish was different

To be honest, I wouldn't have wanted it to be any differently. It was perfectly imperfect in every way.

Advice

One piece of advice I would give about my experience at Mountain Camp would be to have an open mind. It is hard work and you have to put your heart and time into this type of work for each kid to receive the best experience they can get. You must be willing to live in a very simple living space. I lived in a tent with no electricity. It took getting used to but in the end, it became my little home. Just have an open mind and absorb every minute you get in this beautiful place because you won't experience anything else like it.

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Summer Camp Counselor

May - August 2021 • Pollock Pines, CA

What I liked

The ongoing support from management and head counselors and the opportunities to learn a variety of things during the summer, from archery to kayaking. The energy at this camp was amazing; directors do a great job of hiring exceptional counselors. Needless to say the location was a huge plus (lakeside property in a national forest).

What I wish was different

Always having 2 counselors leading high-intensity activities like court sports and riskier activities like outdoor cooking.

Advice

Be engaged and authentic! It is so crucial for the campers that you don't fake it. Get silly during EP, sing loud, and never be afraid of judgement - it's the kind of role model kiddos need and you'll never be seen differently by staff. They'll commend you.

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Camp Counselor

June - August 2018 • Pollock Pines, CA

What I liked

Living and working in a part of the country that I had never visited before was a truly amazing and culturing experience! California was beautiful, and working in the environment that we worked in (in the mountains of Eldorado National Forest) was truly incredible. I loved meeting and working with counselors from all over the world, and I also gained so much experience working with kids!

What I wish was different

Being a camp counselor is practically a 24/7 job, so it was very tiring. We only got a maximum of 24 hours off at the end of each weekly session, and I wish there was some way to incorporate more time off for self-care.

Advice

It is so important in a career sense and in life to push yourself out of your comfort zone. Take the initiative to try new things, go new places, and meet new people. This will broaden your horizons, help you learn about yourself and the world, and will create so many valuable connections!

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