Decision Dilemma

[prettysocks]

I simply need your advice on which camp job/camp to work at this summer, after you read the below pros+ and cons- I have for working at each camp.

Easter Seals (physically challenged kids)
-I would be a cabin counselor (again)
-I would make less money than at Girl Guide camp
+This camp was amazing and created memories for a lifetime
+I owe my career to them taking a chance on hiring me
-I don't like a lot of the returning staff they've rehired, and I think it might be a sketchy summer
+There is male counselors

Girl Guide Camp
-I have to travel between 4 different locations each week
+I will be getting paid more than at Easter Seals camp
+I would be Program Director
-The last time I worked for this camp (2 summers ago) it was horribly run; I know it's changed, but I'm still taking a chance
+Guiding is a huge part of my life, and I do want to be more involved
+With this job, I could go back to Easter Seals next year (if I wished) and get a "higher up" job, or stay with GG ....EDIT: After talking to the Easter Seals boss, it would be VERY difficult to work at Easter Seals the year after if I do not work there this summer.
-No boys to gawk at

Please do not critisize my reasonings. Just give me advice, or your reason why you think I should work at either camp. THANK YOU. :D

[collissimon]

You know what I think! If you dont go for the Program Director, I think you may regret it...

[Sparkes]

You know, reading through your reasons it really sounds as though you want to be at the Girl Guide camp.

You'd be in a cabin, again, it created memories (past tense), less money, and you don't like the returning staff. Their all pretty important things to ensure your happiness for the summer. Just because you feel you owe them a slight loyalty doesn't mean you should make yourself suffer for a whole summer.

I know I would not be able to handle a week in an entirely female camp - women are so mean and horrible and I am one - so I think your pretty brave. Ergo, since a summer without boys to gawk/break up all that femaleness would suck, you clearly now just have to plan joint activities with scout camps in the area!

[CAMPFRIEND]

I think that you need to go where you think that you will make the biggest impact and where you think you would be happier. You have great reasons on both sides.

Good luck!

[shermanator]

I like that you wrote out the pro's and cons of both camps. You need to follow your heart and do what is best for you. I know loyalty is a huge issue considering i have worked at the same camp for 9 years but you do have llok at which would be the best situation for yourself. Your heart will tell you the right thing to do so follow it.

[Sparkes]

What happened after? What did you decide?

[prettysocks]

Easter Seals camp counselor (year 2 in that position).

Thanks, guys.

[jpoet77]

the field we are in has two kinds of people.

1. those who want to continue living the same memories year after year
2. those who want new memories, new experiences, new challenges.

In my professional oppinion, upward mobility is crucial. this is a field that is overrun with people wanting to be the next camp director of camp so and so...the only chance you have to separate yourself from the masses is to think upwardly. always realize: camp counseling is great on your resume, however not as great as moving up the ladder....

Go for the new....take a chance. you can always move backwards in life...but why?

[runrachrunn]

the field we are in has two kinds of people.

1. those who want to continue living the same memories year after year
2. those who want new memories, new experiences, new challenges.

In my professional oppinion, upward mobility is crucial. this is a field that is overrun with people wanting to be the next camp director of camp so and so...the only chance you have to separate yourself from the masses is to think upwardly. always realize: camp counseling is great on your resume, however not as great as moving up the ladder....

Go for the new....take a chance. you can always move backwards in life...but why?

I happen to disagree with this opinion. I've worked in the same position for a number of years (swim staff during the year for the last 5 1/2 years and office staff for 3 years). Every year that I say in my position I grow - as a mentor, a teacher, a leader and most importantly as a unique individual. I don't think that staying in one place is a bad thing. Upward mobility in camping really only leads to administrative work and a lot of politicking that causes the individual to battle fires and cut through red-tape. If given the choice, i'd spend every waking minute of my life in a non-administrative position, where I'm able to see the changes and growth in my kids first hand.

And remember, people who go into camping don't do it for the money or the title. They do it mainly for the feel-goodness.

But that's just my opinion.

[jpoet77]

Please dont take me the wrong way.
I love being a counselor. Its THE most important job in camping. An I would agree...upward mobility leads to administration work. However, as a recruiter I realize how hard it can be for counselors with only one camp on their Resume to make a move to a higher paid, specialty counselor. Is this profession about money? HELL NO, however we all want to be utilized to the best of our abilities. too often we get locked into the same camp and dont see that their are many great opportunities out there. change is good. it keeps a camp counselor fresh. keeps you thinking on your feet. gets us past that terrable mid summer slump that lets face it...we all face.

So its a catch 22 i guess. Staying at the same camp can be wonderful. relationships build and grow year after year. Positions become stronger and there is often great advancement opportunity when staying in the same camp. However on the flip side, Going to a new camp can often create a situation where you are faced with new challenges, new activities, new philosophies...

Isnt that what its about really? Helping kids grow? Meeting new people? Learning new games, traditions, practices....

Best advice? Maybe look deep in your heart and ask what your looking for out of your summer experience. only the truth will set you free...

[prettysocks]

.... However, as a recruiter I realize how hard it can be for counselors with only one camp on their Resume to make a move to a higher paid, specialty counselor....... change is good. it keeps a camp counselor fresh. keeps you thinking on your feet. gets us past that terrable mid summer slump that lets face it...we all face.


I think that staying at the same camp, whether in the same position, or 'advancing' (which, by the way, is a horrible word, because all camp jobs are equal - camp could not be run without anyone - from cleaning staff, to counselors, to lifeguards, to directors.), shows that you have PERSISTANCE, a PASSION for what you do, that you are UNSHAKEABLE, STRONG, and PERMANENT.

And to be honest, anyone who's thinking about what their freaking resume will look like, should NOT be working at camp. I AM THERE BECAUSE OF THE CHILDREN. And I chose the camp I did because I wanted to work with the children with disabilities, rather than snotty pre-teen girls who take everything for granted. My choice, don't bug me about it!

Sorry if this response sounded a little heated.. :D I do totally respect your opinion and I know where you're coming from, being a recruiter, I just have my own opinions.

[Kerrbear]

Haha, whoa Prettysocks! All I can say is it's a good thing you didn't post this on the ACA site! People would be attacking you left right and centre for saying one type of camp is more rewarding than another.

On another note, I work at a camp for less fortunate children, many of which are in group homes or foster homes , come from single parent homes, or are on welfare. I wouldn't trade the experiences I have at this camp for a hundred summers anywhere else. The difference you make in their lives can be astronomical. 10, 20 years down the line, they may not remember your name, but they'll remember the experiences you had with them and how they felt loved and cared for while they were under your care.

[collissimon]

I think I would place myself about halfway between the two. I know why you stayed at ES, and I would probably have made the same decision, because I enjoy working at a special needs camp.

I think you have to get a balance, something that is very personal, about staying fresh in your job and not going stale. I met up with my old UL yesterday for a quick chat, and he was a UL for 9 years. He realised that he was out of ideas and was going to be a less than effective UL in the future, so he stopped going to camp.

I think whilst you're comfortable being a counsellor you should do so, but you should also be reflective about how effective you are as a team member to make sure you don't go stale (not that I'm saying anyone is: I'm talking in general terms :D)

[Sparkes]

It was the men! A summer without all that eyecandy? Heaven forbid!! ;)
Seriously though, a summer with all women? My god the witchyness!

[Kerrbear]

It was the men! A summer without all that eyecandy? Heaven forbid!! ;)
Seriously though, a summer with all women? My god the witchyness!


Sure all girls can be a little intense, but I'll bet it's super fun too! I never went to an all girl camp, but I went to an all girl high school, and while there was drama (what high school DOESN'T have drama?!?) and there were some huge fights and stuff, a lot of the memories I wouldn't trade for anything. It really is a whole different world and it can be a blast! Haha ohhhhhhh memories of colouring walls, tag in the hallways, singing as loud as we could (and none of us are very talented), ducking under the tables, getting poked by the lunchladies with the broom (haha my friend was a little nuts), scaring our male teachers, putting up shrines such as a Lord of the Rings shrine complete with figurines, and a hot guy wall... haha good times!!!