In what seems like warp speed — because wasn’t it just yesterday that camp began? — we’ve already reached the end of the season.
Campers have grown enormously. They’ve learned new skills, made new friends, tested themselves physically and emotionally.
They’ve laughed a lot, and only cried once or twice.
Much of that growth comes thanks to their counselors. They pushed, pulled, prodded, encouraged and empowered youngsters — in some cases only a few years younger than themselves — to try test their limits, and try new things.
They’ve been role models, big brothers and sisters, friends, and also teachers, coaches and substitute parents.
Camp counselors play many roles.
It takes a special type of teenager or college student to be a camp counselor. While their friends are at the beach, traveling to concerts or Europe, or sleeping in, counselors must show up — on time — every day.
They must be creative and clever; flexible and adaptable; cheery, calm, and always “on.”
At the same time, they’re the adults in the room (or the great outdoors). They’re constantly counting heads, scouting danger, supervising scamperers and scamps.
Even at play, camp counselors are always on duty. (Photos courtesy of Westport Weston Family YMCA)
When your child comes home — whether from day camp or overnight — they’re likely to have stories. More likely than not, those stories involve counselors.
If you were a camp counselor this summer — or any summer — you’re our Unsung Hero of the week.
Sure, your job was fun. But it was also stressful, tiring, and non-stop.
And — for helping the next generation of kids grow and develop — it was very, very important.
(Do you know an Unsung Hero? Email 06880blog@gmail.com)
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You continue to mis-appropriate the term “Hero”. Please reconsider using this term as it dilutes the true meaning of the word; and, is an insult to all of those who have truly earned the term under the true meaning of it..
Hero mean different things to different people so a literal term is not always necessary
Firstly, you have “mis-spelled” misappropriate. A quick look at any dictionary would have shown you that there is no hyphen in the world. And while you were there you could have looked up “hero” and you would have seen that it has many definitions, including this: “a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities.” Seems to fit Dan’s use of the word, yes?
Dan Woog is a hero of mine because he keeps Westport alive for me!