"Throw me in the deep end and I can swim a lot further than I [ever] thought" - Billie Whiles
So in May, I found out about Kenmont/Kenwood while searching (on Indeed) for jobs in Connecticut, where I was relocating after graduation. I saw other summer camps, but after going on Kenmont/Kenwood's website - I felt like it truly was the place for me [to work] - and was excited to have received the email and a successful Skype interview.
On June 8th, I arrived in the afternoon and instead of settling in - I chose to go on the staff night out. At the time, it was only the water-front and ropes staff that were spending a couple of weeks training (and in cold temperatures nonetheless) and I was beyond myself with nerves. I was intrigued to meet different people from various places in Europe, South Africa, and Austraila. They never visited Walmart before (and of course - I think of the people of Walmart on FB) and they were surprised by the portions and food that were offered at an Italian restaurant on Main Street. This was the first of many night off adventures. The first week I watched staff kids and boy - I was not prepared for being with them the whole day and being with that age group. Also, during this week I moved in a staff cabin with 8 other girls, plus those who came in for short periods of time, Additionally, I got to help with Preview Day and got the opportunity to meet the "Peanuts" I would be working with the rest of the summer.
Then there was orientation week - - - more of the staff came: general counselors, division leaders, head specialists, so on. As a Peanut counselor (and nonbunking staff) I started my job during this week. This was the week - I decided to challenge myself and go out on a limb and sing at a talent show IN FRONT OF 250 - 300 people. I never thought it would happen, but I did it. Hallejuah by Pentatonix will always have my heart at the camp. I also was introduced to the three kiddos: K, H, and T. This was the week I finally got the idea of what camp was about - the community of the kids and staff. I could feel it when the girl campers/staff would come together, stand on chairs, and sing "Jump, Shake your booty on the chair," among various other songs and chants.
We did not have the three of them together until the end of June, but getting to know these kids was awesome. As Peanuts counselors we took them to various activities, played with them, and of course, all the other work that comes with this age group (so, snot, throw-up, crying, etc.). They were mini-campers so to speak. Along with learning the ropes of the kids, there were issues that had to be sorted out and various changes that were challenging at times, but the kids made my day repeatedly. The first session with the kids, there was a lot of UNO games (K was a very sly kiddo), swings, drawing, soccer, and frisbee. K and H looked like they could easily be in the movie, "Little Rascals" and were so adorable together. T looked up to both of these boys and pursued the same activities and play as these guys. I will never forget all the laughing, playing, and love the three of them had for each other. This was the session where the camp had "large chipmunk" codes - where we had to make sure the kids were inside when there were bears roaming around camp. And being from NC, I never thought there would be bear warnings - but then again Kent is very rural/wooded.
Second session was a bit of whirlwind. In the beginning of the session, I was essentially the only counselor (with help) for a couple of days - and it was by far the most challenging time. But I was able to prove to myself I could do it. Then a few days into the session a new co-counselor comes in - and I was beyond grateful for the help - during the point where I was completely exhausted. Especially when I spent all day (his first full day) in the cabin with a 101 F fever --- from that point on proceeded to develop an awful sinus infection and laryngitis - later with my asthma completely flared up. It was interesting second session - there were more activities and adventures. We literally stopped by the health center a lot to get T ice-pops (so much we had to spell it out). Also, at every activity - T and H found ways to play hide and seek (in theatre, yoga, rock-n-roll) and even hiding in the craziest of places. AND all of the staff and girls fell in love with these guys! They won matching baseball t-shirts at the awards ceremony because the baseball coach loved them so much (and he came across stern - but they won his heart).
Along with the work - I met amazing people. I got the chance to visit a pretty huge mall, visit Danbury, New Milford, and Kent, travel to various state parks (Thank you so much M), and mingle with people I would never normally do things with. I also learned to problem solve, how to work hard when everything is going left rather than right, how to laugh at the craziest of situations, and most of all, unconditional love of kids.
On to new adventures that my gap year holds!
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