Day Two

When an alarm rings at 5:30 in the morning there’s only one question running through your mind. Why? During counselor orientation it is easy to see the energy levels at the maximum. Some people take advantage of the more relaxed schedule to see the morning fog in the mountains or relax by doing yoga as the sun rises. An observant person can learn about the staff just by watching them and the activities they choose when they have the freedom to wander. During counselor orientation we learn so much about ourselves, others and our jobs. We go through mini courses on American Sign Language, camp policies, job descriptions, a typical camp day and a crash course on various disabilities. We team build, work through binders of paperwork, and prepare camp for the arrival of the campers. Everything one needs to know about camp is packed into four days. We learn to love the place that will be our home for the next two and a half months. We work to make it feel like a home to the campers who will soon join us. We as counselors are fortunate to be the people who encourage and empower those that visit us. We are the people that are chosen to do a great honor and put others before ourselves.