As we begin our search for more amazing counselors for summer 2016, we thought it would be helpful for prospective counselors to learn more about the job right from the source: a summer 2015 CTT counselor! If this seems like a good fit for you, apply now!

Tell us a little about yourself!

I’m Riley Miller! Summer 2016 will be my 10th summer at CTT! I’ve known about camp all my life, because my dad went to Lake Owego Camp (our brother camp). I started camp in 4th grade and have been back every summer since then. Last year was my first year as a counselor, and I worked in athletics (mostly jogging, fitness, aerobics, Zumba, and gymnastics)!

What makes a good counselor?

I think a good counselor is someone who is enthusiastic and always has a smile on her face. A counselor needs to be spontaneous, because at camp things are rapidly changing, so you need to be prepared for anything. It is important that a counselor is able to put her campers’ needs before her own. A good counselor cannot pick favorites. I can remember a counselor who I felt like chose favorites. As a young camper, I remember feeling like I was doing something wrong, and no camper should feel that way. Even if you’re stressed and have other things to worry about, if your camper has a problem, then that problem becomes your problem and first priority. This requires A LOT of patience, but at the end of the day, it is the most rewarding job in the world!

What was one of the biggest challenges you faced in your role?

Every camper is different. Some campers miss home, and others have no problem adjusting to camp right away, so counselors need to be ready for all types of situations. Last summer I had new 4th graders, so in the beginning of the summer, most of them took a few days to totally adjust. I would tell campers stories from when I first felt homesick or just simple things like what to look forward to the next day. Being a counselor in an older bunk of girls has its own set of issues, of course. Prepare to be a problem solver! It’s not easy!

What’s your favorite thing about your role?

There was nothing better than watching my campers grow to love camp as much as I do. Before you know it, you fall in love with campers and these kids fall in love with you. It’s also the only job where it is impossible to be bored!

What do you wish you knew before starting your role? Any advice for new counselors?

The most important part about being a counselor is to always have an open mind. If you don’t try new things than neither will your campers. If you’re having a hard time than you have a family of other Camp Timber Tops counselors to help you.