By the end of the camp season, they’ll have all the skills you’re looking for. Strategic thinking, conflict resolution, problem solving ability. They work well in a group setting, know how to negotiate, they’re organized and are good communicators. They’re responsible, they get along well with peers and are devoted to the cause. Did we mention hard working? In just a few short weeks, many of them will be ready for hire.
Still working on your son, but in the meantime, this is who we’re talking about: Skylemar Counselors.
Before taking the position, George tells each counselor applicant “it’s the hardest job you’ll ever love.” He says, “if kids don’t make you laugh, this isn’t for you”. He talks about the magnitude of the position: round-the-clock mother, father, teacher, coach, big brother and friend. He tells them to think about it before the lengthy hiring process begins. Only those considered to be "the best" by teachers and coaches are considered.
The job makes parenting look easy. Think about the effort it takes to get one or two sets of teeth brushed. How about seven? What about the energy required to host a sleepover a few times a year? How about that giggly, silly, up-too-late party for a straight 42 days? A little sibling rivalry now and then at your house? Think about counselors in a one room condo with 8 fraternal twins. Speaking of the house…how about keeping it clean or at the very least orderly, while all the kids are living inside?
No electronic “babysitters”, like video games or Disney+. No games on the phone while the grownups finish dinner. Instead it’s piggy-backs to all the meals, early morning basketball and late night card games. A Skylemar counselor knows that his time is what a kid values most.
The kids adore Skylemar counselors. They describe them as “fun”, and “they’re cool”, “they’re chill” and “they play with us”. The ones who are favorites “know every kids name” and most importantly are “fair”.
What they all have in common is the reason they’re here: To make the world a better place, one kid at a time. It’s the mission they live, seven periods a day, plus Rest Hour and an Evening Activity. They love your son and try their best to make each day shine.
Sure, counselors are not perfect. Tempers can rise when exhaustion sets in. Just like at home, it’s tough to be patient when someone’s not listening, when a few are arguing, you’re late for teaching baseball and then the toilet overflows.
But for every one of those not-so-perfect times, there are 100 great ones. We watch our counselors dry tears and tie shoes, give hugs and high fives, encourage and forgive. The gratitude we feel for these fine men who give their summer to our Skylemar boys never ends.
