They say that parenting is the hardest job in the world.  We beg to differ.  Try being a Skylemar camp counselor.

For parents, it’s a gradual process.  Nine months of preparation, and you get to start out with a tiny little guy.  You’ve had 84 months of on-the-job experience by the time he’s ready for Skylemar.

For a counselor, it’s two weeks of training and then BAM – he’s here.  And it’s not just one, it’s septuplets.  Although they’re delightful, funny and sweet, these babies also have opinions, strong wills and most likely don’t listen.

“Home” is a one-room cabin for eight, with no double bed, kitchen or office get-a-way.  The place has to be tidied every morning, which is no easy feat with a house full of kids.  Six sets of teeth to be brushed, dozens of shoes to keep track of, and no electronics to give you a break.

On Day 1, counselors are a bit overwhelmed, kinda like you when you brought home that baby.  No matter how many classes you take it’s a whole lot harder when it’s real live kids.  But at this point in the summer they have it all figured out and are incredibly in-sync with each in their care. 

It’s heartwarming and impressive to have a meeting with counselors to talk about their kids.  They truly adore them and go above and beyond to help each succeed.  The feeling is mutual.  To a Skylemar boy, his counselor is his hero… a mother/father/brother/coach and teacher combo he can depend on.

Like a parent, a counselor can make a poor decision or lose his cool.  Most of the time that can be fixed with an apology, or by spending a little extra time together.  Both counselor and camper learn a tremendous amount living as a family, and the takeaways are skills that they master:  improved sensitivity, tolerance, acceptance, negotiation, communication and most importantly how to have good, wholesome fun.

Yup, counselors are the most fun people in the world.  Sorry, folks, but these guys and gals have older folks beat when it comes to being cool.  Take tonight’s Staff Talent Show.  18 acts (that’s 50-some people), all focused on entertaining the kids.  Some have real talent, but others have more talent on the fields.  There were impressive musicians and singers, as well as some guys in tutus attempting ballet and someone juggling nothing but air. No matter what, it’s all for the kids.

“It’s the hardest job you’ll ever love”, is the line George says when he speaks to each counselor in the hiring process.   When counselors return for a visit many years later, they often tell George that he certainly was right.