Summer Wellness Tips While Working At Camp
Working at camp is likely to be both the hardest job you’ve ever had, and the most fun. Being a camp counselor is a demanding role: you’re a role model, caregiver, teacher, coach, friend, and parent figure for 6 days a week all summer long. This comes with responsibilities as well as plenty of rewards, but you’ll have to pace yourself to make sure you reach the end of the summer without burnout or injury.
How can you prioritize your wellness while working as a camp counselor? Here are some self-care tips to help you this summer!
Sleep Health
Sleep is arguably the most important and impactful thing you can do for your overall wellness this summer!
The wakeup bell rings at 7:30am each morning (8:30am on weekends), and that will feel even earlier if you don’t consistently prioritize sleep. Don’t rely on being able to “catch up” on sleep during your time off. Aim for getting 8 hours of sleep every night so you can be well rested and feeling your best for busy camp days. (That means aiming to be asleep by 11:30pm!) During your time off, make sure to include plenty of restful periods so you come back to camp refreshed.
Your immune system can be compromised with a lack of sleep, and not enough sleep has also been shown to exacerbate anxiety and depression. Prioritizing sleep will help your mood and stamina stay at healthy levels all summer long.
Physical Health
Pay attention to how your body feels. If you are feeling sick, let our nurses or doctor know so you can get the care you need before you feel worse. Don’t try to “push through”, since you can’t properly take care of campers without first taking care of yourself.
If you have fitness or training goals, you’ll have an hour of “self care time” each day that you can use in any way you wish. Some people prefer to use this time to get in a jog on the trails, a workout in the lodge, ride mountain bikes, or enjoy a peaceful walk. Others would rather wake up before the bell to get in a workout first thing in the morning. For some staff, daily exercise helps them clear their head and have some personal time - but regardless of whether you’re trying to follow a personal training plan, daily life at camp will keep you active every day as you walk from your cabin to activities!
Be smart with your activity level throughout the summer. Don’t overdo it and cause yourself injury. Always wear the proper gear and footwear to make sure you’re physically safe as well.
Nutritional Health
Working at camp you may be more active than you are back home, especially after walking around campus and teaching 6 daily activities or leading trips. You have to fuel your increased activity with a well-rounded diet, full of fruits, vegetables, and proteins. Make sure to eat enough at each meal to keep you full of energy throughout the day!
We have a salad bar at every lunch and dinner with plenty of healthy options, plus fresh fruit out at all times to give you additional snacks between meals.
Spiritual Health
There are ample opportunities at camp to grow spiritually, and the directors at camp are always available to support you in your relationship with God.
You can grow in your faith journey with weekly church service on Sunday, as well as daily “Morning Spark” before the wakeup bell. Morning Spark is an optional Bible study where staff and campers gather at the Goody Shack on the landsports field each weekday morning to read and talk about who God is and how the Bible relates to us.
Social Health
Meaningful conversations and connections can refill your emotional cup and support your sense of belonging. Living in a community like camp means there are always opportunities to interact and socialize with others.
Taking time to nurture new friendships and build on old ones will help you feel connected and fulfilled throughout the summer. During your time off, it can be refreshing to call friends or family back home to connect with people important to you outside of camp.
If you’re an introvert, use your time off to “recharge your social battery” and do solo things that make you happy. If you’re an extrovert, plan to do something fun with friends on your time off to foster those connections.
Mental Health
Keeping your stress levels managed will help prevent burnout during the summer. Even a few minutes of prayer, meditation, or going on a mindful stroll will help calm your mind and reset during a busy day.
Journaling can be a helpful daily habit to support your mental health, and all staff members will receive a journal/planner at Staff Orientation. Intentionally practicing gratitude can also help your mood and emotional well-being.
Throughout the summer, be empathetic and patient with yourself, since working at camp can be a big step outside your comfort zone. Don’t be scared to ask for help, since the Directors and leadership staff are all here to make sure you have a safe, fun, and successful summer.
Hopefully thinking about these aspects of your health will help you create a sustainable plan to feel and be your best at camp! We’re looking forward to having you be part of the Falling Creek community this summer!