Guiding the Next Generation as a Camp Counselor at Village Middle School Summer Camp
The summer I spent as a Camp Counselor at the Village Middle School Summer Camp was one of the most rewarding and eye-opening leadership experiences of my life. Working with middle schoolers is never predictable, one moment you’re guiding a team through a ropes course, and the next, you’re mediating a debate over the best superhero. But through every activity, every challenge, and every adventure, I learned what it truly means to lead, mentor, and create a space where young minds can grow.
Leading 15 Middle Schoolers: Learning Through Play
From the moment I was assigned a group of 15 middle schoolers, I knew my job was about more than just keeping them entertained—it was about fostering personal growth, teamwork, and confidence.
🎨 Creative Challenges – I introduced STEM-based activities where campers built mini catapults and tested aerodynamics with paper airplanes, encouraging them to think critically and problem-solve together.
🏕️ Outdoor Team Building – Whether it was leading my group through a trust-building obstacle course or coaching them through a capture-the-flag strategy, I saw firsthand how challenges brought out leadership qualities in even the quietest campers.
🏀 Recreational Activities – From organizing basketball tournaments to teaching basic swimming techniques, I helped my campers develop new skills, step outside their comfort zones, and most importantly, have fun.
At the start of camp, many of my campers were shy or hesitant to participate, but by the end of summer, they were actively leading activities, forming friendships, and embracing challenges head-on. Seeing their confidence grow was one of the most fulfilling parts of my role.
Ensuring Safety & Growth for 100+ Campers on Field Trips
Beyond day-to-day activities, I played a crucial role in supervising field trips and orientations for over 100 campers.
🚌 Organizing Safe & Exciting Excursions – From museum visits to outdoor hikes, I was responsible for coordinating transportation, ensuring buddy systems were in place, and responding quickly to any unexpected challenges.
⚠️ Crisis Management – On one particularly stormy afternoon, a hiking trip had to be abruptly rerouted. My role was to calm nervous campers, coordinate with other counselors, and ensure that everyone was accounted for and safe.
💡 Encouraging Personal Growth – Whether it was helping a camper conquer their fear of heights on a zipline or teaching another how to navigate a science exhibit, I learned that leadership isn’t just about guiding, it’s about empowering others to discover their potential.
Reflections on Leadership & Impact
Serving as a Camp Counselor at Village Middle School Summer Camp wasn’t just about organizing activities, it was about creating an environment where kids felt safe, challenged, and supported.
🚀 Key Takeaways:
✅ Patience & Adaptability – No two campers were the same, and I learned how to adjust my approach to meet each child’s needs.
✅ Leadership in Action – Whether it was leading a team through a challenge or keeping 100+ campers safe on a field trip, I learned how to stay calm, think ahead, and lead with confidence.
✅ Building Connections – By the end of camp, my group wasn’t just a collection of kids, they had become a team, learning from each other and growing together.
Looking back, I realize that this experience didn’t just shape my campers, it shaped me. It strengthened my leadership skills, deepened my understanding of mentorship, and reinforced my passion for working with young minds. And that, more than anything, is what made my summer unforgettable.
