Lizzie West, an SDSU senior studying kinesiology holds one of our most coveted positions at MBAC–summer camp counselor. We took a few minutes of her time to ask her about her experiences here at MBAC and what it has been like working as a camp counselor. Check out her responses below, and if you feel like you have what it takes to join our skilled staff we are still accepting applications for many positions, so check out our Employment Page for full job descriptions and applications.
What made you want to become a Camp Counselor at The Watersports Camp?
When I was little I participated in all sorts of camps and I always looked up to my counselors. Many of them made real impacts on my life. When I was given that same opportunity to have an influence on young children’s lives and introduce them to awesome world of watersports, I couldn’t pass it up.
What experience did you have before applying to be a Camp Counselor?
Growing up I would spend every summer on Lake Waramaug in Connecticut where my parents owned a sunfish sailboat and we did all sorts of watersport activities like kayaking and tubing. Around the age of 12 I learned how to sail Hobie Cats at Mountain Camp on Icehouse Lake. In high school I got into rowing and rowed all four years for Marin Rowing Association and got recruited to row for SDSU, where I rowed for three years. While at SDSU, before applying to work at MBAC, I took both SUP and wakeboarding classes.
What is the most rewarding part of being a Camp Counselor?
The most rewarding part of being a Camp Counselor is watching a kid who has really been struggling in something all week finally get the hang of it. I can think of a camper who was getting really frustrated by their inability to stand up on a wakeboard. He was finally able to stand up and ride after I swam out with him, made him feel more comfortable, and was able to teach him how to get up in the water. It felt great to see his joy from succeeding when he got back to the beach.
Are there any challenges to being a Camp Counselor?
Working with excited kids on their summer vacation all week in the sun can take its toll on you and can be tiring at times. When kids are on summer vacation at camp away from their parents some of them will try to push the boundaries. This can be challenging when you have to not only be the fun counselor but also lay down the law when needed. However, when there would be a particularly challenging camper or group of campers all it takes is to take a step back and look at your “office” to realize the good definitely outweighs the bad.
What qualities are important to have to be a Camp Counselor?
In my opinion the most important qualities someone should have if they want to be a Camp Counselor is enthusiasm, a good team player and problem solver, and of course to have a love for the water and watersports.
What are you most looking forward to this upcoming camp season?
When it comes down to it working at The Watersports Camp allows me be a big kid all over again. I get to be in the water while teaching kids to love the water and watersports as much as I do. That’s what I look forward to every camp season.
Do you have any advice for someone considering applying to be a Camp Counselor?
Get ready to have a super fun summer, and make sure you don’t forget to put on sunscreen.