Dear anyone who claims that working with kids is not for them,
About four months ago, I would put myself in your category. The category of opting out of any event in which I would be forced to interact with humans under the age of 10 years old. The category of finding any other means of making extra cash besides baby sitting because you’re terrified of watching over and socializing with a tiny human. The category of being anxious about hanging out with small children at a family reunion because you’re not sure if they will want to talk about their favorite cartoon or existentialism. Up until May of this year, I was just like you.
Like any college student, my summer break required a much less glamorous endeavor than a beach house with your closest friends or a cliché road trip around the country. A summer job was absolutely necessary and was the only thing that could keep my coffee addiction afloat while I’m at school (oh, and to help pay for tuition).
I decided to look into a summer job at a local museum in my hometown of Sarasota, FL called Historic Spanish Point. I had volunteered there over my high school years at the gift shop, so I thought, “Hey, maybe I could do that again, but this time for money.” I asked the deputy director of the museum about a possible job and she mentioned a paid summer internship. I couldn’t believe my ears when she said “internship” and “paid” all in one sentence. Kara, the deputy director, explained that the 8 week internship involved a mixture office work, writing the newsletters and also helping out the camp counselors of the summer camp that was being held at the museum. Even though the internship didn’t seem to fit the needs of my major perfectly, it was still an amazing opportunity to practice my writing and learn what it’s like to work in the office. I immediately interviewed with Kara and later found out that I landed my very first internship. I was thrilled to have a summer internship, but a piece of me was full of anxiety. I had never been a fan of kids personally, and I quite honestly avoided volunteering with children or working as a babysitter. From the temper tantrums to the know-it-all attitudes, kids can be pretty terrifying. Little did I know I was signing up for a summer full of messy face painting, princess tea parties, and kids that would change my life.
The summer camp held at Spanish Point was a day camp: two camps every day (open to six-eight year olds) including a morning camp and an afternoon camp. I helped out with Survivor Camp, Archaeology Camp, Enchanted Camp and my personal favorite, Princess Camp. During certain weeks, I would be the only one working and would be in charge of two or three kids. While during other weeks, I would be in charge of almost 20 little balls of energy with maybe one or two other high school counselors. The camp activities ranged from building fairy houses, creating tribal masks, making dolls just like they did in the 19th century and learning about the history of the museum, to the outdoor games of kickball, soccer, monkey in the middle and sharks and minnows.
Participating in all of these activities while trying to make sure every kid is safe and happy from 9am – 4pm was exhausting to say the least. I was take-a-nap-every-day-after-work exhausted. However, despite the feeling of fatigue, I held the feeling of happiness every day. I couldn’t believe working with small children was making me feel anything more than weary, but it was. I realized that children could bring so much joy and hope in to our lives without even trying.
Besides being so gosh darn cute, these little campers taught me so much. I learned that patience is key and that going with the flow is an option that should be chosen more often. If all of the kids don’t feel like learning how to use a compass that day, then so be it. Let them color and draw pictures that they can’t wait to bring home and give to their parents. I learned to enjoy the very moment you are experiencing and appreciate the present. Even though we’re on a tight schedule, another 10 minutes in the butterfly garden won’t hurt anyone. Stop and smell the roses (literally). Don’t be afraid to channel your inner child, because you know you want to play four square even if you pretend like you don’t want to. Despite the occasional fit for an extra popsicle, these kids had hearts of gold and souls full of ambition, passion and dreams. That in itself was inspiring enough and made me greatly appreciate the time I spent with children.
I guess what I’m trying to tell you is never pass up an opportunity to work with kids. They will bring so much joy in to your life while simultaneously teaching you lessons that can help you in any aspect of your life. Even if you claim you don’t like them, trust me. You will.
Sincerely,
Someone Who Doesn’t Mind Entertaining Kids Anymore at Family Gatherings
