Camp Michigania (AAUM)

Summer Camp Counselor at a Ropes Course

May - August 2019 • Petoskey, MI

What I liked

I loved my coworkers, the atmosphere, the campers, and the schedule.

What I wish was different

The pay was inadequate for the number of hours put in, and the administration did not provide enough mental health resources.

Advice

This is definitely a job for people who love people. If you're a bit shyer, or not willing to be in customer service mode 24/7, this may not be the place for you. That being said, it's one of the most rewarding summer jobs out there, and a place to meet friends that will last you a lifetime.

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Riding Staff

June - August 2019 • Boyne City, MI

What I liked

I enjoyed having fun at my job. Although it was hard work, it doesn't feel as strenuous - you are outside, you are engaging campers, and in my case, I was able to ride horses every day. In addition, the positive experience I was able to create for campers was very rewarding. There are also opportunities to expand your personal network by meeting with Michigan alums in the Mentor Match program.

What I wish was different

Because of Camp's location, it can be difficult to stay connected to the outside world. This can be both a positive and a negative thing. Camp can also get somewhat claustrophobic, but this can be alleviated simply by driving into town for an evening.

Advice

Take full advantage of the resources offered to you! Not only could you leave camp with a job offer from a camper, you can build friendships that will last a lifetime and so many crafts and stories.

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Program Staff - Area Leader

May - September 2018 • Walloon Lake, MI

What I liked

Working on the shore of Walloon with other college students for the summer, enjoying Camp and each other, made for a truly formative and unforgettable summer. I particularly liked experiencing the personal and professional growth of my coworkers and myself and the relationships we formed with each other. There's something about Camp; it sounds sappy and straight from a brochure, but I swear, after the bonfires, sails, rides, dances, and skits, I realized I'd fallen in love with the place and its people.

What I wish was different

To be quite honest, I wish we'd been paid a more competitive salary. I understand we shouldn't want to work purely for the money, but for the time, energetic, and emotional commitment and expenditure, a higher base salary would've been very nice. As staff, we have myriad networking opportunities, spend time on a beautiful Northern Michigan lake, lead and enjoy activities with campers and each other, and housing and meals are included, but better pay would absolutely be a welcome change.

Advice

If you end up working at Camp, be ready for and open to heavy introspection and reflection. You won't notice it happening, and no one directly facilitates it, but by the end of the summer, with any luck, you may realize you are an improved version of the person you were three months prior. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone in developing your professional skills and personal relationships. And take the time to breathe it all in because when all is said and done, the hardest part is not necessarily leaving Camp, but not knowing if you'll get to experience it in the same way again.

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