Dim Sum and Doughnuts

A little SUMthing about growing up, making mistakes and happy endings.

It’s Just Part of Being A Camp Counselor

In hip hop songs, it’s not uncommon for rappers to throw accolades at someone who has helped them achieve success. They reference other rappers they look up to, or acknowledge the ones who have helped them along the way. It’s like their way of saying Thank you. There’s even one song where the rapper straight-up says “Shady made it so my babies aren’t starving at home.”

That guy wasn’t just thanking Eminem for helping him succeed, he was thanking him for not leaving him behind. It’s nice that artists can do that in a song; it’s forever preserved that way. When I want to thank or acknowledge someone, I usually send cookies, and they just get eaten.

Yesterday, I heard a country song called Springsteen. At first I was like What?? Is he singing about BRUCE Springsteen? But this is a country station!!! 

Sure enough, that’s who he was talking about. And Bruce didn’t get just one line, HE GOT THE WHOLE SONG. He must have really inspired him.

It made me realize that anyone can be inspiring—even if they’re not famous.

The thing is, you won’t always know when you’re being inspiring. You can just be out there, doing your thing when, unbeknownst to you, you are inspiring someone else.

Of course, there are times when you know you’re being watched. In those instances it’s probably not a good idea to be a jackass. If you’re around kids or you have the kind of job where you’re expected to be a role model, you know what I’m talking about.

But not everyone does. And not everyone has to. Some people don’t have to set a good example. Some people don’t give a crap. I once read that Rihanna said something about how she wasn’t looking to be a role model. That made me mad. Really, Rihanna? You’re in such a position to help girls all over the world—girls who have helped make you a success—and YOU THINK YOU DON’T HAVE TO REPRESENT???

Whatever.

Our staff at camp, I expect a lot from them. I feel they should try to set a good example when it’s called for, and when they can. And I try to do the same. I tell every new kid that comes through the gates of camp that the coolest thing about this place is not the activities, or the programs, or the staff. It’s ME.

And then I brainwash them to believe it. I tell them over and over again how great I am until they are dizzy and annoyed, and then I make them repeat it. But even after I make them believe, I still try to be a good role model. I’m not saying that I don’t make mistakes (daily)—but I do try.

I’m not saying that you have to be a role model. But there’s a good chance you already are. You just might not know it.

If you’re a camp counselor, you’re making a difference in the life of kids. Maybe you’re helping  those who are lacking in areas you aren’t? Maybe you’re helping to put smiles on their faces? Maybe you’re just there when you’re needed.

I don’t know, but there’s a good chance that someone is watching you, listening to you, emulating you.

z inspo

And, who knows? Maybe you’ll make such a difference in the life of someone who needs you that one day they’ll thank you with a song of their own!

singing girls

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Thanks for being here!

The DS&D Crew

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Careful the things you say, children will listen.
    Careful the things you do, children will see.
    And learn.
    Children may not obey, but children will listen.
    Children will look to you for which way to turn,
    To learn what to be.
    Careful before you say, Listen to me.
    Children will listen.

    The brainwash part of this post is awful, That is one of your mistakes if you are blogging for your children to read later. Careful the things you do, Children will see. Children will listen.

    Nuff said…..

    • Hi Endora!
      You are correct, this blog is for my girls to have one day. Thankfully they know me very well so I’m hoping when they get to this post, they will also know I used the term “brainwash” VERY loosely. (I don’t have the campers in the corners of their cabins making them drink the proverbial Kool-Aid—or in our case, Bug Juice.) But, maybe you’re right! A few years ago, when JJ was around 4 years old, my husband fired a counselor and she thought that getting “fired” meant that we actually PUT THE COUNSELOR IN A FIRE. So, who knows? Maybe I should re-visit that line and clean it up!

      Thank you for not only reading the post but also taking the time to comment. I do appreciate it!
      R 🙂

  2. To the commenter above: I’m quite certain the girls understand that mommy has a sense of humor and you can’t really brainwash kids into thinking you are the best thing about camp. They figure it out on their own that she’s the best thing about camp. Seriously, you need to chill out. A sense of humor is a wonderful thing. You should try it.

    • I’m dying…that’s all I can say right now. Dying. Although the girls don’t think I’m all that funny, but I keep telling them that they’re wrong!!!
      XOXOXO

  3. You’re my role model too…I drank the bug juice! I know you will look for sarcasm in this response…but you really are someone that is respected and loved by all!
    A fantastic mom, great wife and the very best friend!

    • You are so right! I was looking for sarcasm!! But no!! All love! Thank you!!!! I feel the same so let’s pretend I wrote the same comment to you too. 🙂

  4. Robyn- you are off the wall & your kids know it !!!! But you ARE are great role model for them and others!!!! It is SO true that children mirror what they see & hear from the adults around them. We are all being watched!!!!!!! The thanks we receive is to see our children grow into independent, responsible adults that have empathy in their hearts and give back to the world in some way!!!

    • Oh, Deenie, I love when you comment because you’re one generation ahead of me so you know how things unfold. Thank you for making me think that I’m doing OK. You’re so special and your input means the world to me. Thank you!!!

  5. Hey Robyn…I have never had the pleasure of meeting you but I totally get your humour just through reading your posts. Gotta say that I didn’t think you were literally brainwashing anyone…can’t believe that was being questioned but whatever!
    Staying true to yourself insures that your influence will always be positive. I think that the ones we influence are always our little ones and I think that your babies will be able to completely ‘get’ all your posts because they know their mummy. Mummy has a sense of humour, she’s a great person and loves herself a bit of Eminem…so I will leave you with his words…
    See everything thing you say is real and I respect you cause you tell it
    ?

    • Eddie,
      All I can say is that if we lived in closer proximity, we would be friends.
      We would definitely be friends.
      Thank you : 🙂 You’re very special.
      r

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