Camp Comfort

05

Real Life Rugrats

It was officially Monday; today the kids were coming, and I wasn't too sure how to feel about it.

Last night, Tilly came over to the cabin and I was asking her all sorts of questions about the kids that come here;

Obviously, she didn't know all of them because new people joined every year but from what she did tell me, I'm a little less enthusiastic about the whole thing.

I'm not going to lie; I generally don't like kids, so when Tilly told me that their ages range from 4 to 16, I started to freak out.

When they're young, they are basically walking tissues; spitting their bodily fluids on everything and crying over the most trivial things.

But when they get older, they think they are too cool for rules and don't listen to a word you say.

You can't win; but on the other hand they can be so darn cute so I'm conflicted as to whether I should be worried or excited.

As all the counsellors lined up at the entrance, my self included, we all seem to collectively stiffen at the faint sound of screaming.

Definitely the former.

Then, all at once, the atmosphere went from being peaceful and quiet to unorganised, loud and chaotic.

In a matter of seconds there were screaming children everywhere. They all blended together forming an uncontrollable sea that I felt like I was going to drown in.

I knew this camp was popular but come on! There's like 50 kids per counsellor; there are hundreds of them!

Is it too late to leave?

"Miss Lane, here are your group of children for the next few weeks." Andy called from behind me.

Turning around I see him standing behind a group of about 6 or so children, all looking around the age of 8-9.

Back on topic though, no one told me I'd be responsible for a group of kids-

Never mind. I remember.

In the rule book- something in which I only skimmed over instead of reading thoroughly- it said something along the lines of:

Every counsellor will be in charge of a bunk house; it is their duty to get the children to their designated activity meet up points at the main hall every morning. They must also take them to lunch and to any 'bunk/group' activities in that group.
Counsellors have to make sure their designated group of children are in their bunks with lights out my 10pm sharp. Failure to do so, or if children are out of their bunk house after this time, will result in loss of a free time slot and a senior counsellor watching over all activities.

Well shit.

"Children, this is Ivy. She is going to be your head counsellor for the duration of the summer and you have to obey any and all rules she sets; is that clear?" Andy asks, looking pointedly at the group; a hint of humour radiating from his face.

They all mumble a quiet yes before Andy smiles and walks away.

It's then that the children all turn to look at me with expectation. Putting on a fake smile, and my big girl panties, I finally speak.

"As you already know, my name is Ivy and I'm your new counsellor. I have to get you all over to the main hall so that we can get you registered but how about we all get to know each other a little better?"