From cave exploring to problem solving, Ladue’s annual sixth grade camp never fails to bring new middle school students together. But, in order for these students to fully enjoy the camp, they need the guidance and oversight of high school camp counselors. For these high school students, the experience of being a camp counselor is life changing.

Students spent three days at Camp Mihaska in Bourbon, MO. Session one of the camp occurred on Sept. 12-14, while session two occurred Sept. 14-16. Yet, high school counselors began preparing for the camp much earlier in order to ensure that both sessions ran smoothly.

“When I figured out my sister would be in sixth grade my senior year, I couldn’t wait to be a counselor,” senior Elizabeth Collinger said. “I also went to camp as a kid and I know how much a camper’s experience can be shaped by positive counselors. I wanted to be a counselor not only for my sister but to provide other kids with a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

During the camp, counselors had to help their group of middle school students with team-building activities that challenged their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. After the team completed each activity, they were given a score based on their performance.

“Throughout each activity, we got better as a team, and we actually finished in second place,” Collinger said. “Despite the difficult from each activity, [our group] really worked together as a team and got two perfect scores. It was so awesome getting those scores because they were a culmination of hard work, listening to each other and team bonding.”

Collinger said her favorite part of the camp was seeing the smiles on the students’ faces. In addition, she found the various dancing activities to be extremely entertaining.

“ I really loved line dancing,” Collinger said. “And, the last night of camp when all the campers and counselors danced to the YMCA song was a moment I’ll never forget.”

Some students who had served as counselors in previous years became head counselors for the 2016 camp. Senior Kenan Elzoobi said that while counselors were in charge of one specific group of middle school students, head counselors helped oversee multiple groups and were in charge of making sure everything ran smoothly.

“I wanted to be a head counselor this year because I had been a counselor last year, and I had a great experience with the campers, counselors and teachers,” Elzoobi said. “And this year, I wanted to take on more responsibility.”

For Elzoobi, one of the most gratifying aspects of the camp was the interaction with sixth grade students. Elzoobi enjoyed learning from the students, as well as improving upon his abilities to work with younger children.

“Not only did we get to help the kids learn how to problem solve, but we all became friends with the sixth graders,” Elzoobi said. “We were sad to leave them.”

In general, the unfamiliar environment of the camp helped both students and counselors alike to get out of their comfort zones and bond with others. Both Collinger and Elzoobi believe the experience of being a camp counselor was worth their while.

“I think a lot of high school students worry that they will get behind in class, and I completely understand that,” Collinger said. “But these kids are just such a joy to be around. I would totally recommend being a counselor. It’s definitely worth it.”