role models. They have to have an interest in being around kids and working as a team.” Summer camps date back to the beginning of the Civil War. The first, launched in 1861 in Washington, Connecticut, was given the name Gunnery—although not related to the conflict rending the nation; the operator was a man with the last name of Gunn. From the start, camps focused on outdoor activities. However, the Girl Scouts once held a camp on the rooftop of a building in New York City, according to the American Camp Association. That was in the early 1920s. By then, both day camps and overnight camps for boys and girls were opening around the country. There is a purpose that camps achieve that was not necessary in decades past. There is survey data, but even anecdotal and observational evidence shows that teens and young adults tend to interact with friends more readily by social media or text. Summer camps offer a break from this habit, even for counselors. The earliest camps may have been overseen by a husband and wife. Nowadays they are organized, with regulations, training and pay—often starting at minimum wage, although Monterey Parks & Recreation begins at $18.50 an hour. An advantage to the schedule is that counselors work regular hours. The organizations do, however, look for a commitment for the summer. It provides consistency for the children. The pay scale is not the real attraction. There is the experience gained, for example, as well as the development of useful skills. In an essay on Campminder titled “Why Did I Keep Returning to Camp: One Counselor’s Story,” Lauren Baney explains that “What I’ve learned and done at camp has impacted my life. It has pushed me more, taught me more, and changed me more than anything I have previously been a part of. It taught me that my strengths are part of a bigger plan and gave me practice using them.” And for many college students, Alvarez points out, there is an additional benefit. “Some want to knock out their service learning,” he says. “So it’s a win-win.” Many counselors have said the experience has had a positive impact on their lives. COURTESY MONTEREY PARKS & RECREATION 28 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY® FAMILY 2025-2026 43 Fisherman’s Wharf Monterey 831-288-6218 montereybaycreamery.com Homemade Ice cream, SHakeS & SundaeS
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