What else do you do at camp besides be a nurse?

Specialties Camp

Published

Specializes in Pediatric Private Duty; Camp Nursing.

Hi, I recently secured a job in the Pocono Mts. in PA as a camp nurse. I have a pretty good idea of the basics of what to expect, but I'm unclear what I'm going to do on my down time, like between split shifts, and evenings and days off. During my interview, he mentioned that he likes the nurses to get out, mingle with the kids, get involved w activities. Do you ever do this? Do you get involved with the camp plays, talent shows, dances, etc? They said I could use the facilities on my days off. Do you ever get out and try the ripcords, paddle a canoe, take a dip in the pool, play some sports? Summer is coming around... maybe we can start this board up again! Please tell what your non-nursing time at camp is like!

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Specializes in Peds, School Nurse, clinical instructor.

During my free time at camp I like to get involved with whatever the campers are doing, I also like to just walk around camp and since we are on a beach, beach walking is fun too. The nurses frequently get invites to the campfires and kickball games. We usually attend the evening programs as a group, since all of the camp is there, no one needs to be in the infirmary. There is also staff swim time and you can help with camper swim if you want to also. There is never a lack of things to do.

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Specializes in Home Health (PDN), Camp Nursing.

I like to read, hike, or do arts and crafts. I also like to go along on the big trips off camp, they are usually happy to have another adult along and I have a good time going different places.

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Depends what camp I am working at. During the big group activities I help out with what I think is fun to do. Since I am certified in different areas of emergency services I like to teach the kids about what I do and put on demonstrations and let them try out some of the skills.

One of the things I like to do is take on them in volleyball. 6 vs 1.

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Specializes in peds palliative care and hospice.

I worked at a very small camp as a new grad nurse. Since there were so few people (30, including the staff, me, and the director) I usually did whatever the kids were doing, or in the very least, was there to supervise (ie, stayed on the shore during boating and swim). I also helped them tye-dye shirts.

I loved camp nursing! I hope you have a great summer :) I would do it again if I didnt have 34534 bills to deal with

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Specializes in OB, GYN, community nursing.

I worked at a small camp called the Global Youth Village (around 25 staff / 60-70 kids). When I was not busy at the infirmary, I helped in the kitchen (I love to cook), in the gardens, worked with the kids in the art studio, or helped plan an evening event. Each day was different, and there was lots of flexibility for me to plug in to different activities depending on how busy things were with the kids or staff health wise...

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Specializes in School, Camp, Hospice, Critical Care.

Yes! You can do the ropes course, chat with the kids by the lake, try your hand at archery, and participate in Arts and Crafts!

Though often, with time off, you just want to get away for awhile! I would often take off to a nearby resort-ish area for a nice lunch by the lake. And take wonderful, long walks!

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Specializes in Only the O.R. and proud of it!.

Many years ago I was a camp counselor (before nursing school). Our evenings off and days off were spent lounging and laundry during the day and drinking at night. But alas. I drink no more. Camp was fun. But I was in my early 20's. As a 40-something year old guy, camp is no longer for me. I hope you have fun! I did....

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Ortho, Camp.

Ah, but CIRQL8, you are still reading the camp nurse pages. It sounds like you may miss it. Find a way back, if you can. Good luck.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Ortho, Camp.

Ah, but CIRQL8, you are still reading the camp nurse pages. It sounds like you may miss it. Find a way back, if you can. Good luck.

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Specializes in Geriatric/Sub Acute, Home Care.

I worked for the YMCA one summer at a day camp but then the older kids did sleep over one night a week. It was boring most times. I spent most of my time in the office which can drive you nuts. I did walk around to the lake, went to the crafts and all but always felt some counselor would eventually bring a kid to the office while I was almost 1/4 mile away from it. I suggest that you carry a First Aid bag with you if you walk around. This way if you are with all the kids at one place and something happens you can get what you need in a flash. Not run back to the office for every little thing.

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