Patience
It takes a lot of patience working with seven third-graders. They may be still finishing up their projects when you need to be going to your next class or whatever. I learned to be patient because it's not the end of the world!
Be Prepared for a Mess
Goodness gracious y'all, I am convinced some of my girls have a magnet for anything messy! Like covered in paint and other craft supplies! I got paint all over me as well (as I type this, I have paint on my shirt!) and so I made sure to be ready by wearing casual clothes (norts and a tee) and not wearing my jewelry! Also I learned to keep wet wipes nearby!
Always have a Helping Hand
There is a story behind this tip: I took two of my girls to the bathroom to wash their hands after playing with shaving cream and sand. After they finish, a few girls from my group last year walked in messy as well so I helped them clean. Some other little girls who I didn't know at all walked in with sand/shaving cream on their faces as well so I cleaned them up too. Okay kind of a stupid story but I think that sometimes I get wrapped up in "oh that's not my mess, I don't need to clean it up" type of a thing! If I have the time, I think a good thing to do is help everyone else after you help you (or your art camp group!)
Don't Freak Out
I am a person who tends to freak out like "oh my goodness, that essay is due in _____ and I haven't done ______" type of a way. I learned that around little kids it doesn't help to do this at all! Because you freak out they freak out and 8 people freaking out is crazy! If someone's water spills all over the bag (and everyone's stuff), calmly fix it because it will be ok (trust me, this happened to me!).
Smile
I am a believer that smiles can make things better. Little kids smiling at you may be the cutest thing ever. I think I can definitely apply this in normal life by just trying to smile more often!
Have you volunteered at a camp this summer? What has it taught you? Let me know in the comments!
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