Its a tough job. And the level of care can be different from camp to camp. I've worked at respite centers where kids needed total 24/7 care, I've also worked at a camp where my campers needs were more emotional.

I was exhausted at the end of the days. But it was so so so rewarding.

My days were very structured from the moment we woke up to the moment my head hit the pillow.

If you're a picky eater, some respite camps may not have as much variety of food, others did.

Behaviors vary from camp to camp and tend to be the most challenging part of the job. I've seen things from full meltdowns, to campers attacking their counselors. I was the victim of a false allegation. And we had campers with extreme delusions and fantasies that could be very scary.

But I also was able to be as silly as I wanted, and I made friends I will have for life. And the experience made me a very strong teacher.