working at camp... not quiet what I expected

I went to camp as a kid. I loved it. Goodness... working at a camp is different than I expected. I did not realize that the staff faces near insanity when the kids leave. I loved this summer, but I know those around me better than I understand myself. It was like suddenly developing 11 new siblings who are near your age. I did not realize at the beginning of the summer how much I would sincerely care about those I work with. I have had jobs in the past where I enjoyed my co-workers and hung out with them outside of work. This was different. They were all I had while I was there. None of us lived close and we all poured our lives into the camp. We laughed ourselves to what seemed -and probably way- insanity. There are thousands of inside jokes that we are unsure where they began or the traits that we have picked up from each other. Such as phrases like "I just can't.... even. But I can probably odd" or "JUST DO IT!" or even silly physical traits such as laughs or lizard tongue flicks. We listen to each others music and learn each others stories. There are laughter [so much laughter] and many tears- both in frustration, sadness, and joy. We became a family... one that learned to love one another. There were a few points when we were all we had. It sometimes felt like all but those on our team were against us. Whether that be other teams, management, or even the kids. We completely relied on those around us to survive and- in hopes- thrive. Sometimes that meant telling stories about what this camper said or did to share in the struggle of containing the insanity. Sometimes it was a hug and encouraging words or even staying up late and talking about something that was bothering the other person. The kids might have been crazy at points, but the staff lost it before they even arrived. Still to be camp staff one must be a little crazy. It takes more than I ever thought to work at summer camp, but I am thankful I had the chance to do so. I hope I have another opportunity next year to work at the same camp... maybe that is the sign of true insanity.