Counselor in Training (CIT) Program
Our Counselor in Training (CIT) program is an intensive 3 week long program in which participants ages 16-17 volunteer at camp while learning everything they'll need to know to become a successful camp counselor. At the conclusion of this 3 week program CIT's will be given a written evaluation of their performance and recommendations for placement the following year. It is our goal to prepare each CIT become successful camp counselors.
This summer, 2014, there will be two 3 week sessions of the CIT Program. Our first session will run Sunday July 6 through Friday July 25, 2014. The second session of CIT will run Sunday July 20 through August 8, 2014. In addition ALL CIT’s will need to attend 2 days of training June 28-29 2014. Those CIT's who are returning for a second year may be invited to stay on as volunteers for the remaining two weeks of camp depending on camp needs and available space.
Those who are successful in the CIT program are invited to apply as paid camp counselors once they turn 18. Many of our camp staff have gone through the CIT program before they became camp counselors themselves.
There is no cost to the participant for this program however you will need to apply just as you would if you were applying to become a full paid camp counselor. Click on the links below to download the required forms.
The CIT program works like this:
Step 1 - Fill out and turn in the required forms including:
1. Volunteer Application Packet - Required of ALL volunteers who wish to serve at the Y. This includes a criminal back ground check.
2. CIT Supplemental Application Packet - This packet has information on the dates and expectations for the CIT Program as well as a questionnaire telling us why you want to serve at camp.
3. CIT Registration Packet - Required of all CIT's to be registered in the CIT program at camp. These forms include a health information form, liability release forms, and medication authorization form.
Step 2 - Interview process. Once your application has been received you will be contacted by the Camp Director to arrange for a phone or in-person interview. Reference checks will be made and one of these references needs to be your parent or guardian.
Step 3 - Acceptance into the program. Once the interview and reference check steps are completed, and if it is felt that you'd be a good match for the CIT program you will be accepted into the program pending the outcome of your Criminal Background Check.
CIT Program at a Glance
Training week June 28-29, 2014 - ALL of our CIT's are required to attend a 2 day training at camp learning child abuse prevention policies, professionalism standards and program expectations. This will also be an opportunity to meet the other CIT's and camp staff with whom you'll be working with this summer. CITs will need to arrange to be dropped off at the YMCA at 217 Orondo Ave no later than 8:45am on Saturday June 28, 2014. Transportation to the YMCA from camp may be arranged as space is available in advance. CITs will need to be picked up at camp between 5 and 6 pm on Sunday June 29, 2014. Contact the Camp Director for more information.
Week 1 (Session 1 July 6 - 11, Session 2 July 20-25, 2014). CIT's will learn the ins and outs of working with youth. CIT's will be paired up with a senior counselor and taught how we run the camp program. There will be a lot of time spent together as a group learning how to lead/teach archery, group games, crafts and more. Team building and learning to rely on each other will also be reoccurring themes throughout the week.
Week 2 (Session 1 July 13-18, Session 2 July 27-August 1, 2014). CIT's will be assigned a cabin with a senior counselor. This week will be spent working directly with the campers while shadowing and being coached by senior staff.
Week 3 (Session 1 July 20-25, Session 2 August 3-8, 2014). CIT's will again be assigned a cabin with a senior counselor, however this time you will be in the lead role. This week will be spent working directly with the campers while being shadowed and coached by senior staff.
Frequently asked questions
1. Is there a difference between first and second year CIT's?
Yes. Our goal is to train you to become a successful camp counselor. In many ways you will be trained and expected to perform just as a senior camp counselor would. For many 16-17 year olds taking on the responsibilities associated with being a camp counselor can be quite an undertaking. For this reason first year CIT's are usually only asked to commit to the three week program. Second year CIT's may be invited to stay on for the final two weeks of the summer depending on their performance as a CIT and the camp's needs.
2. How many hours of community service can I accrue as a CIT?
As a CIT you are a volunteer and can log a lot of community service hours. Depending on how many weeks you stay at camp, most CIT's log between 140-240 hours of community service per season. At the conclusion of thier service, all CIT's will get a certificate documenting the hours they volunteered at camp.
3. I have my own car, can I drive myself to/from camp? Can I use my car to leave camp on breaks?
We will need written permission from your parent /guardian for you to drive your car to/from camp. Once at camp you will be required to turn in your keys to the Camp Director and will not be permitted to leave camp until the end of that week. Unlike senior camp counselors, CIT's are minors who are registered in a YMCA program and therefore are not permitted to leave camp while on their breaks. In the event of an emergency at home or away from camp we will allow you to drive home with your parent/guardian's permission.
To find out more about the CIT program contact us!