WHAT IS THE CIT PROGRAM?
CIT stands for Counselors In Training. The CIT Program is a 2-week leadership experience. The program is designed for 14 and 15 year-olds who want to expand their leadership skills and learn the skills needed to become a camp counselor.
Counselors In Training Can Expect to:
- Learn and Practice Leadership Skills
- Progressive Programming through each session so they CAN attend all 3!
- Hands-on day-to-day working experience in actual units on camp with senior counselors.
- Mock Interviews and Resume Writing Tips
- Debrief Led sessions by our Leadership Team
- Take home certifications in CPR and First Aid
- Partake in Traditional Camp Activities
Counselor in Training (CIT) will be offered at Camps Arrowhead, Bay View, Eastside, Glacier Lake, and Northpoint. Campers must be age 15 to register, and sessions last two weeks.
Teen Adventure Guides (TAG) will be offered at Camp Watson Woods. Campers must be age 13-14 to register, and sessions will last two weeks.
WHO CAN BE A CIT?
Anyone who is 14 and 15 years old by June 1 each summer. Ideally, campers will only complete the program once. Typically you would do the program in the summer before you turn 16.
WHEN IS THE CIT PROGRAM OFFERED?
|
CIT Session A |
Session 3 & 4 |
July 7-18 |
|
CIT Session B |
Session 5 & 6 |
July 21-Aug 1 |
|
CIT Session C |
Session 7 & 8 |
Aug 4-15 |
DOES THE CIT PROGRAM COST ANYTHING?
Yes. CITs are still considered campers and have to register. For the two-week program you will pay half of a traditional 1 week program of any other age group.
Family Member Rate- $320
Youth/Teen Member Rate- $340
Non-Member Rate- $410
WHAT DO CITS DO AT CAMP?
The CIT program is broken into two parts.
The first part is a 1-week long training and development program designed to prepare you for being a counselor in the future. Traditional camp activities will also be sprinkled into the program since CITs are still campers.
The second part is a 1-week long placement into one of the K-5th camper groups. Each CIT will be assigned to a different camper group. This is where they will practice what they learned in the first two weeks.
CAN I PARTICIPATE IN MORE THAN ONE CIT 2 WEEK SESSION?
Yes, you can come for one 2-week session or all three sessions offered.
If you complete all three two-week sessions, you will be invited back to help volunteer during weeks 9 and 10.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I CAN NOT PARTICIPATE IN 2 FULL WEEKS OF THE PROGRAM?
The most important part of the CIT program is the first week where all of the learning and development happens.
The second week of "group placement" is also important, but can be made up in later weeks.
If at all possible, try not to miss the first week of the session start, but we understand if summer schedules do not comply.
WHAT MAKES THE CIT PROGRAM IMPORTANT?
We view the CIT Program as one of our most important programs. We consider the program to be "job development", and not just for a job at the YMCA, but for any job, you may apply for.
The program teaches you how to be a great counselor, but it also teaches you proper work ethic, pertinent life skills, working with others, problem-solving, independent thinking, and lots of responsibility.
If your goal is to work at a YMCA Camp, the CIT program is the best way for us to see what you can do in the camp setting. What better way to practice being a counselor than being an 'assistant counselor' as a CIT.
Our leadership teams complete observations and evaluations of every CIT in the program for us to review during the application process when applying to be a Junior Counselor (16 years old).