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CIT programs at summer camps are generally educational in scope.
Traditionally for campers ages 16-18, most programs are equipped with
curricula designed to develop the people
and technical skills necessary to become an
effective camp counselor. Such programs are not "working"
at camp. In these instances, a CIT is still technically a camper
and therefore bound by many of the same
rules and restrictions as regular campers.
Most camps require that CITs pay tuition
and attend camp during regular camp sessions.
While some camps open enrollment in their CIT programs to anyone who meets the criteria, many others confine the program
to former campers. It is important that the
CIT candidate show initiative and call the
camp on his or her own to request the application
materials. He or she should then carefully
complete all of the application materials
and return the packet to the camp in the
time allotted. All essay-type questions
should be in the applicant’s own words
and neatly typed or handwritten. Many camps
require that the CIT candidate go through
a formal interview process, which may happen
in person or over the telephone, depending
on how far the candidate lives from the
camp.
Finally, there is no guarantee that once
the CIT has successfully completed the program,
that he or she will subsequently be hired by the camp.
Most states in New England require that
staff at an overnight camp be at least 18
years old before they may supervise campers
on their own. Some camps tend to hire a limited
number of junior counselors (usually
16 or 17 years old) as part of their staff
development process, but they must also
ensure that they still have the appropriate
number of adult staff to supervise the campers
and junior counselors.
Why Bother?
CIT programs teach management and leadership
skills and can provide basic training in
such skills as first aid, lifeguarding,
group leadership, time management, and a
variety of outdoor skills. CIT programs
can lead to leadership opportunities at
school, in extracurricular activities, and
at future jobs. Camps seeking staff tend to
favor the former CIT, understanding that they
have formal training in camp, an understanding of their particular camp, and developing leadership
skills.
How?
To search for CIT programs at camps in
New England, use the Find-A-Camp searchable
database www.acane-camps.org/camp/findcamp.php Under
ACTIVITIES, choose Counselor-in-Training
(CIT). Narrow the search further by selecting
other criteria, such as session length.
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