Each year Birchwood Camp selects high school students to participate in the Counselor in Training (CIT) program at camp. CITs receive special training to serve as counselors during our summer camps for younger children. CITs are mentored through this process by experienced deans and counselors. We love our CITs because they are high energy and they are great role models for the younger campers. We hope you’ll consider applying for this program!
WHO CAN APPLY?
High school students between the ages of 16 and 18 can apply to be CITs, which stands for ‘Counselors In Training’. Our CIT program is open to 15 high school students each year. The CIT program helps students develop leadership skills, make responsible decisions, gain job experience, and lead children through their week at camp. CITs are our most fun, high energy counselors, and CITs always rave about how much fun they have!
WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME?
Being a CIT is a great opportunity for you to meet friends while helping campers experience summer camp. The program fosters leadership and provides you with some great experiences that will look good on job or college applications. The program is free, and you don’t pay anything to be a counselor (which means even more time at camp at no cost to you). In addition, you get half off your tuition at one of Birchwood Camp’s High School Programs!
HOW DO I APPLY?
Click on the link to download a CIT Application & Registration Form. Fill out the application form and mail, fax or email it back to the camp office! Applications are due by May 1, 2012, and they are reviewed as they come in, so apply early! Applicants should plan to attend the CIT training event in May.
The CIT Training Event: May 11-12, 2012
As a CIT, you will have the opportunity to make a life-changing impact on a camper! We want to make sure that you are well prepared for the responsibilities of counseling by providing you with some training. Those who have previously been through training do not need to sign up again, unless they’d like a refresher!
ABOUT THE TRAINING: This training is designed to help you get mentally, emotionally, and spiritually prepared for the task of working with younger campers. Experienced camp leaders will guide you through the learning process. Some topics we will cover are: understanding general characteristics of children, roles and responsibilities of CITs, counselor skills, leading small groups and cabin groups, and an introduction to this summer’s curriculum..
DETAILS: CIT training will be in Caribou cabin; so please check in there at 6pm on May 11. The training is free of charge, and breakfast and lunch on Saturday are provided. Training will end at 5pm on May 12. Remember to bring usual camp gear such as: sleeping bag, pillow, toiletries, Bible, notebook, jacket, close-toed shoes and change of clothes. Please leave cell phones/ electronics at home… you will be eaten by a bear if you bring these!
New CITs will be placed in camp positions after the completion of training. Your participation in training does not guarantee a placement as a counselor.