Is your tween too young for a summer job but they still love camp? This might be the summer to explore being a Counselor in Training (CIT).
Most summer camps—both day and sleepaway—offer older campers the opportunity to serve as CITs or staff in training (SITs). It’s a great way to build necessary job skills, like leadership and accountability, while still taking advantage of all the fun to be had at camp.
Where to look
Start with your local park district summer camp programs. Local day camps, such as Banner Day Camp and Hi-Five Sports Camp, also offer CIT and SIT programs.
The application process varies from camp to camp. Most require an application (filled out by the prospective CIT), references and interviews, while others are more casual in their approach and require a phone call or email.
Know the camp
It helps if your child knows what he is signing up for. Not only should the camp include activities that your tween enjoys, it’s also beneficial to have familiarity with the staff, schedule, rules, emergency procedures and more.
“Having gone to the camp before, he knew the drill,” says Lydia Steck, a Lake Forest mother whose son has worked as a CIT for the same park district camp he attended as a child. “He was able to apply his own experience to his CIT role and share stories of his past adventures with the younger campers.”
How old do you have to be?
Day campers can usually become CITs the summer before 7th grade and continue through 9th grade, though age requirements vary by camp and the level of responsibility given to the CIT/SIT. Typically, a CIT receives some training from the camp and is there to assist the counselors with all camper activities.
Many overnight camps require CITs to be older and undergo Wilderness First Aid, Lifeguarding, basic CPR and Canoe Whitewater Training, in addition to their CIT program training.
Is it the right fit?
To be successful, prospective CITs should be honest with themselves about whether the job fits. Ask yourself obvious questions like: Does your tween enjoy being with younger kids? Are they responsible, careful and energetic? Chances are if he or she is an avid artist, an all-day sports camp might not be the ideal fit. And perhaps the most important question: Does your tween like camp?
Remember, it’s a job
Make sure your tween understands that it’s a job. “Just because your child still goes to camp, you and he need to approach it like a job, with responsibilities to help staff work to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for the young campers,” Steck says.
While a CIT can certainly enjoy the camp experience, it’s still a role that requires your tween to be on time and ready to help. It’s the best way to get a feel for what it really takes to be a counselor. And though it’s usually a “volunteer” position, many camps offer reduced fees (up to half off) to any tween that takes the job.
At most overnight camps, CITs start finessing the skills necessary to be a counselor. At Kooch-i-Ching, an all-boys wilderness camp in Minnesota, the CIT program emphasizes educational best practices.
“CITs do more than focus on campers having fun,” explains camp director JR Verkamp. “Partnering with counselors, CITs learn how to challenge campers and get to know each camper’s background, skill sets and interests. They quickly learn the importance of being a caregiver and the amazing responsibility that comes with being a staff member.”
Preparation for life
Not only is being a CIT a great introduction to working, but according to Dr. Wendy Mogel, acclaimed clinical psychologist and the author of the best-selling parenting books “The Blessing of a Skinned Knee,” and “The Blessing of a B Minus,” there’s no better first job for your child than being a camp counselor.
For most kids, it’s the first time they are responsible for keeping other people safe, Mogel says.
They quickly learn that campers throw up and they have to clean it up. They have to be patient, work with others and stay focused. Camp offers authentic experiences with real consequences. It’s preparation for college and beyond.
