Counselor-In-Training Certification Program 2024
Our Counselor-in-Training Certification Program is a training program for boys and girls entering grade 8 in the fall, until they reach the age of 15. The full program includes regular training sessions, First Aid certification, leadership & teamwork experiences, community service projects, and hands-on counselor experience with different groups and activities during camp (activities and trainings vary by session).
This program is for teens that are enthusiastic about working with children and enjoy being outside. Those interested must submit an application and be prepared to provide references.
Completion of the CIT Program will allow teens the opportunity to apply to be a paid counselor a year early, at the age of 15. This position is called a "Junior Counselor." Those who have not completed the training program cannot apply until age 16.
Tuition Fees
View fees here.
Applications will be available starting on 3/19/24.
About The Program
The purpose of this program is to prepare teens to become excellent counselors in the future and to provide learning opportunities. Hands-on experience as counselors with campers, counselor training, team building, and community service opportunities are all part of the complete CIT program.
Participants must be 13 or 14 years of age (12 year olds entering 8th grade in Fall 2024 will also be considered).
There are two types of "CIT":
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First Year CIT: a CIT who is in their very first year as a CIT at our camp.
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Certified CIT: a CIT who completed the First Year CIT Program with us last year and received a certificate, but is not yet a paid counselor (not yet 15 years of age as of 8/9/2024).
All applicants must complete the CIT Program application, including providing three references and a short written component (see "Application" below for more information). This process is important to our training program because it provides the opportunity for applicants to experience what future job applications will entail.
First Year CIT
The First Year CIT program offers the opportunity for teens to have one last summer as "campers" - socializing with their friends and participating in some of the typical summer camp activities, while also participating in training, team building, and community service opportunities. First Year CITs will work to develop activities and events for campers throughout their summer. (Activities and trainings vary by session).
Certified CIT
Certified CITs will work with one single group or activity per session. Certified CITs taking part in more than one 2-week session will rotate groups/activities each session. CIT preference, skills, training, and past performance are taken into consideration when creating placement schedules.
CIT Applications Open March 19th, 2024
Filling out the application is part of the training process - this should be treated as a job application.
To complete your application, you will need:
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to provide the contact information (not a letter) of 3 work or personal references (work, community service, school, sports, etc).
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a written response: In 300-500 words, write a response that answers all of the following questions:
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Why do you want to be a part of the CIT Certification Program at North Salem Day Camp?
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Why do you think you would make an excellent counselor in the future?
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What are you most looking forward to about the CIT Certification Program and North Salem Day Camp?
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