CIT (Counselor in Training) 

This program is specifically geared towards young teenagers / adolescents and is designed to teach maturity, responsibility, leadership, and independence.  Instead of being a camper, the youth is assigned to a camp group as an assistant to the Teacher/Head Counselors.  As an assistant, they are given a variety of responsibilities and duties.

Counselors in Training are monitored daily by the staff members and receive a score based on performance, reliability, and efficiency.  The scores then translate into a base salary that is actually paid to the campers at the end of each week.  It is the first time that many of our campers experience working and earning money.  This program instills a sense of pride and achievement, which becomes one of the many foundation blocks for lifelong success.

Jr. Counselor Program

This program is only open to campers who have spent at least one year as a counselor in training.  Jr. Counselors must apply for the position through the Camp Director or Coordinator.  Jr. Counselors are paid an hourly wage and are expected to conduct themselves as any full time staff member would.  They are held to the same high expectations and accountability as our professional staff.

 

Skills Learned in our System

Task Analysis Skills

  • How to begin a task
  • How to stay on task
  • How to complete a task

Organization Skills

  • Of self (including personal care and hygiene)
  • Of tasks (including tools, directions, execution)
  • Of belongings (including lunch, swimming gear, clothing)

Controlling Impulsivity

  • Following directions
  • Self-monitoring
  • Self-discipline
  • Thinking before doing
  • Understanding consequences of actions

Friendships

  • How to treat friends
  • What a friend is / what friendship means
  • How to choose friends (the right friends)
  • How to make friends
  • How to keep friends

Critical Thinking Skills

  • Planning
  • Problem Solving
  • Memory Training
  • Learning Strategies

Tuning out Distractions

  • From Noises
  • From Movement
  • From thought
  • From anxiety

Sequencing of Life Skills

  • At Home
  • At School

Required Social Graces

  • At restaurants and other public places
  • At visits to other homes
  • Using manners and proper etiquette