CIT - Ages 16-17 (2007/grade 11)
The CEW Counselor In Training (CIT) program helps teens gain valuable hands-on leadership skills needed to be a successful staff member and leader. CITs have the opportunity to work independently and as part of a team developing trust, creative problem solving, critical thinking and effective communication skills. This a chance to begin making the transition from being a camper at camp to being a counselor / staff member with many responsibilities.
Our most trusted and prestigious campers and soon to be counselors are rewarded with the best of both worlds, practical and hands-on training on how to be a fantastic counselor mixed with a more traditional program. This ensures they get time to enjoy all the best activities camp has to offer whilst learning essential skills that benefit them in early adult life.
CITs will spend some time living in cabins and acting as assisting staff. They will get trained on theory and skills needed to work with kids at camp, such as communication, behaviour management, policies and procedures, program planning techniques, and more.
Our CIT program is by application only. Each CIT will submit an application letting us know why they would like to be a leader at camp, their values, and interests, etc. CITs will get evaluated by head staff and will receive a reference letter at the end of the summer.
To qualify as a CIT you must:
Our most trusted and prestigious campers and soon to be counselors are rewarded with the best of both worlds, practical and hands-on training on how to be a fantastic counselor mixed with a more traditional program. This ensures they get time to enjoy all the best activities camp has to offer whilst learning essential skills that benefit them in early adult life.
CITs will spend some time living in cabins and acting as assisting staff. They will get trained on theory and skills needed to work with kids at camp, such as communication, behaviour management, policies and procedures, program planning techniques, and more.
Our CIT program is by application only. Each CIT will submit an application letting us know why they would like to be a leader at camp, their values, and interests, etc. CITs will get evaluated by head staff and will receive a reference letter at the end of the summer.
To qualify as a CIT you must:
- Have completed the LIT Program at Camp Eden Woods
- Have a genuine desire to work with children in an outdoor camp environment
- Demonstrate teamwork and a willingness to work with others
- Fill out the Application Form
- Be 16-17 years old
- Be available for the full month program
Program Summary.
Week One - The Tripping Challenge
A five-day, four-night off-site trip lead by our staff
• You will be instructed on all the relevant skills that you will use on the trip.
• CITs will push themselves physically and mentally while taking in beautiful views, bonding with other participants and discovering their own capabilities.
• Team building and Leadership activities
• A group debrief of the experience after returning to camp.
Week Two - CIT Training
The focus of this week is training, volunteering and activity planning.
• Group-building and activities
• Sessions of training including sections of the staff handbook, essentials of running activities and policies and procedures
• Set up and start the volunteering project at camp
• Getting the Bronze Cross Certification
Week Three - Putting it into practice
The focus of this week is the volunteer project, and planning / leading activities and events at camp.
• Putting into practice the skills learned
• Community service project.
• Organizing and running cabin activities, evening activities and unit activities.
• Planning and hosting an all‐camp event.
• Working as a group in the community.
Weeks Four – In‐Cabin
CITs will put their cumulative experience together to move into a cabin with campers and function as a counselor.
• Experience what it is like to be a counselor through the in‐cabin experience.
• Both observe and participate in common counselor responsibilities.
A five-day, four-night off-site trip lead by our staff
• You will be instructed on all the relevant skills that you will use on the trip.
• CITs will push themselves physically and mentally while taking in beautiful views, bonding with other participants and discovering their own capabilities.
• Team building and Leadership activities
• A group debrief of the experience after returning to camp.
Week Two - CIT Training
The focus of this week is training, volunteering and activity planning.
• Group-building and activities
• Sessions of training including sections of the staff handbook, essentials of running activities and policies and procedures
• Set up and start the volunteering project at camp
• Getting the Bronze Cross Certification
Week Three - Putting it into practice
The focus of this week is the volunteer project, and planning / leading activities and events at camp.
• Putting into practice the skills learned
• Community service project.
• Organizing and running cabin activities, evening activities and unit activities.
• Planning and hosting an all‐camp event.
• Working as a group in the community.
Weeks Four – In‐Cabin
CITs will put their cumulative experience together to move into a cabin with campers and function as a counselor.
• Experience what it is like to be a counselor through the in‐cabin experience.
• Both observe and participate in common counselor responsibilities.
