Counselor In Training (C.I.T. Volunteer Position)
General Description
Counselors -In-Training (CIT's) must be at least 17 years old and a graduating high school senior. The New Counselor-In-Training Program is a two week volunteer program designed for applicants interested in making a difference and gaining valuable experience.
Counselors -In-Training (CIT's) must be at least 17 years old and a graduating high school senior. The New Counselor-In-Training Program is a two week volunteer program designed for applicants interested in making a difference and gaining valuable experience.
All CIT applicants should be interested in working with children and possess maturity,
flexibility, a strong work ethic, and the ability to have fun
flexibility, a strong work ethic, and the ability to have fun
CIT programs teach management and leadership skills and can provide basic training in such skills as group leadership, time management, and a variety of outdoor skills. CIT programs can lead to leadership opportunities at school, in extracurricular activities and at future jobs; however, there is no guarantee that once the CIT has successfully completed the program, that he or she will be hired by our program. Circle V Ranch Camp has limited turnover of staff. In any given year we may only have a few jobs available. The skills that CIT's develop will help lead to employment as a counselor because all Camps seeking staff tend to favor former CIT's, understanding they have formal training in camp and leadership skills.
How are CIT's Chosen?
Counselors in Training are selected through a competitive process that will include a written component and an interview process. Forms for applying to the CIT unit are available online. Please note: A volunteer position as a C.I.T. is not guaranteed. All applicants will be screened and fingerprinted.
It is important that the CIT candidate show initiative and call the camp on his or her own to request the application materials. He or she should then carefully complete all of the application material, and return the packet to the camp in the time allotted. All essay-type questions should be in the applicant's own words and neatly typed or handwritten. The formal interview may take place in person or over the telephone, depending on how far the candidate lives from the camp.
This new position will consist of working with a CIT coordinator to develop leadership and the teaching and procedural knowledge needed to be an effective counselor; special training for the CIT's during the summer; and training with our regular counselors and campers in the Camp outfits (units).
Counselors in Training are selected through a competitive process that will include a written component and an interview process. Forms for applying to the CIT unit are available online. Please note: A volunteer position as a C.I.T. is not guaranteed. All applicants will be screened and fingerprinted.
It is important that the CIT candidate show initiative and call the camp on his or her own to request the application materials. He or she should then carefully complete all of the application material, and return the packet to the camp in the time allotted. All essay-type questions should be in the applicant's own words and neatly typed or handwritten. The formal interview may take place in person or over the telephone, depending on how far the candidate lives from the camp.
This new position will consist of working with a CIT coordinator to develop leadership and the teaching and procedural knowledge needed to be an effective counselor; special training for the CIT's during the summer; and training with our regular counselors and campers in the Camp outfits (units).
Program Outline
CIT's will attend the pre-camp staff training upon arrival and will choose one week. All Applicants must stay for the first week selected and may or may not be required to return the second session. All C.I.T. volunteers will have to go home after the first week and return to camp at the start of the second session. Volunteers will be asked to help with bus transportation the second session. CIT's will take part in training with the CIT coordinator the first session and then move onto spending part of the day training with campers and staff members for the second session. Training will consist of planning and playing games, safety training skills, and waterfront safety. CIT's assist in the administration of the program and in the execution of camp logistics such as drop-off; pick-up and equipment set up and take down. In addition, CITs work with the CIT coordinator and program staff to organize and conduct activities. CIT's will also help with the following activities: welcoming campers; loading and unloading luggage, participating in planning and implementation of evening activities and theme days, Camp Cleanups, wash dishes, assist with ranch improvements, be assigned to night-rider duties and other assignments as assigned.
Training with the campers and staff will consist of being matched with a Counselor in a outfit to provide assistance during program time, meals, and field trips and to use the skills developed in the CIT training sessions. CIT's will attend staff meetings and work closely with the CIT Coordinator.
The CIT Coordinator will provide each CIT with an evaluation, after the first session.
CIT's will attend the pre-camp staff training upon arrival and will choose one week. All Applicants must stay for the first week selected and may or may not be required to return the second session. All C.I.T. volunteers will have to go home after the first week and return to camp at the start of the second session. Volunteers will be asked to help with bus transportation the second session. CIT's will take part in training with the CIT coordinator the first session and then move onto spending part of the day training with campers and staff members for the second session. Training will consist of planning and playing games, safety training skills, and waterfront safety. CIT's assist in the administration of the program and in the execution of camp logistics such as drop-off; pick-up and equipment set up and take down. In addition, CITs work with the CIT coordinator and program staff to organize and conduct activities. CIT's will also help with the following activities: welcoming campers; loading and unloading luggage, participating in planning and implementation of evening activities and theme days, Camp Cleanups, wash dishes, assist with ranch improvements, be assigned to night-rider duties and other assignments as assigned.
Training with the campers and staff will consist of being matched with a Counselor in a outfit to provide assistance during program time, meals, and field trips and to use the skills developed in the CIT training sessions. CIT's will attend staff meetings and work closely with the CIT Coordinator.
The CIT Coordinator will provide each CIT with an evaluation, after the first session.
Responsibilities With Campers
The CIT's will be subject to the same code behavior and policies as regular program staff and will participate in all aspects of camp life. Under the supervision of a senior staff member they will:
CIT's will work with the CIT Coordinator to learn the basics of child development, programming, and supervision procedures and policies, etc.
CIT's will work with staff to develop and co-lead activities.
CIT's will participate in informal and formal activities with campers.
For more information contact: Ray Lopez, Camp Director at 805-688-5252 or e-mail rlopez@svdpla.org
The CIT's will be subject to the same code behavior and policies as regular program staff and will participate in all aspects of camp life. Under the supervision of a senior staff member they will:
- Supervise children at activity periods
- Make the camp a fun place to be, helping to devise and plan games and activities
- Supervise cleaning and meals
- Help provide a safe and supportive atmosphere for campers
- Help campers resolve conflict
CIT's will work with the CIT Coordinator to learn the basics of child development, programming, and supervision procedures and policies, etc.
CIT's will work with staff to develop and co-lead activities.
CIT's will participate in informal and formal activities with campers.
For more information contact: Ray Lopez, Camp Director at 805-688-5252 or e-mail rlopez@svdpla.org
| 2017_cit_application_editable.pdf |
| 2017_staff_application_reference_form_editable.pdf |
Click this link to download form or click link below to apply online:
2017 C.I.T. Application