Counselors in Training (CiTs)

A DYNAMIC LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

PROGRESSIVE TWO-YEAR EXPERIENCE

The Camp Hawkeye Leadership Development Program delivers training and experience, direction and mentoring, as well as opportunities for application of leadership within the context of a two year progression. Both years of the Counselor in Training (CiT) program can be either a 4 or 8 week experience. The year two experience builds on the themes and skills introduced in the first year more fully lays the groundwork for taking on a staff role in the following summer.

BRIDGING THE CAMPER-TO-STAFF TRANSITION

This in-depth and carefully designed program bridges the transition from camper to staff member and provides the foundational elements to each participant's growth into a great counselor. The changing expectations of moving from camper to staff (that is, from "kid" to "adult" in the context of our camp community) can be challenging. The guidance and mentoring provided by the Leadership Coordinator supports a positive and productive transition.

YEAR 1:
CiT 1

CiT 1s or first year CiTs are community members who are 16 or 17 years old, and who are in a transitional role between campers and counselors. It's the best of both worlds - participating in favorite camper experiences, while having a schedule with more freedom and responsibility. CiTs do not have the tasks of a counselor. They live in their own cabin, operate on a different schedule, and play a central role in many special and everyday activities.

THE CiT 1 PROGRAM PROVIDES:

Opportunity to live together with peers, with more freedom and personal responsibility
Two-week Program Area apprenticeship
Participate in small-group leadership
of Special Activities
Weekly Counseling Skills workshops
Comprehensive polished written resume
Instruction/practice for job interview skills
Guided transition in community participation

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CiT 1 REQUIREMENTS

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WHAT CiT 1s DO AT CAMP

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SUPERVISION & PROMOTION

YEAR 2:
CiT 2

CiT 2s or second year CiTs are young adults, 17 or 18 year olds, on the cusp of counselorship. If your goal is to be a cabin counselor at 18 years old, you're best shot is to complete both CiT 1 & CiT 2 years first. Tackling this program and pinning it for the win gives you a leg up on staff roles for next year. Not only are you first in line, but you've got extra training, experience, and valuable time in the staff world. CiT 2s build on CiT 1 core skill areas and take on new challenging responsibilities.

THE CiT 2 PROGRAM PROVIDES:

Opportunity to live separately from campers with peers in your group
Four-week Program Area apprenticeship
Flexibility to opt-in to off-camp hiking trips
Camp Visit - research and visit another camp to learn about a different camp culture
Manage your own schedule
Right of first refusal for open staff positions next year (with successful completion)