It takes a lot to be a camp counselor with Independence Township’s Parks and Recreation department. This year’s counselors-in-training are finding out just what it takes.
The CIT program through the department allows students the opportunity to see firsthand the role of a camp counselor and receive the training necessary to lead a group of students on their own in the future.
‘They (CITs) spend their days out doing just what a counselor does,? Erin Trepte, day camp director, said. The department has nine CITs this summer.
CIT training runs throughout the summer based on various camp sessions. Trainees are traditionally high-school age and participate in the program as often as they’d like. Counselors for the department’s camps are hired after senior year.
After an interested student signs up for the program, they must follow specific guidelines, such as attending one full camp session at one of the department’s various locations, a full-day training session, attend staff and weekly group meetings and participating in leadership events.
The CITs can be seen throughout the community outside the camp setting. As part of the leadership events, trainees participate in service projects such as assisting Meals on Wheels or helping out at the annual Festival of Fun during the Fourth of July.
‘We’re trying to build positive role models in the community,? Trepte said.
For CIT David Rodriguez, a regular in the program every summer for the past few years, learning counselor basics is a good way to enjoy the summer months.
‘It’s a good way to be outside in the summer. It’s one of the better jobs to have in the summer,? Rodriguez said.
The ability to return to the training program is appealing to many students.
‘Lots of the CITs are returners and we’re happy to have them,? Trepte said.
Being a regular with the program builds a strong bond with the returning campers as well. Many campers look for familiar CITs when a new summer camp season starts.
‘Watching the kids grow up is so cool,? Ashley Rodriguez, CIT, said.
Not only must CITs meet the requirements associated with daily camp activities, they also practice interviewing skills (for possible future jobs as full-time counselors) and overall performance abilities.
‘These are our future leaders,? Trepte said.
When the training and camp sessions are complete, the favorite part for most of the CITs is almost always the same: the kids.
‘I just love the kids,? Kaitlyn Brown, CIT, said.