Too Young for a Job? Too Old for Camp?

CIT Programs to the Rescue!

YOUR TEEN IS TOO YOUNG TO GET A SUMMER JOB AT A LOCAL RETAIL STORE, yet she considers herself too mature to spend the summer frolicking in the pool, playing games and making crafts. With a roll of the eyes, she has declared, quite to your dismay, that she’s too old to attend camp this summer

You, on the other hand, have a different idea. Summer camp still seems very much a worthwhile venture considering the alternative – just hanging out all day.

There is a solution to this dilemma: Young teens can participate in a Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program. CIT programs offer a perfect happy medium for those kids who feel they’ve “outgrown” summer camp but aren’t yet old enough for employment. And, for many kids, they offer a chance to extend the summer camp experience a few more years.

What Are CIT Programs?

CIT programs are for young teens who are serious about assuming some of the responsibility and effort it takes to work with younger children in a camp setting. There are usually a limited number of openings, and some camps only consider teens who have been “campers” in previous years.

CIT programs are intended to train teens to become future counselors, leaders and mentors. There are a variety of responsibilities given to these trainees, and the scope of their duties can vary enormously from camp to camp. Some of their assigned tasks might include organizing and planning activities, leading teams in various projects, helping out with camp maintenance, assisting counselors with office work and assisting at various athletic activities.

At most camps, CITs are usually still

CIT programs are intended to train teens to become future counselors, leaders and mentors. There are a variety of responsibilities given to these trainees, and the scope of their duties can vary enormously from camp to camp.

considered “campers,” but they assume more responsibilities. Most teens in CIT programs are still considered minors, and, therefore, are not paid. CITs usually pay a camper’s fee, but their fee is often reduced. The teens are expected to split their time between working as a CIT and being a camper. CITs at day camps are usually 14 to 16 years old. Resident camps (overnight camps) generally expect applicants to be 16 or 17, because teens cannot become a senior counselor at an overnight camp until they reach 18. In some of these instances, the CITs are paid a stipend or given tips. Benefits for Teens

Teens who participate in CIT programs reap many benefits. They gain confidence in themselves and their special abilities and talents. Most camp directors expect that CITs will learn leadership skills, develop responsibility and competency, acquire a strong work ethic, gain decision-making skills and learn to be part of a team working toward a common goal. Teens also learn the value of being a positive role model and mentor for younger kids. These programs serve as a release from the academic pressures teens are faced with during the school year, yet they still provide an excellent learning experience.

The completion of a CIT program looks great on college applications. Participation in these programs shows a willingness to work hard and take on the responsibility necessary to work with young children. In addition, camp program directors often provide great references because they can write about a trainee’s strengths and accomplishments in detail.

The Application Process

The application process to become a CIT can vary from camp to camp. It may involve simply filling out an application or also going on interviews and supplying references. Some camps only accept applications from teens who have been campers at their camp in previous years. Therefore, it is important to call the camp you have in mind to discuss their guidelines prior to applying. Camps are looking for teens who are excited about becoming mentors to younger kids. So it’s imperative that your teen lists experiences in this area, such as babysitting, tutoring or community service that might involve children, such as reading to youngsters at a local library.

Teens should also list skills or sports they are good at on the application. For instance, if a teen has lots of experience with tennis, a camp director might foresee using the applicant as an assistant coach in a tennis program. Finding the Right Fit

Your teen will have a better experience if the camp she chooses fits her abilities, skills and interests. Ask your friends and neighbors about camps that their children attended, particularly if they participated in a CIT program. It’s always good to hear from someone who has experienced the program firsthand. If possible, visit the camp before applying because not every camp is right for every child. ■

Summer Camp Listings

Your Child’s Best summer ever starts here

ACADEMY AT OAKLAND BALLET (OAKLAND)

(510) 893-3132 Age or Grade Range: Age 5-17

The Academy at Oakland Ballet Company offers classical ballet training with one of the leading Bay Area professional dance companies. The Academy at Oakland Ballet’s focus is on developing the whole dancer through classes that not only teach ballet technique, but explore artistic expression and build self-confidence - all in a fun and nurturing, yet challenging class environment. https://oaklandballet.org/education/ theacademyatobc/summer-intensive/ CAMP ST. ANDREWS (DARDANELLE - 45 MIN NORTH OF SONORA)

(650) 445-4555 Age or Grade Range: Age 8 by July

Founded in 1970, Camp St. Andrews San Bruno is an unforgettable, weeklong, traditional summer camp in the High Sierras. https://www.campstandrews.org/ DOODLETON RANCH (CLAYTON)

(510) 207-7467 Age or Grade Range: Ages 7-11

Doodleton is a nonprofit organization with a summer camp program. All programs including the summer camp are created to foster appreciation, understanding, and respect for the natural world. Campers participate in projects that use nature as a tool. http://www.doodletonranch.org/ EDEN VILLAGE WEST (SONOMA)

(510) 560-5610 Age or Grade Range: Ages 8-16

Eden Village West is the Jewish organic farm camp situated along the Russian River in Sonoma, CA. https://www.edenvillagewest.org/ FAD PAD (OAKLAND)

(510) 219-3474 Age or Grade Range: Ages 5-12 Art, Cooking, Gardening, Fairy Lore, Drama, Cooperative Games, Hand Sewing and Starwitz. http://www.mehstories.com/ FIDDLEHEADS NATURE GROUP (MULTIPLE LOCATIONS)

(510) 444-3344 Age or Grade Range: Ages 6-10

Fiddleheads nature immersion is warm, playful, and instructive, fostering deep nourishing connections with nature and with each other and developed to support the social and emotional growth of the children. https://www.seeds-of-awareness. org/our-services/fiddleheads/ summer-session/

INTEGEM AUGMENTED REALITY CODING & ART CAMP (MULTIPLE LOCATIONS)

(408) 459-0657 Age or Grade Range: Ages 5-18

Fun and Educational Camp! K-12 students learn Augmented Reality coding, digital art, game design, animation, 3D, storytelling, STEM/ STEAM, design thinking and more. Beginner to Advanced levels with personalized curriculum. https://camp.integem.com/ KIDZTOPROS SUMMER CAMPS (MULTIPLE LOCATIONS)

Age or Grade Range: Ages 4-14

Explore, learn and thrive at KidzToPros STEM, Arts & Sports Summer Camps for kids ages 4 to 14! From coding and robotics to digital arts, film studio, basketball, tennis and more, KidzToPros will help ignite your child’s creativity and passions. https://www.kidztopros.com LEGARZA SPORTS (MULTIPLE LOCATIONS)

(415) 334-3333 Age or Grade Range: PreK-8th Grade

Basketball, All-Sports, & Volleyball Summer Camp. Legarza programs give children the knowledge and motivation they need to achieve their personal best in sport and life. Over 250,000 of the Bay Area’s youth have experienced and benefitted from our 32-year, proven and tested system. Our program is tailored to help your young athlete succeed on and off the court in a safe, professional and encouraging environment of learning and fun. http://www.legarzasports.org/ STEM CAMP BY MAD SCIENCE OF THE BAY AREA (MULTIPLE LOCATIONS)

(510) 438-9702 Age or Grade Range: Ages 6-11

Full-day and half-day camp experiences that are sure to entertain and delight! They will be wowed by green glowing liquid, messages written in secret code, autonomous robots, and mystery substances that change from solid to liquid in seconds. http://thebayarea.madscience.org/ STEVE & KATE’S CAMP (MULTIPLE LOCATIONS)

(415) 851-8581 Age or Grade Range: Ages 4-13

At Steve & Kate’s Camp, kids take chances and take charge, shaping their day, their way. Campers will choose interest-based, pod-like groups, where they can immerse themselves in activities or projects with an emphasis that speaks to their tastes. These interest groups include sewing, building, performing arts, coding/gaming, sports & recreation, or a mix of everything! https://steveandkatescamp.com/ SUMMER PROGRAMS AT SFCM (SAN FRANCISCO)

(415) 503-6254 Age or Grade Range: Ages 10-18

Summer Programs through the SFCM Pre-College provide opportunities for young musicians to continue their musical studies