Becoming a Camp Counselor in Training: Skills, Responsibilities, and Benefits

Assisting Senior Counselors

You’ll work alongside experienced counselors, helping them manage daily activities and supervise younger campers. This mentorship allows you to learn from their experience while gradually taking on more responsibility.

Planning and Leading Activities

Under supervision, you’ll help plan and lead certain camp activities. This might include organizing games, assisting with arts and crafts, or helping with sports. You’ll learn how to create engaging experiences for campers of different ages.

Mentoring Younger Campers

As a CIT, you’ll serve as a role model for younger campers. You’ll help them navigate camp life, resolve conflicts, and make the most of their experience. This mentorship role helps develop your empathy and communication skills.

Supporting Camp Operations

You’ll learn about the behind-the-scenes aspects of running a camp by helping with daily operations. This might include assisting with meal setup, helping organize equipment, or supporting camp-wide events and traditions.

Participating in Training Sessions

Regular training sessions will teach you essential skills like first aid, conflict resolution, activity planning, and child development. These structured learning opportunities help build your counselor toolkit.

Reflecting and Receiving Feedback

An important part of the CIT experience is regular reflection and feedback. You’ll discuss your experiences with program leaders, set goals for improvement, and track your progress throughout the program.

Personal Growth

The CIT experience pushes you outside your comfort zone in a supportive environment. You’ll gain confidence, independence, and self-awareness as you take on new challenges and responsibilities.

Many former CITs describe their experience as transformative, helping them discover strengths they didn’t know they had and developing a stronger sense of identity.

Resume Building

A CIT program looks impressive on college applications, scholarship forms, and job resumes. It demonstrates leadership, responsibility, and commitment to personal development.

Many employers and colleges specifically look for leadership experiences like CIT programs when evaluating applications, giving you a competitive edge.

Professional Networking

As a CIT, you’ll connect with camp professionals who can become mentors, references, and valuable contacts for future opportunities. These relationships often extend beyond your time at camp.

Many camps hire their CITs as full counselors in subsequent summers, creating a pathway to paid employment and career development.

Meaningful Friendships

The shared experience of a CIT program creates strong bonds with fellow participants. These friendships often become some of the most meaningful relationships in your life.

Working through challenges together and sharing unique experiences creates connections that often last well beyond the summer.

Finding the Balance

One of the biggest challenges for CITs is finding the balance between being a camper and a staff member. You’re in a unique middle position that can sometimes feel uncertain.

Solution:

• Embrace the transition period as a learning opportunity
• Ask your supervisors for clear expectations
• Connect with former CITs for advice
• Remember that this “in-between” stage is designed to help you grow

Time Management

Balancing your own activities, training sessions, and responsibilities with campers can be overwhelming at first.

Solution:

• Use a planner or digital calendar to track your schedule
• Prioritize tasks based on importance and deadlines
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed
• Build in short breaks to recharge throughout the day

Confidence Building

Many new CITs feel nervous about taking on leadership roles, especially when working with campers who are only a few years younger.

Solution:

• Start with smaller responsibilities and build up gradually
• Prepare thoroughly for activities you’ll be leading
• Remember that making mistakes is part of learning
• Celebrate your successes, no matter how small

Handling Difficult Situations

You may encounter challenging behavior from campers or unexpected situations that test your problem-solving abilities.

Solution:

• Follow the camp’s established protocols for behavior management
• Don’t hesitate to seek help from senior staff when needed
• Use these moments as learning opportunities
• Debrief difficult situations with supervisors to improve for next time

Interview Tips for Camp Counselor in Training

Many CIT programs include an interview as part of the selection process. Here’s how to prepare:

• Be ready to explain why you want to be a CIT
• Share examples of your leadership experience
• Demonstrate your enthusiasm for working with children
• Ask thoughtful questions about the program
• Be honest about your strengths and areas for growth

After Acceptance

Once you’re accepted into a CIT program, there are several steps to prepare:

• Complete all required paperwork and medical forms
• Attend any pre-camp orientation sessions
• Obtain any necessary certifications
• Review the camp’s policies and procedures
• Pack appropriate clothing and supplies