Camp Counselor CIT Programs - Six Questions Parents Should Ask?

Middle School and High School students are ready to show their parents, that they are ready for more independence, but as parents know, they may not be quite prepared for the responsibilities of adulthood.

This article covers five questions that parents should ask, when evaluating the strength of any camp counselor CIT Program.

2. Who Should Select a CIT Program?

A CIT Program is a wonderful way to build leadership skills and give something back to younger students, but let’s be clear, its not for everyone. Kids who apply for junior camp counselor programs need four attributes:

• Love being around younger kids

• Ready for responsibility

• Affinity for summer camp

• Are not being forced by their parents

It’s important to recognize that loving camp and loving kids are not the same as participating in a camp for a year. A CIT Program, by definition, involves being around kids 3-6 hours per day, supporting them, with guidance from Senior Teachers and Experienced Camp Staff.

CIT Program students scholars who are 7th-10th grader (12-15) are tweeners, not ready for a real summer job, but wanting to showcase their skills. CIT Programs, which are also referred to as junior counselors, leaders-in-training, and teen leadership development programs, are a wonderful way for students who are too young for summer jobs to continue building their skills and their collegiate resume.

A CIT Program should be a fun and engaging experience, not just for summer campers, but for the junior camp counselor as well. This means that parents should be careful in selecting a summer camp program that is focused on leadership development of middle and high school students, and not just CIT programs that exist to take parents’ money.

For example, some CIT programs, like the one at Kids Science Labs in Chicago and Seattle, offers parents specific training in leadership development and camp operations, as well as offers participants who successfully complete their 4-week CIT Program an Innovator’s Scholarship (Up to $1,000 per student).

Designed for rising 7th-10th graders, a typical CIT Program Day looks as follows:

• 8:30am - Help Setup Classroom for Student Arrival and Great Families

• 9am - 12pm - Support student learning by assisting with passing out materials and preparing science experiments, as well as helping students design and customize their creative designs (boats, bridgets, iPad holders). The focus for CIT Program Scholars or LEADERS as they are called at Innovator’s Camp at KSL, is on helping young scientists innovate their projects and develop a flexible growth mindset to overcome obstacles

• 12pm-1pm - CIT Lunchbreak and Team Building with fellow CIT LEADERS

• 1pm-1:45pm - Assist with drawing, painting, and innovation during Art & Creativity Studio

• 2pm-2:45 - Support Outdoor Games and Leadership Games for young scientists

• 3pm - Help manage closing ceremony at Kids Science Labs to ensure safe return of all students to their families at the end of the day.

5. Why should My child Participate in a CIT Program

First an foremost, we want to raise our kids to be Fearless Problem Solvers, so they can reach their full potential, a CIT Program provides a wonderful framework to develop and practice life skills, under the guidance of experienced teachers, camp counselors and adults with leadership training.

Junior Camp Counselors gain Experience

Any well run CIT Program is not about the work that young students provide, but about how the work shapes and enhances their ability to lead and collaborate on teams. Many times are not sure sure their child is ready, and we would offer that what they offer at home may not be the full representation of skills. They may not do the dishes or clean their room, but they can learn, through their work, how accountability and discipline can have a positive impact on those around them. It’s wonderful to see, each and every year.

CIT Program Participants Build Leadership

We all want our children to outperform in school and life. As parents, we know that the earlier our students gain exposure to core leadership skills, the sooner they can develop and perfect how to speak, listen, and build relationships with others. This starts with a camp counselor or CIT Program.

Counselors-In-Training Programs Boosts Confidence

Building confidence in middle school students is essential as it the foundation for both student’s academic success and personal growth during this pivotal stage of development. The transition from middle school to high school is a time of significant change, and confident students are better equipped to navigate the challenges they face. A successful CIT Program can be the difference maker for your developing middle school child.

6. How do I pick the Right CIT Program and Avoid Duds that don’t really Benefit my child?

We strongly recommend that parents do a little bit of research before you register your child for a CIT Program. If your answer is “NO” for any of the following questions, you may want to give careful consideration or ask additional questions prior to registering for that CIT Program?

• Does your child want to participate in a junior camp counselor program?

• Does the Summer Camp offer Scholarships or at least Certificates for successful junior camp counselors?

• Does the summer camp offer a structure that is organized and matches your child’s current stage of development?

• Does the program cost money? — (while some programs may be free, we would say parents “be aware” that free or programs that have no earnings for the child may not have their focus on development, which is a halmark of strong program development.

• Are students who complete the CIT Program, given additional opportunities to become employees of the Summer Camp in the future as college students?

In conclusion, not every CIT Program is created with equal attention, incentives, and development goals. Just like selecting a summer camp, we recommend parents take time to evaluate any CIT Program, as the experience will only be rewarding if the leadership development is an outcome desired by the program for every successful participant.

If you are seeking a CIT Program in Seattle, Chicago, or Northbrook, and your child has previously participated in one of our Innovators Camps, you are welcome to apply for our CIT Scholars Program at Kids Science Labs below. (application online only).