Counselor in Training (CIT) Program
Program Overview
The camp environment provides a unique opportunity for CITs to gain practical leadership experience. Under the supervision of our Assistant Director and guided by a group of seasoned counselors, CITs will receive hands-on training in group management, child development, conflict resolution, and teamwork. In addition, this two-week volunteer program helps develop important life skills, fosters independence, and provides a pathway for future employment*.
During the first week of this program, CITs will undergo a series of training modules and sessions to introduce them to the basics and lay the foundation for success as a counselor, an employee, and a community member. Local experts will lead informative and age-appropriate sessions on topics such as paychecks and taxes, first aid and CPR, and resume writing. CITs will likewise learn how to lead camp activities, navigate conflict scenarios, and address camper needs. During the second week of this program, CITs will observe the daily structure of our flagship full-day camp, Camp Victor! This opportunity places CITs in a cabin group with two (2) counselors to witness them in action. This is where we expect to see the most growth from our CITs, as the hands-on nature of this opportunity is meant to challenge them and shape them into effective leaders and future counselor role models.
Upon completion of the two-week program and in recognition of their efforts at camp, CITs will receive an award with a certificate of completion. This award celebrates individuals who have completed the CIT Program while simultaneously contributing a significant impact through their commitment to creating positive and inclusive change within the camp community. By exemplifying camp’s core values and possessing a C.A.M.P.U.P. attitude, recipients of this award inspire others to strive for excellence through service-oriented leadership. Recipients will be recognized during their last afternoon rally and will receive a certificate to commemorate their achievement.
Please note this is an application-based program open to all rising freshmen who are currently enrolled at Charlotte Latin School. Upon completing the application, candidates will undergo a mini-interview process. Accepted candidates will then be asked to register for the program via CampBrain.
*Completion of the CIT Program does not guarantee hire as a counselor in the future.
Summer 2025 Cohort:
July 14 - 18 & 21 - 25 from 8:00am - 4:00pm.
Price:
The CIT Program is a two-week commitment that features off-campus team-building opportunities, daily guest speakers, direct supervision from our leadership staff, lunch, and available bus transportation. The full price of this program is $350, enough to cover the various costs and fees of hosting the program.
Application:
Interested applicants can find the application link in the daily Little Squawker. Alternatively, applicants can email matthew.jordan@charlottelatin.org to request the application link. Applications will go live in early January 2025. Good luck!
Qualifications
All interested applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for the CIT Program:
Currently enrolled at Charlotte Latin School.
Rising freshman in the 2025-2026 school year.
Willing and able to interact with children of all ages.
Strong interpersonal skills.
Significant evidence of emotional maturity, good moral character, judgment, integrity, and leadership capability.
A philosophical alignment with the camp's core values, including a commitment to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
Responsibilities
CITs will be expected to complete the following responsibilities:
Attend and complete all training modules and sessions.
Be punctual and an active participant in all camp activities.
Prioritize camper engagement, not overly associating with other CITs or counselors.
Lead campers in scheduled CIT-facilitated camp activities such as morning/afternoon rally, games, and structured breaks.
Participate in cabin group activities when observing and assisting partnered counselors.
Help manage camper behavior.
Practice and enforce all camp safety and emergency procedures.
Oversee camper safety during daily carpools.
Accompany campers in late drop-offs and early pick-ups.
Complete WRs (working responsibilities) as needed.
Perform all other duties and roles assigned by the Assistant Director and other members of the leadership team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a Charlotte Latin School student to apply?
Yes, all eligible applicants must be currently enrolled as rising freshmen at Charlotte Latin School in the 2025-2026 school year. We hope to expand our ability to offer this program to students at other schools in future summers.
If I complete the CIT Program in good standing, can I become a counselor later in the summer?
While we would love to offer immediate employment to our CITs who excel, we are unable to hire anyone who has not completed the application process as a rising sophomore. Give it another year and we’d love to see you back at camp!
What is this program not intended to do?
This two-week program is meant to prepare our CITs with job and life skill readiness. CITs are expected to be active participants each day, as this is not simply an opportunity to socialize nor should this program be treated as babysitting. Please know that we expect our CITs to respond to emails, notify their supervisor of illnesses or issues, and partake in other job-related activities. Parents and legal guardians will be kept in the loop, however, CITs are expected to be the primary contact source while participating in the program. Once again, completion of the CIT Program does not guarantee hire as a counselor in the future.
Should I pack a lunch every day?
CITs are welcome to bring their lunch, however, we provide several lunch options on campus that are included in the cost of the program. You are encouraged to bring a snack and water bottle to enjoy throughout the day and while on break.
How do I get to campus?
We understand that most of you will be unable to drive yourself to campus. As such, you will need someone (parent, guardian, sibling, neighbor, etc.) to drop you off each morning and pick you up each afternoon. We also offer bus transportation that’s free of charge to our CITs. The bus picks you up and drops you off at Westminster Presbyterian Church on Colville Road. Please notify our Assistant Director if you plan on taking the bus.
Please direct any additional questions or concerns to our Assistant Director (matthew.jordan@charlottelatin.org).