Counselor In Training Program at Smile Summer Camp
Summer is the perfect opportunity for teens to take the first step on their working journey! Pinnacle offers a Counselor in Training program that provides them with the tools to develop leadership, creative thinking & problem solving skills, and build strong relationships, all while having fun at our Smile Summer Camp.
Prepare for the Future
As a counselor in training, teens will develop strong skills to prepare for future job opportunities while participating in fun and engaging activities such as arts and crafts, court games, trips, assemblies, and outside activities with our campers. Teens will be mentored by and experience what it is like to be a Camp Counselor in a structured, professional, and fun environment.
Our CIT Counselor in Training program will help teens ages 14-15 yr olds gain practical job experience while interacting with campers and coached by seasoned counselors and camp directors. They will have the opportunity to be fully enveloped in the day to day camp counselor experience while given hands-on training and support that will foster strong leadership, problem solving, and communication skills they will carry with them into future opportunities.
Counselor in Training Program
Counselors in Training are typically assigned to a specific counselor or group whom they will be shadowing throughout their experience. CITs will be required along with our counselors, to participate in activities with our summer campers such as dance, STEM, art, outdoor/indoor games, and general activities with our campers. CITs will keep our Campers active, involved, and engaged in the daily camp activities.
Some responsibilities might involve:
Refill first aid kits (bandaids, ice packs, etc can be found in the supply closet)
Refill any additional material needed by counselors for the backpacks
Assist counselors with taking campers to and from various destinations (ie: bathroom, cubby, outside, inside, swim lessons (providing there is a counselor 18yrs of age in the locker room/pool deck).
Assist with preparing lunches for campers
Assist with art/STEM projects
Assist with water cooler refills
Assist with basic needs of campers while with an assigned group
Replenishing “Thomas Tokens” and dry erase markers
Setting up and running of any Halloween Activities during Halloween week
Setting up and running of our Carnival (August 14th)
Setting up and running of our Pinnacle Performers talent show
Setting up games and activities
Camp Counselors & CIT 2024 Camp Season
It is important that CIT’s and their parents know what the expectations are so that there is no miscommunication. An orientation specific to CIT’s is recommended along with information about the program that parents and CIT’s sign as an acknowledgement.
This will prepare CIT’s for their experience and understand what the expectations are as well as ask any questions they may have about their roles and responsibilities.
Gain Valuable Workplace Skills
Our Counselor in Training program aims to encourage each CIT to develop strong workplace skills to carry with them into future employment opportunities. Smile Summer Camp strongly considers all CIT’s for future Summer Camp Counselor or Assistant Counselor positions ages 16 up after completion of this program.
CIT’s will assist Camp Counselors in their daily responsibilities which provides consistent support, as well as allows CITs to “learn on the job”, which is especially an invaluable experience when it comes to working with children and those gearing up for their first job! We encourage each CIT to come into this program ready to learn and grow their workplace or childcare skills.
CIT’s will learn creative problem solving while fostering a positive and encouraging environment for children to grow and learn throughout the summer. Even further, CIT’s will learn self-awareness and develop confidence in their communication skills by maintaining effective communication, as well as a positive and nurturing attitude with counselors and campers. It is expected that each CIT maintains open communication with the Camp Counselors and Camp Director to continue to learn and grow throughout the summer and gain practical experience in the workplace!
Join the Smile CIT program at Pinnacle this summer and have your teen gain invaluable workplace experience for the future!
Contact Director of Summer Camp Darlene Conway at dconway@pinnacle-nj.com