Counselor-In-Training (CIT) Program:
Counselors in Training (CITs) is for teens entering 9th/10th grade who want to be a part of a working team and leadership community at our summer learning camp. CITs will be trained and supported to engage with younger campers, act as role models, and lead others. We ask teens to commit to 4+ weeks of camp.
CITs receive guidance, feedback, written evaluation, and support, and will develop workplace readiness skills and gain experience working with youth and understanding Y policies/procedures. CIT participants can use the valuable experience gained in the CIT program for college entrance essays and for future employment in the community. The CIT program prepares young adults for success in the workforce and helps them reach their full potential as community leaders. The Y will consider CITs who display outstanding abilities for employment once they turn 16.
Where: MetroWest YMCA, Framingham Branch 280 Old Connecticut Path, Framingham OR Hopkinton Camps at the Outdoor Center, 45 East Street, Hopkinton
When: During summer camp season. CITs must commit to one training week and at least four weeks of camp.
CIT Experience Highlights:
- Engage as a team member
- Serve as an active role model
- Develop strong and meaningful relationships with positive interactions with adult counselors, peers, and campers
- CITs will connect with their CIT support counselor every afternoon to receive guidance, support, and feedback.
Eligibility for CITs
- Complete and submit a CIT Program Application - link is on the right side of this web page
- Complete an in-person interview (schedule it at the end of the application)
- Commit to the full training week
- Commit to at least 4 of the 8 remaining program weeks
- Have a strong desire to guide and be engaged with campers, act as a role model, and be invested in leading others
- Completing the LIT program is not required
CIT Training Weeks
Hopkinton Day Camps
- 6/26/23 - 6/30/23
- 7/3/23 - 7/7/23
Framingham Camps
- 7/3/23 - 7/7/23
To apply: Please fill out the online application that is posted on the sidebar of this page.
Questions?
Framingham Camps - Emmett Prescott, eprescott@metrowestymca.org or 508-876-6107
OC Hopkinton - Hannah Glenshaw, ycampoffice@metrowestymca.org or 508-435-9345 x132
Goals of CIT Program:
- Prepare teens to work with children of all ages and backgrounds by providing lessons on age characteristics, diversity and inclusion, and behavior management.
- Prepare teens to become successful camp counselors by embedding the majority of their experiences within camper groups, working alongside counselors.
- Encourage role-modeling behavior
- Provide hands-on training experiences in safety procedures, game and curriculum implementation, and group supervision.
- Establish a feedback system to enhance professional and personal development.
- Empower teens to enhance their abilities by providing them opportunities to explore and learn
CIT-Training Week Topics
- Intro to the YMCA
- Goals and Mission Statements
- Expectations
- Professionalism - what it means to be in a work environment
- Policies & Procedures
- COVID Policies
- HEPA
- Icebreakers/Learn a Song
- Camp and Building Tour
- Child Development and Age Characteristics
- Diversity and Inclusion
- Behaviors and Guidance
- Choose to Be Nice
- Group Games and Team Building
- Back Pocket Games
- Icebreakers/Learn a Song
- Your Own Biggest Critic Activity
- Personal Identity Wheel and Social Identity Wheel
- Child Abuse Prevention* (Modified for teens)
- Bullying Prevention
- Pool Expectations and Safety
- CIT Role Model/Tools for Success
