Counselor in Training Expectations
Definitions on terms:
Supervising adult – One of the adults involved with camp: Director, Assistant Director, or Camp Counselor.
Camper – A child attending camp.
Participant – A person 12-17 years old participating in the Counselor in Training program.
Participant’s adult – The parent or guardian of CIT.
Outdoor Educator – The staff working with campers, also known as Camp Counselors
The camp location – This includes Wildwood North, Wildwood South and BigLeaf
ALL participants are expected to:
1. Take this role seriously and with maturity- it is like a “job”- you are expected to be fully a part of the camp day- if you don’t think you can fulfill this role without looking at your cell phone, please think this through before applying. No cell phones allowed except during the 45 minute lunch break. Wrist watches are required to be worn to keep time. We supply watches or you can wear your own.
2. Have fun while learning new skills.
3. Attend ONE mandatory CIT Training session: Sunday, June 5th from 1:00 to 4:00 or Wednesday, June 8th from 2:30 to 5:30.
4. Participate in the daily routine of camp with a positive smiling attitude.
5. Be committed to volunteering for at least 1 FULL week of camp.
6. Inform the Director when you will be absent, need to leave early/late, and/or arrive late.
7. Exhibit sound judgment and act in a responsible and safe manner.
8. Be ready to assist the Outdoor Educators. The following are some typical tasks:
- Leading games with one or more groups of campers.
- Assisting the Outdoor Educator with a lesson.
- Helping with campers at lunchtime.
- Assisting with getting campers to and from an activity or hike.
- Basic group management.
- Playing with the campers
- Set up and clean up for projects.
- Clean up at the end of the day .
- Assisting with learning and playing stations.
9. Communicate with a supervising adult about any problems or frustrations you are experiencing as soon as possible.
10. Attend and actively participate in meetings with one or more of the supervising adults at the beginning and/or end of each day as scheduled.
11. Take a 45-minute break each day.
13. Pack a nutritious and filling lunch and snack, and a reusable water bottle.
12. Let a supervising adult know when you leave the camp area.
Participants’ Adults are expected to:
1. Have their CIT to the program on time (8:45am).
2. Pick their CIT up on time (3:30pm).
3. Remind CIT of the importance of informing the Director of absences, or needing to leave early/late, and/or arriving late.
4. Ensure that their CIT can fully commit to the weeks for which they signed-up to volunteer
5. Make sure that their CIT is here for the right reasons: Love of nature and kids.
Heartwood Nature Programs is expected to:
1. Provide positive role models for participants.
2. Provide participants with the training and background necessary to develop sound judgment and safe and responsible practices.
3. Train participants in how to lead games.
4. Train participants in basic group management techniques.
5. Teach participants about Pacific Northwest flora and fauna.
6. Provide optional training on a variety of topics.
7. Help participants learn the layout of the camp location
8. Provide general support for participants, including: Having at least one supervising adult available to answer questions and providing supplies needed.
9. Actively participate in meetings with participants at the start and/or end of each day as scheduled. 10. Provide stewardship and leadership opportunities.