Camp Ondessonk 2025 CIT Application

Camp Ondessonk is committed to providing a Catholic, faith based, fun, safe, educational, and inclusive experience for all campers, CITs, staff, parents, and volunteers. With this in mind, we require CITs to behave in a mature and responsible way and respect the rights and dignity of others while they are at Camp Ondessonk, participating in camp sponsored activities, or representing Camp Ondessonk in any way.

If you are selected and accept a position at Camp Ondessonk, you will commit to upholding Catholic values in your public work, and acting as a positive role model and mentor to our campers. It will be a lot of hard work, BUT you can expect to end the summer with a better sense of community, self-value, faith, work ethic, and commitment to others.

All CITs are expected to read, understand, and adhere to the following Code of Ethics:

1. I promise to strive to meet the mission and vision of Camp Ondessonk, putting the Catholic core values of the organization at the forefront of all that I do in my role as a CIT.
2. I understand that my duty is to protect children at all times. In doing so, I will:
   
   1. accept personal responsibility to protect children from all forms of abuse, including:
      
      1. Physical Abuse – Striking, Shaking
      2. Verbal Abuse – Humiliation, Degradation, Threats, Profanity
      3. Sexual Abuse – including inappropriate touch, displays, acts
      4. Mental Abuse – Hazing, Neglect, Manipulation, Teasing, Bullying
   2. never leaving a camper unsupervised and by following the “Rule of Three” at all times.
3. I promise to be a positive role model for youth at camp and acknowledge I am a representative of camp and the Diocese of Belleville to camper families during my off time both outside of camp and online. In doing so, I will:
   
   1. exhibit the highest ethical standards and personal integrity.
   2. conduct myself in a manner that is consistent with the discipline and teaching of the Catholic Church.
   3. maintain an attitude of respect, loyalty, patience, courtesy, tact and maturity.
   4. be innovative, try new activities, participate with enthusiasm, and sing as loud as I can.
   5. show initiative, be responsible, and do things without being asked.
   6. continue to be positive, enthusiastic, and energetic when I am tired, sweaty and dirty.
   7. display humor and a positive attitude in response to stress and change.
   8. treat campers, CITs, and staff of all races, religions, cultures, and backgrounds with respect, dignity, and consideration.
   9. refrain from the use of profane or abusive language in the presence of campers or where campers may hear or see.
   10. refrain from inappropriate conversations with campers or in places where campers may hear that include topics such as politics, relationship status, sexual activity, gender identity opposing Catholic teaching, drinking, smoking, and others specified in the CIT manual or by administration.
4. I promise to be a good CIT. In doing so, I will:
   
   1. support and aid other staff and CITs when the time and need arises.
   2. express dissent quietly, thoughtfully, respectfully, and never with campers present.
   3. respect the possessions and belongings of staff, CITs, and campers, as well as the facilities and equipment of Camp Ondessonk.
   4. take care of myself and recognize my personal needs so I can be the best counselor I can be.
5. I promise to make good decisions. In doing so, I will:
   
   1. treat with confidence and respect the personal information I learn from or about campers, CITs, and staff (subject to the policies on reporting abuse and neglect).
   2. adhere to the zero-tolerance policy for the use, possession, distribution or being under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, or illegal drugs at camp.
   3. not smoke, vape, or use any tobacco or e-cigarette product on Camp Ondessonk property.
   4. refrain from intimate displays of affection with anyone else.
   5. not bring weapons onto camp property.
6. I will use positive techniques of guidance, including redirection, and acknowledgement and anticipation of each camper’s unique needs. I will use positive reinforcement and encouragement rather than competition, comparison, or criticism. I will make expectations clear and avoid power struggles with campers.

Camp Ondessonk selects an appropriate number of CITs to allow for optimal learning and gender specific unit capacity.  Applicant gender assigned at brith is not a factor in making individual CIT decisions.

Camp Ondessonk is an equal opportunity provider of summer camp and leadership programs.  CIT program recruitment, selection, and training is made on the basis of qualifications that meet the needs of Camp Ondessonk, and not to discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, or any other categories protected by Federal, State, or local law. 

CITs, regardless of their religious affiliation, are expected to conduct themselves in their work in a manner consistent with the policies of Camp Ondessonk, the Diocese, and the moral and religious teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.  Camp Ondessonk  reserves the right to disqualify a prospective CIT who does not conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the moral and religious teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. 

The information provided in this application is true, correct and complete. If selected, any misstatement or omission of fact on this application may result in my dismissal. I grant permission to check my  references and release Camp Ondessonk & the Diocese of Belleville from any and all resultant liability. Further, I grant permission to Camp Ondessonk to release this application and attendant documents to the appropriate search committees. I understand that by inserting a date in the below acknowledgement that it absolves and releases Camp Ondessonk & the Diocese of Belleville from any and all liability for any and all legal action involving relinquishment of the information to others. If selected, I will abide by the policies and procedures of Camp Ondessonk & the Diocese of Belleville Child Protection Policy. I understand that acceptance of an offer of a counselor in training does not create a contractual obligation upon Camp Ondessonk to employ me in the future. I understand not following or living up to Camp Ondessonk's values, policies, and procedures I could be asked to depart the CIT experience.