Trainee Program (CILT/CIT) Application 2025

Trainee Program Application

2025 Chapel Hill-Carrboro YMCA Summer Day Camp
***To be completed by the Teen Applicant***
Are you applying to be a CILT (Camper in Leadership Training) or a CIT (Counselor in Training)?*

CILT (1st year participant OR 13 and younger)CIT (returning CILT AND 14 or up)

Dear Applicant:

Thank you for your interest in the Camper in Leadership Training program. The purpose of this letter is to help both the applicant and parents understand more about the program and the YMCA's expectations.

The CILT program is a specialized leadership program for campers that have aged out of our other camps and want to develop leadership skills. The CILT program provides a unique educational and practical challenge for those campers with leadership potential. CILTs will focus on listening to children, role modeling values, using positive discipline, teaching new skills, leading group games, and building respect. Supervised by the Teen Programs Director and the Camp Directors, CILTs will develop their own personal strengths through leading children and serving as role models. Teens who are successful CILTs will not necessarily be asked to volunteer or apply for a position as staff when they are eligible to be on staff. Therefore, apply for the CILT program only if you have a strong and sincere interest in developing leadership skills.

In order to be considered, you must be at minimum, a rising 8th grader. In addition, if you are a first year participant, you must attend one of the two Group Interview dates: Saturday, April 19 from 11 am – 12:30pm, OR Sunday, May 11 from 1:30 – 3 pm in person at the gym in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro YMCA.

The Trainee program is a two-week commitment. You may sign up for more than one CILT session. There will be hands on training within and outside of groups led by the teen director or CILT coordinator to help with the development and growth of all our CILTs.

Three references will be required on the application and may be checked on an individual basis. These references will only be checked if necessary, but are important in our pursuit of quality.

If you have any questions, please email me at: Chandler.Briggs@YMCATriangle.org or call 919-987-8839. Thank you for applying for the Trainee program.

Sincerely,

Chandler Briggs

Chapel Hill-Carrboro YMCA

Teen Programs Director
Name*

First NameLast Name
Preferred Name Called*
Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Date of Birth*

MonthDayYear
Date
Phone Number*

Area CodePhone Number
Email*
example@example.com
T-Shirt Size*
CILT's will be expected to attend one of the interview time slots below. The interview process entails an information session with applicants and a group interview where each applicant will prepare a game, activity, or craft to lead for all the other CILTs. More information regarding the interview process will be sent to everyone who completes this form around 2 weeks before the interview you choose.
Group Interview Date Preference*

Saturday, April 19, 11 am – 12:30 pm (Chapel Hill-Carrboro YMCA)Sunday, May 11, 1:30 – 3 pm (Chapel Hill-Carrboro YMCA)Returning CILT from 2024, no group interview needed
Camp Location Applying For*

Chapel Hill YMCA Day CampCamp Clearwater
Education
Middle School Attended/Attending*
High School Attended/Attending*
Grade in Fall 2025*
Parent Contact Information
Name*

First NameLast Name
Email*
example@example.com
Additional Email
example@example.com
Phone Number*

Area CodePhone Number
Additional Phone Number

Area CodePhone Number

References

Provide at least 3 references, one of whom must be an immediate family member. These will only be checked if necessary.
Reference 1 Name*

First NameLast Name
Reference 1 Relation to Applicant*
(Parent/Guardian, Teacher, Pastor, etc.)
Reference 1 Email*
example@example.com
Reference 1 Phone*

Area CodePhone Number
Reference 2 Name*

First NameLast Name
Reference 2 Relation to Applicant*
(Parent/Guardian, Teacher, Pastor, etc.)
Reference 2 Email*
example@example.com
Reference 2 Phone*

Area CodePhone Number
Reference 3 Name*

First NameLast Name
Reference 3 Relation to Applicant*
(Parent/Guardian, Teacher, Pastor, etc.)
Reference 3 Email*
example@example.com
Reference 3 Phone*

Area CodePhone Number
Reference 4 Name

First NameLast Name
Reference 4 Relation to Applicant
(Parent/Guardian, Teacher, Pastor, etc.)
Reference 4 Email
example@example.com
Reference 4 Phone

Area CodePhone Number

Questionnaire

Please complete the questions to the best of your ability.
How many summers have you attended Summer Day Camp at the Chapel Hill-Carrboro YMCA?*
Why do you want to be a CILT?*
What experience do you have working with children?*
In which extracurricular activities do you participate during the school year?*
What assets would you bring to the YMCA staff team?*
What skills do you hope to improve upon during your CILT experience?*
Name two leaders that you feel demonstrate positive leadership and please describe why. *

Hey there!

The first layer of the program is for CILTs, or Campers in Leadership Training. Participants that have completed the CILT program will be able to repeat the CILT portion, or they will be invited to participate in our CIT (Counselor in Training) program once they reach the age of 14 and have completed a summer as a CILT (Camper in Leadership Training).

The CIT program will focus on the skills required to be a counselor. Participants will learn more about maintaining proper ratios with children, risk management, group engagement, positive discipline, teaching activities and games, etc.

Supervised by the Teen Director and the Camp Directors, Trainees will develop their own personal strengths through leading children and serving as role models. Teens that successfully complete both portions of the program will not necessarily be asked to volunteer or apply for a position as staff when they are eligible to work. Therefore, apply for the Trainee program only if you have a strong and sincere interest in developing leadership skills.

As a CIT, there will be higher expectations placed upon you and you will be asked to set higher goals for yourself than in past summers. You will be looked upon as a leader by younger and less experienced CILT’s for leadership and guidance. You will not be required to attend a group interview date; however, you may be asked to come in for a one-on-one discussion about expectations and goals.

Being a trainee is a two-week commitment. You may sign up for more than one session.

If you have any questions, please email me at: Chandler.Briggs@YMCATriangle.org or call 919-987-8839. Thank you for applying for the Trainee program.

Sincerely,

Chandler Briggs

Chapel Hill-Carrboro YMCA

Teen Programs Director
Name*

First NameLast Name
T-Shirt Size*
Preferred Name Called*
Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Date of Birth*

MonthDayYear
Date
Phone Number*

Area CodePhone Number
Email*
example@example.com
Camp Location Applying For*

Chapel Hill YMCA Day CampCamp Clearwater

Certifications
Please list any certifications related to your area of interest that enhances your skills (CPR, Lifeguard, etc.). Include the certifying organization, type of certification, date received and expiration date as applicable.
Education
Middle School Attended/Attending*
High School Attended/Attending*
Grade in Fall 2025*
Parent Contact Information
Name*

First NameLast Name
Email*
example@example.com
Additional Email
example@example.com
Phone Number*

Area CodePhone Number
Additional Phone Number

Area CodePhone Number

Questionnaire

Please complete the questions to the best of your ability.
How many summers have you attended summer day camp at the Chapel Hill-Carrboro YMCA?*
What was your most meaningful experience as a CILT? Why?*
Please describe a time you showed leadership in your previous CILT experience.*
In what area did you see yourself grow the most during your previous CILT experience?*
In which area would you like to improve the most this summer?*
Please name the counselor that made the biggest difference in your CILT experience. Why? *

YMCA OF THE TRIANGLE

TRAINEE CONTRACT SUMMER 2025

In consideration of the confidence that is being placed in me as a trainee, I do hereby agree to perform my assigned duties to the very best of my ability and in accordance with the directions given by the Trainee Coordinators, Camp Coordinators and other Camp Staff. I am fully aware of the purpose and YMCA Day Camp - that it exists for the personal development of the children it serves. I realize my trainee responsibilities are designed to provide me the opportunities to develop leadership skills and acquire the knowledge which I will need to become a counselor.

In serving as a trainee, I understand I am a camper; therefore, I will not represent myself as a counselor to other campers, parents, or staff. As such, I pledge my support for and adherence to the following requirements:

Attitude: I promise to be loyal to the camp and to the Trainee Coordinators and I further agree to fulfill my responsibilities respectfully, cheerfully, and with a positive attitude. I realize that I must set a good example of behavior, attitude and personal appearance, and I will strive through my personal example to be a positive influence on the campers at all times. I fully appreciate that my attitude should be exemplary for young children and that my behavior should be a model of cooperation, dependability, consideration for others and support for staff and fellow trainees.

Personal Appearance: Neat appearance and good grooming, particularly in regard to clothes and hairstyle, are important in establishing confident relationships. Clothing should be clean, appropriate and in good taste. I will be held to staff image/clothing standards and issued TRAINEE shirts that will be worn every day at camp. On Wednesdays I will be expected to dress for the Wacky Wednesday Theme. I realize personal appearance is important in setting a good example.

Program: I understand as a trainee that I will participate in a clearly defined leadership program, which will include several training sessions each week, as well as on-the-job learning with my assigned counselors. I will make every effort to assist my counselors with management of the huddle and will, by my own example, try to be a good influence on the campers. I realize I cannot do my job without winning the confidence of the campers with congeniality, comradeship, helpfulness, and a winsome personality.

Concern for Campers: I realize that my responsibility will be to the campers and that I must put their welfare and interests before my own at all times. I also realize that I must win the respect and confidence of my campers by demonstrating fairness in all decisions and by communicating genuine interest and concern for each child.

Social Media/Phones: I understand that, if I choose to utilize social media, all information I publish on a blog or public website (i.e. Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, SnapChat etc) is accessible to the public. I will be mindful that the information I post on the internet will likely be seen by members of the Camp community. As such, YMCA Day Camp may withdraw my offer to be a trainee if I make posts that are contrary to the YMCA’s mission or are detrimental to my image. I also recognize that I am a camper and understand my cell phone will not be in use, unless given explicit permission from the Trainee Coordinators. If I need to contact my parents, I will use the camp phone at the Camp Office. I also understand that I am not to take photos nor post photos of the children at camp to ensure their safety and privacy.

By affixing my signature below, I give my word that I will put forth my best effort in my role as a trainee and that I will abide by the terms outlined in this contract as well as explained in camp literature.
Applicant Signature*

Clear
***Parents/Guardians***

I have reviewed this contract and the extra-curricular activities listed above with my teen. I believe my teen has every intention of accepting their responsibilities willingly and energetically. I believe the example they set will be a good one and that their performance will be a benefit to the YMCA. Should it not, I would like to be advised.
Parent Signature*

Clear
Should be Empty:

Trainee Program Application

***To be completed by the Teen Applicant***

Education

Parent Contact Information

References

Questionnaire

Certifications

Education

Parent Contact Information

Questionnaire

To be completed by the Teen Applicant