CIT Application - Summer 2026

Counselor-in-Training Program
2026 Application

Dear Applicant:

Thank you for your interest in participating in the Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Program. In this job training program, you will learn about working with children, leadership, teamwork, management, and more.

If you will be 15 years old by June 8, 2026 (returning CITs encouraged to apply), you are eligible to interview for one of our Camp Counselor positions. If you are interested, please contact Chris Sanchez for more information email CITprogram@paloalto.gov

If you are 13 or 14 years old and are interested in being a CIT, please complete the CIT application and return it as soon as possible. The application deadline is SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 2026 at 11:59pm! Please note that spaces are limited and completing the application and interview does not guarantee admission into this program.

If accepted into the program, you must attend the In-Service Training. These trainings will focus on leadership, management, city policies, and the skills needed to be a successful CIT. The training workshops are required for all new and returning participants. No makeup dates will be held. After attending training, you are eligible to participate in a camp session. Please view the CIT recruitment information (pages 2–3) for details about dates, times, and fees.

This application is your opportunity to explain why you want to be a CIT and why you would do an excellent job. Here are some tips for completing the application:
- Fill out the application yourself. We want to know why you are interested in being a CIT. Do you enjoy working with children? Are you passionate about leadership? Did you enjoy attending one of our camps? Do you want to learn what it’s like to work at a summer camp? Tell us what makes this program exciting to you.
- Explain why you would be a good CIT. We are looking for people who love working with children, are interested in leadership, and are very responsible and dependable. Show us why these things are true about you!
  Applications can be submitted online; if you have any questions or concerns, please email CITprogram@paloalto.gov.
After you submit this application, you will receive an email with instructions on how to schedule an interview, OR a page will pop up directing you where to schedule your interview date and time. The interview is a chance for you to ask any questions you have about the program and is also part of how we determine which camp is the best match for you. The interview will last approximately 15 minutes. Please come prepared with any questions you may have.

We look forward to meeting you!

Sincerely,

Chris Sanchez
CIT Coordinator

Counselor-in-Training Program
2026 Application

Philosophy & Objectives
The CIT program is a fun and exciting experience for teenagers ages 13 and 14 who love children. The program emphasizes leadership, management, community service, safety and initiative.
Camp Site Directors and Assistant Site Directors mentor and prepare the CITs for the skills needed to become successful Camp Counselors. CITs can become counselors with the City of Palo Alto at the age of 15.

Leadership
CITs are taught methods of leadership during the mandatory training session, which will prove beneficial throughout the summer when CITs are asked to lead campers and staff in activities, crafts, group projects and more.

Behavior Management
CITs will be trained in a variety of behavior management methods, including child development, which will prove especially valuable in the field when they work with large groups of children. CITs will learn how to positively reinforce good behavior, how to set up age appropriate activities that limit opportunities for misbehavior, and how to appropriately address negative behavior.

Community Service
While having fun with kids and counselors at camp, CITs will earn Community Service hours!

Safety
Safety is one of the most important values introduced to CITs and they will learn how to keep children safe at all times.

Initiative
CITs will learn to take initiative with leading camp games and activities. This approach will ensure a fun and productive summer for CITs.

Staff
Participants will be under the supervision of Camp Directors. Assistant Directors and Camp Counselors will work directly with CITs. All activities will be closely monitored.

Counselor-in-Training Program
2026 Application

Fees

Training & 2 Week Session Fee: $320R/$368NR

Schedule

MANDATORY Training Session*
(must attend)
June 10 - June 11 from 1:30pm - 4:00pm. Finalized schedule will be emailed out in the next coming weeks

Session 1
6/15- 6/26

Session 2
6/29- 7/10**

Session 3
7/13 - 7/24

Session 4
7/27 - 8/07

Training is mandatory. If you are unable to attend the training session, your summer assignment will be revoked, even if you have already been offered a session.

**No camp on 7/3/ 2026

Participants are guaranteed one two-week session.

Any interest in additional sessions must be cleared with CIT Coordinator.

Counselor-in-Training Program
2026 Application

After you turn in this application, you will receive an email with instructions on how to schedule an interview.
Name*

First NameLast Name
Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Email*
example@example.com
Age*
ex. 14
Birthdate*

MonthDayYear
Birth Date
Grade in 2026 - 2027 school year*
ex. 7
Do you have transportation to Foothills Park?*

YesNo
Can you attend the Mandatory Training session on June 10 - June 11?*

YesNo
Please answer the following questions and prompts.
Are you a new or returning CIT applicant*
If you are a returning CIT what is your camp name?*
If new, why are you interested in being a CIT this summer? If returning, what valuable experience did you gain from last summer?*
Please detail any work and/or volunteer experience you have*
If you have volunteered before, what's one skill or lesson you're proud you picked up?*
What is something you want to learn from this program?*
Provide a situation where you had to struggle whether it was for school, volunteer experience, group project, etc. What was the situation, and how did you resolve it?*
Set one goal for yourself as a CIT this summer. *

Counselor-in-Training Program
2026 Application

Summer Camp Information

Camp Palo Alto for Preschoolers (3-4 years)
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Preschoolers will enjoy camp crafts, silly songs, and local adventures! Camp Palo Alto for Preschoolers features age-appropriate activities and engaging outdoor games, water play at Splash pads and many more!

Foothills Fun Camp (5-7 years) - Foothills Park
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
This camp features age-appropriate activities such as outdoor games, nature hikes, and more. Campers learn traditional camp songs to sing around the fire, play fun games among the towering trees, and participate in activities that inspire the imagination and reignite the passion for the great outdoors. Foothills Camp has been around for generations because of its unique ability to help children re-establish a love for nature and create memories that last a lifetime.

Foothills Day Camp (8-10 years) - Foothills Park
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Encourage your child to reconnect with the natural world and fall in love with the outdoors in this traditional camp located at gorgeous Foothills Park. Campers learn traditional camp songs to sing around the campfire, go on engaging nature hikes, play fun games among the towering trees, and participate in activities that inspire the imagination and reignite the great outdoors' passion.

Mitchell Park Fun Camp (5-7 years) - Mitchell Park
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Set within the heart of Palo Alto, our Mitchell Park Fun Camp offers an extraordinary summer experience for children aged 5 to 7. Unleash their creativity with captivating crafts like tie-dye, friendship bracelets, lanyards, and scratch art. Kids engage in exhilarating games on the fields, including dodgeball, chaos tag, and relay races, fostering teamwork and laughter.

Mitchell Park Day Camp (8-10 years) - Mitchell Park
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Located at the heart of Palo Alto, our Mitchell Park Day Camp offers an amazing summer adventure created especially for kids aged 8 to 10. Watch their creativity come alive with fun crafts like tie-dye, friendship bracelets, lanyards, and scratch art. On the Mitchell Park fields, children take part in exciting games like dodgeball, chaos tag, and relay races, which help them work together and have lots of fun.

Make X Summer Camp (12 - 14 years) - Cubberley Community Center - V Building
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Design and create your very own project while learning how to use dozens of tools and materials! Everything from laser cutters to 3D printers to soldering irons to painting supplies will be available for use in whatever project a student chooses. **If you are interested in this program, please specify in your application below.

CITs will be placed in any of the above camps based on their applications, interviews, and availability. Additionally, transportation to any of the locations is not available this summer. In addition, CITs are required to be in camp 30 minutes before the camp starts and 30 minutes after the camp ends. In your application, let us know if you have transportation to get to Foothills Park. This does not guarantee your placement, but will help us determine if you are able to get to your placement location.

ALL PLACEMENTS ARE FINAL.