Has anyone's kid been a camp CIT?

[vicb]

My son sadly ended his last summer being a camper at Y camp, he just loves it. They talked to him about transitioning to being a CIT. He is interested but sad he can't be a camper any more. He is 15, going into 10th grade. Would like to hear from anyone who's child made the transition from camper to CIT. Thanks!

 

[Breezy_Carol]

My DD is now 24 and 2 years out of college, and still working at summer camp. After being a camper for 7 years, she did CIT the summers after 10th and 11th grades. After she graduated high school, she became a counselor and over the next 3 years advanced to a coordinator of specialty camps. She loves camp. Last summer she had a "real job" so couldn't work at camp. This fall she is going to go to grad school so she left her job in May so she could go back to camp. This is a residential Christian camp so I only see her every other weekend.

So, I think she transitioned ok.

 

[kristilew]

My kid hasn't yet, but certainly plans to. Her camp has a great program for CILTs (they call them Campers in Leadership Training, not Counselors in Training there.)

One reason she is on this path is b/c I did it as a teen and it was great! It really is a training program, so CITs get a lot of the joy of being a camper, still, along with guidance in becoming a leader who helps create the joy for others. The leadership training I got from my CIT and counselor experiences enriched all the jobs I've held in my adult life, and it looks great on a college application.

If what your DS has liked about camp has included the "group enthusiasm" stuff, and he can stand younger kids, then he is perfectly suited for being a CIT next year. On the other hand, some kids love camp for the individual opportunities for personal growth in a specific skill or area, such as a sport or music concentration, and the group stuff is just kind of gravy. If he falls into that category, he may be better off looking for some kind of internship program or just a camp environment geared toward older kids.

That's my 2 cents anyway, but of course you know your guy best. to him, though, because it is hard to say goodby to those carefree camper days!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I have two who went from camper to CIT. One Girl Scout, one Boy Scout. For both, they attended summer camp from the time they were 11/12 until they were 15/16. Then DD did 2 years of CIT and DS did 1 year of SIT (Staff in training). DD worked summer camp for 4 years, DD is just finishing up his 3 year as staff at camp. While middle DS didn't do the whole summer camp staff thing, he did work the local Cub Scout Day Camp for 3 years.

So it worked for us.

 

[DSNY4ever]

I worked as a Y-camp counselor for about 5 years from junior year of high school and a couple years in college. It was a great experience and a good first job. It was fun and paid well.

I never did the CIT program, but I had to work with some CITs. I don't know if most of the CITs enjoyed their experience because many of them were just sort of dumped their by their parents since they were too old to be campers. Most were not interested in actually ever becoming counselors and they just sort of treated the time as "hang time" with the other CITs. They knew they weren't getting paid, so they didn't put in a lot of effort. Most of us did not want to get assigned a CIT because it basically meant having another "kid" to watch.

If your kid is passionate about it though and feels that the really would like to work as a counselor, it could be a good foot in the door and a good learning experience.

 

[scottishduffy]

I was a CIT at my camp for 3 years. Loved it! Best times ever, a little more responsibility and freedom, but not all the responsibilty of a job.

At my sleepaway camp, we taught two classes and would watch huts when counselors had a night out. We were also in charge of organizing some of the camp traditions. We had out CIT trip and privileges such as being able to get into dinner 10 minutes early to dodge the line.

At the YMCA day camp I was a counselor at, our CIT's would get paired up with the younger groups to help the counselors. Some CIT's were good, some just hung around all day and did nothing but chat with other CIT's. I would have mine take roll call and be in charge of several activity periods each week. They were also the 'kool kid' my little ones could chat with. A lot of times they would take minor issues to the CIT before coming to a counselor. It was a way to solve a problem without anyone getting in trouble. They got a special CIT trip and some other priviledges. There were 2 CIT's with each of the younger groups to help out.

 

[powellrj]

My DD leaves Sunday for her first time. She is really excited! She is only 14 and going to be a freshman and she is going to be with 2nd and 3rd graders. Its only for 3 nights so we are starting small. I told her if she liked it we will go for more weeks next year. She had been attending this camp since she was in the 2nd grade!

 

[SleepyMom]

My DD16 is in the middle of her 3rd week of CIT camp right now, she LOVES it!

After the end of her 2nd week she told me she plans to either CIT there again next summer, or get a kitchen/support staff job there. The following summer she would be able to work as a camp counselor.

This week she is going to stay after the campers leave and help clean the camp and stay for the staff meeting later in the day (the other 2 weeks we picked her up the same time the campers left).

I think as long as your child is truly interested in it I would give it a try. DD went with several others the first week as new CIT's and she could tell right away who wanted to be there and who was just doing it because their parents signed them up.

 

[vicb]

Thanks everyone for your input. My son had a special 5th year ceremony and there were special "secret" missions. He got inducted into camp lore and seems to be really into it. I hope he will pass the interview process.

 

[Iott Family]

Look at it as an opportunity for leadership skills that he can take with him along the way of life! CIT's still get the camp experience and a few bonuses.

My oldest DD age 14 just did her 2nd summer as an AIT ( Aide in Training) at scout camp. I am sure in a year or two she will start working out at the resident camp but for now she is just working day camp. She enjoys working with the younger girls and sharing the fun of camp and passing on some of her experiences from when she was a young scout!

 

[PatsGirl]

DD13 just completed four weeks as a CIT at the town recreational program. It is a bit different than what others here are talking about because it is a half-day program for the local kids, Pre-K through 6th grade.

The first-year CITs (13 and 14 year olds) were assigned the Pre-K through 1st grade group. DD really like it. You have to do three unpaid years as a CIT to be considered for the paid positions once you are 16. She will most likely not do it again because she will need to get a paying job next summer when she is 14.

Loved the day she called me at work and asked "don't some of these Moms know what brats their kids are?" I asked her what happened and she just said that so many of the kids were unruly and wouldn't listen to her. I just chuckled