Camp Administration 101: Bridge The Gap
Start a CIT program to combat staffing woes
By Jason Schaitz
A Counselor in Training (CIT) program typically allows high-school students to volunteer within a camp program. Set up properly, it provides on-the-job training with the hope that participants become counselors down the road. It not only assists with current staff needs by having extra hands on deck, but it acts as a feeder program to provide a pipeline of quality, paid counselors who will already have training and experience.
© Can Stock Photo / Ryflip
Here are some guidelines to begin a CIT program:
Develop A Plan
Like a staffing plan, have a plan to recruit, train, manage, and retain CITs. Here are some things to include:
A volunteer job description. Set clear expectations, and treat CITs the same as staff members.
Program benefits for potential CITs.
Marketing materials to recruit CITs.
A timeline of how volunteers go through the program from the time they are recruited to the time they complete the program. (Be prepared for the commitment it takes to manage the program.)
An application form for students.
Partner With Local High Schools
The best way to begin a CIT program is to partner with local high schools. Convince the principal and guidance counselor of the value of the program so they can promote it and recruit students. Many high-school programs and clubs have mandatory volunteer-hour requirements. Showing students how to obtain required hours in a CIT program—and have fun doing it—will get their attention.
Set Clear Expectations
Setting expectations for students joining the program is crucial to avoid drop-outs mid-stream. Here are a few suggestions to make sure applicants understand the commitment:
It is ideal to find students who can commit to an entire summer, but chances are they will indicate the weeks they can work and then can be scheduled accordingly. For those who cannot work the entire program, set minimum requirements.
Present an orientation with parents in attendance so they will know what is required as well. And if an issue does arise, they can hold the student accountable. After orientation, there is no need to involve parents.
Review the main points of the counselor handbook with applicants. Since they will be treated the same as staff members, stress what they can and cannot do.
Training And Development
Untrained volunteers can become as much of a liability as untrained staff members, so put forth the necessary effort to prepare them for camp. Here are some guidelines:
Put CITs through the same training program as paid staff members complete.
Add training for only the CITs to get them acclimated to the program and review expectations.
Use icebreakers and teambuilding to encourage them to work together.
Train counselors to get the most from CITs by discussing tasks that are appropriate and inappropriate for volunteers to take on. Counselors must be careful to utilize the skills of the CIT because a disconnected volunteer is more likely to drop out of the program.
Managing CITs
Once camp begins, CITs can be managed the same way as staff members are and should be treated as assistant camp counselors. Here are some guidelines:
Be flexible with scheduling based on the CITs’ availability that still meets the minimum requirements. Once all individuals have received and confirmed their schedules, they should be responsible for filling a shift in case of a conflict.
Give CITs some responsibilities within their groups. They shouldn’t do only the dirty work or the jobs counselors don’t want to do. Give CITs the same opportunity to coordinate activities.
Don’t leave CITs in charge of groups. They should be paired with paid staff members to assist where needed.
Inform parents of any disciplinary action needed or if the student is not meeting expectations. CITs shouldn’t have to be supervised like campers, but if this is the case and improvement is not made, the individual should be removed from the program.
Give recognition upon completion of the program. Stay in touch with those who might advance to become paid staff members and have a way to facilitate that transition. Those who are not ready can continue in the CIT program until they can become staff members.
Planning, creating partnerships, training, and managing a CIT program can provide a constant and consistent flow of quality staffing resources. Combat staffing shortfalls with a quality CIT program to take your camp to the next level!
Jason Schaitz is a Parks and Recreation Director with 15 years’ experience managing camps and recreation programs. He also created and manages www.thesummercampsource.com with the goal of providing free resources for any type of camp, afterschool, or childcare program. Take your camp to the next level by visiting The Summer Camp Source and check out the Camp App, Camp Resources, Camp News, and Camp Administration 101 educational series.