Counselor in training (CIT) Program
Piedmont Wildlife Center’s Teen Outdoor Leadership Training program offers teens the opportunity to develop leadership skills and grow as mentors. Teens involved in this program can become CITs, assisting in the leadership of our camp community under the guidance of our camp counselors and coordinators.
As a CIT, your role is to support the counselors, bring energy and excitement to the day, and keep an eye out for the needs of the campers.
You get to help create the same incredible camp experiences that you had as a camper, and get to be a model for them to learn from. When you’re a CIT, you get to make the magic of camp happen! Your age allows campers to be more comfortable around you, and you can provide insight that may not be immediately obvious to counselors; it is important to ask for feedback and to give your insight on campers/group dynamics. Being a CIT makes you a part of a legendary group of people who understand PWC like no other person does.
Our goal, as counselors and adult mentors, is to give you a positive learning experience. We hope to make every CIT stronger leaders than we were at your age.
We are getting to a point in our organization’s history where significant portions of staff grew up in PWC camps and have been through the CIT program. The skills and leadership we see are astounding and we hope to keep it going. Camp absolutely could not happen without the help of CITs, and we are proud to have this strong program at PWC!
Requirements
CITs must be 13 years or older. In addition, CITs are required to attend Teen Outdoor Leadership Camp (TOL) which occurs each summer. If participants grow in leadership and complete their goals in TOL, they are rewarded with becoming a CIT I. Once CITs have met the expectations of each level, they are eligible for promotion to the next level. CIT promotions typically occur at the end of the summer.
CIT Registration:
CIT Level 1s can register for our camps at a $165/week rate. CIT 1s please limit registrations to 4 camps for the season to give everyone a chance. We will announce when more are available or when you can get on a waitlist. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!
CIT Level 2s, please email camp@piedmontwildlifecenter.org with the camp(s) you are interested in them attending. Our staff will be happy to confirm their level and fill out their registration without the need to pay tuition.
Frequently asked questions:
+When do the Teen Outdoor Leadership camps take place?
Our TOL camps take place each summer at our Durham, Orange, and Wake locations.
+Do the different sites have different CIT requirements?
We offer TOL at all (Durham County, Orange County, and Wake County) camp locations to have our program be as accessible as possible. Our TOL weeks offer the same programming and mentoring at all sites, and CITs can work at any of the sites once they have completed a week of TOL
+How does a CIT get promoted to the next level?
CITs have the opportunity to be promoted the summer after they participate in TOL. CITs can work on different leadership skills like leading games or activities, connecting with campers, and supporting their counselors. Our counselors and coordinators give feedback so they know what to work on. This process may take many summers but we are dedicated in working with your teens to achieve higher CIT levels.
+How do the CIT levels work?
Level 1 CITs are expected to connect with campers, assist with program supplies, lead games as they feel ready, and begin to help counselors with group management. They will receive support from counselors on how to step into leadership roles and receive feedback throughout the program. Level 1 CITs have a reduced fee for programming.
Level 2 CITs have more responsibilities and are held to expectations similar to a counselor. Level 2 CITs are expected to lead groups in various ways, participate in program planning, and look for ways they can step up in the community. They will receive feedback throughout the program on how to develop their leadership skills. Registration is required to be a Level 2 CIT but they are volunteers (no registration fee).
Level 3 CITs are paid members of our staff and are typically able to perform as a counselor counselor but may not administer first aid (unless they are certified) and are not the ones handling difficult situations. They are able to offer guidance to Level 1s and 2s and can even lead larger portions of camp with guidance from counselors.
+Who do I contact with questions about the CIT process?
You can always camp@piedmontwildlifecenter.org with any CIT questions
In addition to our Teen Outdoor Leadership program, we also highly recommend participating in our other Teen Camps. They are a great opportunity to develop outdoor skills to share with younger campers and peers.
Teen Backpacking
Teen Advanced Survival
Teen Archery
Teen Trout Trek
