CIT Program

Program Description

The Counselor-In-Training (CIT) Program is a vital part of the overall ministry at Camp Firwood. It is primarily a leadership training program to instill sound fundamentals for Christian leadership into the lives of high school students. CITs play a primary role in the physical operation of the camp and in assisting counselors with their critical positions.

Like a mission trip, the CIT Program is designed to grow and strengthen the individual’s walk with God. It’s our hope that every CIT gains a new outlook on faith, service and grace. There are three fundamental areas of development in the program:

Service

The core of the CIT program is service. Throughout the summer, CITs will be assigned to different crews to help in the running of camp. These crews include washing dishes, cleaning bathrooms and helping out with Activity Classes. In doing so, it allows for our counseling staff to focus on building relationships with campers.

Growth

The CIT program is designed for personal and spiritual growth. CITs meet three times a week in a small group setting to focus on a biblical based curriculum. We also encourage CITs to commit to spending quality time with God each day.

Counseling

Along with their day to day duties, CITs are encouraged to spend time with campers. Each CIT will be partnered with a counselor for the summer and work together in mentoring campers grades 3-12.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the CIT program?

The CIT program starts with Training Week June 17th – 23rd. We have 10 sessions of camp during the summer and finish on August 31st. We look at working at Camp Firwood as spending the summer on a mission trip and thus acceptance into the CIT program requires a commitment for the entire summer. Exceptions are possible for those CITs that have school commitments [i.e. exams] at the beginning of the summer or their school starting early as well as other circumstances. Each summer, we have students who need to take exams or finals at the beginning of camp and we are able to make accommodations.

What are the age requirements?

CIT applicants must be 16 by June 1st, 2012 in order to be considered to be a CIT. We prefer applicants that are between their 11th and 12th grade year in school as we feel that it is a great summer to prepare for a students last year of high school. We sometimes accept 10th graders, depending on room, but younger applicants are placed at the bottom of the list.

How many students do you accept in the program?

We have room for 16 boys and 24 girls to serve as CITs.

What does the application process look like?

Once you have filled out an application and your reference forms have been received, we will email you about setting up a time for a phone interview. These interviews last about 15-20 minutes and help in us getting to know you better. Interviews start in February and run into April. We have lots of applicants, so please be patient when waiting for an interview. Hiring will take place in March and April and until all the spots are filled.

What is the tuition fee?

The tuition fee is $275 for those accepted into the program. This fee helps to offset the costs of room and board as well as discipleship materials. All CITs are required to reside at camp. They will live among other staff and campers in rustic cabin or dorm-style accommodations. All meals are provided. Financial assistance available, upon approval, for those in need.

Who will be supervising the CITs?

Each summer, we hire 5 CIT Leads [3 female and 2 male] that live in cabins with the CITs. The CIT Leads are college aged and often have spent several summers on staff and are looking to build into the new generation of leaders at Camp Firwood. CIT Leads are in charge of running operational crews as well as helping to meet the spiritual needs of those in their cabin.

How much time off do CITs have during the week?

During the summer, CITs will receive a 24 hour break each week. This day off starts after camp is clean on Saturday morning [around 11am] until Sunday morning at the same time. We also schedule two staff breaks throughout the summer where we end camp early and bless the staff with some extra time off. The Director has discretion over giving overnight days off and reserves the right to shorten them.

What is Camp Firwood’s cell phone policy?

Read our cell phone policy here.

Do I need insurance?

You must have a current medical form and proof of insurance form on file with The Firs at the time you start program. No insurance benefits are provided to CITs, with the exception of Workman’s Compensation.

What if I have a question that isn’t answered here?

If you have more questions, we would be happy to answer them. Click here to contact us.

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