Being a Counselor-in-Training (CIT) at Hermann Sons Life-Camp can be a very rewarding experience. The CIT program is for past campers interested in being future leaders (counselors) at Camp and leaders in their communities.
Some Riverside CITs recently reflected on their experiences in the program and told of their favorite CIT sessions and what they learned.
Julia Martin:
Of all the lessons, the one that I enjoyed the most was the session on motivation. During the lesson I realized what I am truly here for and my purpose in this program. It also gave me time to reflect on all of my years at Hermann Sons Life-Camp as both a camper and CIT. I have been able to see Camp from many different perspectives and as I’ve gotten older my appreciation and love for this Camp has only grown stronger. I also came to the realization that being a counselor is not an easy job. Even with all of the struggles I might face, I know how I can problem solve and sustain my motivation to help make sure Camp continues to be an amazing place.
Alexandra Theriot:
Risk management had to be my favorite CIT Session because as a camper, I always wanted to know “Why?” Why did the lifeguard talk for so long when I just wanted to swim? Why can’t I leave my archery stall once I retrieve my arrows? None of it made sense to me. Our CIT counselors explained that everyday HSYC takes risks – and a lot of them. We cannot do away with them entirely, but it is possible to manage them. By putting certain guidelines in place we can keep campers safe and help them feel comfortable while they are at Camp. I felt better about enforcing different policies because I learned why they are crucial to Camp. We observed these risks in action. On a hot day, volleyball took precautions by taking a water break to decrease the likeliness of any heat-related illness. This kept bright smiles on the campers’ faces.
Zoey Caldwell:
Being a CIT and continuing the tradition is very important to me. The CIT program has exposed me to so many amazing lessons. The session in which we discussed keeping the CIT tradition alive was my favorite because it not only taught me how important CITs are, but it also showed me that at Camp we are just all a big family. Keeping the CIT tradition alive gives younger girls an opportunity to learn more about Camp and whether or not they would be a good fit to work at Camp in the future. I have learned everyone plays an important role at Camp, including me. I am so happy to be a part of the HSYC family!
Karli Miller:
My favorite CIT lesson was the one about teaching skills because I thought it was interesting to learn that there are so many different ways to approach a lesson. Hearing everyone else’s stories about their favorite teacher really put into perspective how different everyone is. The fact that there are so many different counselors and they all have a unique way of teaching is so cool. Some campers may respond better to a certain strategy. I think the way the CIT program is set up it makes sure that there is a wide variety of styles among future counselors. I never knew that you could get your point across in more than one way and by more than one person. It was a neat lesson to go over and I am glad I know more about it so when I become a counselor one day I am more aware of how to switch it up if a camper doesn’t quite understand my teaching style.
There are two levels to the CIT program – CIT1 and CIT2. Julia, Alexandra, Zoey and Karli were all in the second level of the CIT program this summer. Last summer they were in the first level of the program. Applications are now being accepted for the 2017 CIT1 program.
Were you ever a CIT? Share your experiences in the comments below!
Penny Gallemore
Have a 17 year old son that is interested in CIT, how could we apply for this?
Lori Hataway
My daughter, Ella, is currently 14 yrs. old and is interested in the CIT program. When would she start the application process? She turns 15 in April of 2018.
Thank you,
Lori Hataway
Presley
I have gone to camp at hermonsons for 3 years and i did not attend my last 2 years is there a way i can still apply to be a cit?:)
Katie Klohn Miller
Presley, The only requirements to apply are that you were a camper for at least one year, a current Hermann Sons Life member, and that you will be 15 by September 1, 2018. Applications can be submitted at https://www.hermannsonslife.org/counselor-training-application and will be accepted through September 30, 2017 for the Summer 2018 program.
Thanks!