This summer, the Village of Palmetto Bay is offering an opportunity for older youths to participate in our Summer Camp Program in a leadership role as a Counselor-in-Training (CIT). Those selected will serve as volunteers on a weekly basis.

Purpose:

The purpose of our CIT program is to allow participants opportunities to develop effective leadership skills that will help them in the future and to work effectively with children in a camp as well as many other settings.

Qualifications:

Potential candidates must be high school students, between the ages of 14 and 18 years and who have the energy and desire to work with kids in an outdoor summer camp setting. Candidates must be interested in, gaining leadership skills, be a team player, and be resourceful, pleasant, cheerful, friendly, fun, cooperative, flexible, thoughtful, understanding, and helpful.

Selection Process:

Candidates must complete and submit the enclosed application, Code of Conduct, and two reference forms to the Village of Palmetto Bay and undergo a state - wide background investigation, in compliance with State law. References must be from an adult, other than a relative. Deadline for applying is April 1, 2022, but spaces are limited and will be filled by approved applicants on a first come-first served basis. After reviewing the full application and references, candidates will be notified to the status of their application, usually within 4-5 weeks from the date of receipt. Camp staff may conduct an interview with the applicant if needed. Those candidates selected for placement will be provided with an acceptance e-mail containing information on their assignment.

Role of a CIT:

The Program is designed to allow youth a leadership role in our camp setting. CIT’s will spend their time assigned to a specific group with a counselor assisting and participating in recreational/summer camp related games, activities, arts & crafts projects and more. Behavior must be professional and beyond reproach. Violations of camp policy will not be tolerated and may result in immediate removal from the program. CIT’s will be placed with campers with at least 3 years difference in age.

Training:

All CIT’s are required to attend a training session; date/time TBD. Most of the training will involve learning the skills for leading children, including communicating with children – with a special emphasis on listening and teaching positive behavior and values, handling undesired behavior and conflicts in positive ways, leading games, and program activities, earning respect from others, working as a team, creativity, and problem solving. CIT’s will also learn about how our camp operates, our policies & procedures, the roles & duties of our staff, and how camps serve children. This leadership camp will be assisted by both full-time professional staff and college-age summer staff.

Evaluation Process:

The staff mentor will do an evaluation of the CIT at the end of the summer camp to provide feedback on what they learned and what they could have done differently. CIT’s will receive, by mail, a letter of recognition and a certificate with total hours of community service completed.

Candidates must be available for at least four weeks between June 13, 2022 and July 29, 2022, for a total of 80 hours minimum. Those selected as CITs must also attend a two-hour camp training session; date/time TBD.

The role of a CIT includes the following:

• Supervise campers.

• Learn the likes and dislikes of each camper and get to know each one equally. Encourage campers to establish new friendships and develop "group unity.”

• Understand the camp schedule and explain it to the campers.

• Make sure your campers participate in scheduled camp activities instead of "hanging out".

• Keep classrooms/courts clean, neat, and safe at all times.

• Recognize and respond to opportunities for problem solving.

• Help each camper experience success at camp.

• Report all incidents to the Counselor.

• Be alert to the health and safety needs of campers at all times. Refer all medical problems to the counselor.

• Supervise and participate with group during daily camp activities which include, but are not limited to: morning/afternoon clean up, lunch, restroom/water breaks, recreational activities, workshop programs, arts & crafts, snacks, etc.

• Assist in teaching or leading activities.

• Prepare for and actively participate in training, staff meetings, and other assignments throughout the week.

• Assist with cleaning and maintaining facilities, such as restrooms, cafeteria, activity areas, and classrooms.

• Be a positive role model at all times to campers and staff regarding cleanliness, punctuality, sportsmanship, good manners, teamwork, table manners, etc.

• Follow camp rules and regulations as outlined in the practices and policies document.

• Be flexible and willing to change routine.

• Be willing to cooperate with counselors, volunteers, other staff members, and other people involved with the planning and implementation of the camp program, activities, etc.

• Use thoughtful and mature judgment.

• Abide by and support all camp policies.

• Maintain good public relations with campers’ parents.

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