counselor-in-training programs

Counselor-in-Training (CIT)

Camp Al-Gon-Quian’s volunteer CIT program is for students interested in working with younger children.  Participants spend two to three weeks in training, programming and service, while learning to work together and gain a basic understanding of summer camp operations. 

This program gives participants the opportunity to place the needs of others ahead of their own, share what they have learned and be a role model for younger campers. CITs will assist staff with cabins, activity areas, evening activities and in the kitchen.  CIT applicants prepare an application with references and are interviewed before being accepted into the program.

Eligibility

In order to be considered, applicants must have completed the tenth grade. We suggest that applicants have completed the Camp Al-Gon-Quian Leaders-in-Training program, or have previous work experience with children. While it is not required, we suggest applicants are 16 or 17 years old. We do accept 15-year-old CITs, however, 15 year old CITs will not be eligible as a Junior Counselor candidate for the summer of 2011.

CIT Session

The CIT program takes place throughout the summer coinciding with regular camper sessions. CITs must participate in all days of the CIT session.  For 2010, the dates for the CIT program are as follows:

CIT Session A Sessions 1 + 2 (June 26 - July 17)

CIT Session B Session 3 (July 17 - 31)

CIT Session C Session 4 (July 31 - August 14)

CIT Session D Session 5 + 6 (August 14 - 28)

CIT Application Process

Step 1: Apply! 

Complete CIT applications (including three references AND parent signature) must be returned to the camp office by February 15, 2010. 

Step 2: Interviews

Group interviews will be conducted in early March at the Ann Arbor YMCA. A Staff member will contact the CIT applicant in February to set up an interview time.

Step 3: Placement Decisions

Placement decisions will be based on the application, interview, reference forms and if applicable, the suggestions of the 2009 LIT Directors and the applicant's history at Camp Al-Gon-Quian. Placement decisions will be made the last week of March and placement notification will come in the mail the first week of April.

Please be aware that space is limited and not everyone who applies will be accepted into the program. In order to maintain a high caliber program and adequate opportunities to meet our goals, Al-Gon-Quian must maintain a manageable and appropriately sized program.

Application Downloads

The 2010 CIT Application is available at the front desk at the Ann Arbor YMCA and online below:

CIT 1 Application
CIT Reference Form

Counselor-in-Training II (CIT II)

The CIT II program is a volunteer program with Camp Al-Gon-Quian. CIT II’s fulfill many different roles at Camp Al-Gon-Quian. They need to have a sincere desire to work with children, a wish to give back to the camp community, a strong work ethic, lots of energy and creativity, a positive attitude and the ability to put children’s needs ahead of their own. The objective of the CIT II program is to better prepare the participants for future work with children in a specific focus area, in or outside the camp setting. This program gives seniors in high school an opportunity to spend half their summer at camp and continue to mature and develop their skills.

Eligibility

In order to be considered, applicants must have completed the eleventh grade, successfully finished a year of the Camp Al-Gon-Quian CIT program and are 16 or 17 years of age.

CIT II Schedule

CIT II Session A Sessions 1, 2 & 3 (June  26th - July 31)

CIT II Session B Sessions 4, 5 & 6 (July 31 - August 28)

CIT II Application Process

Step 1: Apply! 

Complete CIT II applications (including three references AND parent signature) must be returned to the camp office by February 15, 2010. 

Step 2: Interviews

Individual interviews will be conducted the week of March 2 at the Ann Arbor YMCA. A Staff member will contact the CIT II applicant during the week of February 16 to set up an interview time.

Step 3: Placement Decisions

Placement decisions will be based on the application, interview, reference forms and the applicant's past performance as a CIT. Placement decisions will be made the last week of March and placement notification will come in the mail the first week of April.

Please be aware that space is limited and not everyone who applies will be accepted into the program.

Application Downloads

The 2010 CIT Application is available at the front desk at the Ann Arbor YMCA and online below:

CIT 2 Application
CIT Reference Form