Counselor in Training (CIT) Jobs
Related Pages: Summer Jobs & Internships ... Summer Activities for Teens & Pre-Teens ... More Reviews of Summer Programs
Parent Q&A
Some of the camps have youth leader or counselor in training programs. Our kid did this at Monkey Business (https://monkeybusinesscamp.com/mbc-school-break-camps/), and it was great for her.
Archived Q&A and Reviews
Suggestions for good camps/CIT for middle schoolers
Feb 2015
My kids attend summer camps full time and have outgrown all the standard east bay/Oakland camps. Any suggestions on good ones for middle schoolers. Prefer ones that are targeted towards that age group that are not SUPER expensive. Also ones that have a variety of themes. Would also love any suggestions on camps with Counselor in Training programs that are for 12+ year olds. Middle School Camper
I have two thoughts about middle school camps. My 7th grader has attended and enjoyed Monkey Business Camp in Tilden Park for years, and was excited to be old enough to be a CIT. She enjoys the responsibility and working with younger kids, and we feel very confident about and happy with the counseling staff and program their. I also like the fact that she spends all day outdoors. The downside is the haul up to Tilden.
Another possibility is sleep-away camp. We love Camp Jack Hazard in the Sierras near Sonora Pass, and it is very reasonable at only $625 for a week of camp. The ''Leaders In Training'' have to be 15, but the younger teens have their own cabin groups and go on a back-packing trip with the other kid their age. They learn a lot of responsibility and gain confidence just from that outing, and the camp is fun in a traditional summer camp way. You can find more information here: http://www.campjackhazard.org/
Stephanie B
Great sleep-away camp jobs
Jan 2013
My son (now 20) has been working at a local camp over the summers and now wants to find a similar job next summer at a sleep-away camp. Any suggestions for a great working and social environment? Looking for a job where the owners/bosses are positive people. Thanks! mom
There are lots of great sleep-away camps that would be great for your son, including a few local ones. I recomend starting with the American Camp Association (which certifies camps) as a great place to start: acacamps.org Past Summer Camp Assistant Director
Berkeley Tuolumne Family Camp is accepting applications now from ages 16-26, for jobs like maintenance, kitchen, kiddie camp, lifeguard and recreational leaders. There are other City of Berkeley sleep-away camps for kids. Fifteen-year-olds can apply to be counselor-in-training (CIT) for two weeks (they pay like guests but work six days a week to try out for a summer job next year). Need not be Berkeley resident to apply. My offspring has worked Tuolumne Camp for three summers and made good money and good friends. I'm not a Berkeley parent
I would encourage your son to look at Camp Tawonga. It is an extremely positive work environment. The staff training is excellent and the staff forms a tight-knit community. The camp is located right outside Yosemite in a beautiful natural setting. He can read about the available positions and apply online by visiting www.tawonga.org. Becca
Volunteer and/or Social Opportunity for Foreign Teen
June 2012
We have a 16-year-old girl from Spain staying with us this summer for six weeks, mid June to end of July. She is very interested in volunteering, both to have something constructive to do with her time, as well to get a chance to meet other people while she is here. She is fluent in English and skilled in sports. She applied to be a volunteer with Cal summer camps but was not accepted. Any other ideas for volunteer experiences, especially ones where she might meet kids her age? Or any classes or other activities that aren't too expensive? Thanks so much! Suzy
I just yesterday enrolled my 14 yo daughter to be a Counselor in training for Berkeley Day Camp. I think they may be online, or stop by their office on Center I think (across from where you pay for paring tickets/permits and birth certificates, in that building, downtown). Also, they may still be looking for counselors in training at the oakland Zoo, you can google them and check on 'teen programs.', i think it is. Berkeley Mom
14 year old daughter eager to be a CIT
Feb 2010
My soon-to-be 14-year-old daughter has been babysitting for a little more than a year now and is very eager to spend part of this coming summer working as a Counselor in Training at a camp with young children in the Oakland/Berkeley area. We're fairly new to the area and I'm not sure where to help her look for such opportunities. Any suggestions welcome!
Hello! At the Downtown Berkeley YMCA we offer a Leadership in Training program - it's called LIT. We have two separate 2-week sessions. One from July 12-23 and another from July 26-August 6th. These programs are a great balance of vocational & leadership training, hands-on helping out with the youngest children, and a couple of field trips because teens are teens and they still need their own time for social interaction and fun. The sessions are $225. If you would like more information you can find it at our website at www.baymca.org or please call or email me. 665-3238. Eden O'Brien-Brenner
Monkey Business Camp has an Extensive Youth Leadership program for Ages 11-15 and opportunities to CIT at Summer Camp and then at subsequent Winter, February & Spring Break Camps. We are a locally run camp in our 12th year based in Berkeley with Summer Programs at Berkeley's Tilden Park.
The Youth Leadership Program is for 11-15 year olds who have experience in a camp setting, enjoy the outdoors, and love working with younger kids. Youth leaders have opportunities to teach a special skill they may have, to join in some exciting activities during a day at camp, and to receive training.
CITs play board games, read books to kids, help set-up and play a field game, like tag, or monkey ball, during free play. They give campers a friendly welcome upon arrival. They help with playshop set- up and clean up. They might do a funny skit, it all depends on the particular CIT. It is great when CITs register for specific weeks with themes they enjoy and/or have some skill.
We have many parent references and would be happy to connect you.
Please visit our website, give us a call or send us an email! www.monkeybusinesscamp.com/youthleaders.html 510-540-6025 Monkey Business Camp
2004 - 2007 Reviews
18 year old looking for a summer job
April 2005
My 18 year old daughter is looking for a summer job working outdoors with children. She had one counselor in training job a couple of years ago, and lots of babysitting experience. Thanks for any referrals/advice for her job search. Mary
My son and others have had a WONDERFUL time working at Tuolumne Berkeley Family camp in yosemite. (See Working at Camp Tuolumne for the full review.)
You could also try the Downtown Berkeley YMCA, which seems always to be looking for teens to work with their children's day camp program. They're probably more likely to take volunteers, but it's also a good experience and your teen wouldn't be gone for week(s) at a time in far away Yosemite.
I still vote for Tuolumne, the teens learn to be independant, to work hard, and to work together. They do tend to do some partying, I hear, but the teens are not allowed to visit the adult tent areas and are not allowed to have co-ed visitors in their tents so there is some supervision. loved having summer for myself!
April 2004
For info about CIT programs at Strawberry Canyon, see Strawberry Canyon Youth Programs
April 2004
Most city-run day camp programs have counselor in training programs for young teens. My step-son did this for the City of El Cerrito day camp last summer. He really enjoyed it and he received a lot of general career education as well. Now is the time to start the sign-up process. Liz
March 2004
My 14 year old has been a counselor in training for Touch The Earth camp sponsored my Oakland's Rotary Nature Center. This has been a good experience and can lead to a paid counselor job as they get older. I think the camp is looking for a two week commitment. mary in Oakland
2003 & Earlier
March 2001
My son was volunteering at the YMCA last fall, when he was involved with an eigth grade work project. He enjoyed it very much. I also worked at the Y all last summer at the ART CAMP in Albany. They have the counselors in training program where the kids sign up for a certain number of weeks (you pay) and they get credit for their time. Call the YMCA for info. 525-1130 in Albany nancy
March 2000
There are CIT (counselor in training programs) but many don't take kids until they are 14 or older, same is true for most summer jobs. I believe Albany Y offers the youngest CIT program for 13 year olds, but you need to apply early. The other idea I had before finding her the preschool job, was to have her volunteer at places like the senior centers. I know kids who have done this but never followed up on it myself. I would imagine many of the preschools would be interested in part-time volunteers. Good luck, it is not any easy task and usually incorporates a lot of pieces. The volunteer or CIT work will definetelty help them get jobs in the summers to come. -Lynn
January 2000
Re: Summer activity for 12-13 year-old
This is a great time for your child to get leadership training and pre-job experience through volunteer work or a counselor-in-training (CIT) program. Many summer camps also have CIT programs for pre-teens or early teens, although 12 yrs. may be a bit young for some programs. Try the YMCA, the city's Recreation Department programs, or UC's summer recreation programs targeted to this age group. The city libraries use student volunteers in the summer, and the library is a good resource for other volunteer opportunities. While children this age are generally eager for real work experience, volunteer experience may help them get a paid job in future years. -- Irene
re the Summer job for a twelve year old. Park Day summer Arts Camp has soem kind of CIT program. I'm not sure of the age limit or other restrictions. It is in North Oakland and would be a great program for a kid who likes art and working with younger kids. I'd call Park Day for who to contact for more info.
Strawberry Canyon has summer jobs and pre-employment programs for teens. Starting when they complete 8th grade they can enroll in the Leadership Camp and positions move up from there. The web site has all the information www.oski.org - click on Strawberry Canyon. -- Jennifer
In response to the person who wanted information about 12 year old summer jobs, try the Oakland Parks and Recreation Department's summer programs. Many of the camps have CIT (Counselor in Training) programs for 12-14 year olds. I know that Touch the Earth (in Roberts Park) and the Lake Merritt Boating Center both have programs in the works.
The Science Exploration Camp held at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab (not the Hall of Science) is opening registration for LBNL and UC employees on 1 March. The camp will run from 24 July to 1 Sept (6 weeks). The camp is open to children entering 2nd through 6th grade. The camp provides a mixture of science-related and recreational activities. The camp is seeking Counselors and Counselors in Training. For more information: email sciencecamp at lbl.gov http://eande.lbl.gov/EA/SEC/secindex.htm 510.486.6566
The following summer camp programs are all theater/musical/music focused and offer CIT programs. We have direct experience with all of these camps except for Little Theater Company as campers. My kid is too young to be a CIT yet, but they would love to be a CIT when they age out as a camper.
Berkeley Playhouse, Mr. D's music camp, Little Theater Company, Aurora School Theater Arts Camp,