Counselor In Training

Alumni counselors are integral to the magic of Wild Earth Summer Camp. This important step begins with our Counselor in Training (CIT) program. The job of a CIT is to learn–through observation and direct mentorship–everything counselors do to make camp successful. As members of the Wild Earth staff, CITs are not only present at camp itself but join in on all the behind-the-scenes trainings and daily planning/debrief meetings.  

If you’re thinking about making the switch from camper to Counselor in Training, it’s worth considering the following: Whereas campers can focus only on their own needs and experiences, Counselors in Training are expected to actively consider and care for the needs of campers. This can be a lot for anyone, and we at Wild Earth encourage teens to enjoy the carefree nature of being a camper for as long as they desire. Teens are welcome to participate in Red Tailed Hawk Teen Leadership Camp for as many years as they like and are not expected to move into a CIT role unless they feel both excited and ready to do so.

In addition to feeling personally prepared to be a CIT, applicants should meet these requirements:

• • 14 years old by the first day of camp and completed one of the following:
    • 1 summer of Red Tailed Hawk Teen Leadership Camp
    • 1 year of Ropes Year-Round Program

Or:

• • 15 years old by the first day of camp and completed one of the following:
    • 1 summer of Red Tailed Hawk Teen Leadership Camp
    • 1 year of Ropes Year-Round Program
    • Experience working with youth
    • Equivalent leadership experiences

And:

• • Is available for:
    • A virtual interview
    • The entirety of a session of camp
    • Required training and orientation dates

How To Apply:

1. Complete Wild Earth’s Summer Camp Job Application by February 1st. Please make sure to look at the dates carefully with your guardian to make sure you have the availability to attend all the dates of the session you are applying for. Late applications will be reviewed, however, positions may already be filled.

2. Upon completing your application, you will receive an email from our staff for the next steps in the process. Interviews for new applicants will take place between February and March. Although we hope to let all applicants know of their acceptance by the end of March, specific camp placements may not be made until as late as May, shortly before the start of camp.

A note: We are excited to announce that, beginning this summer, both first- and second- year CITs will be paid for their participation in the CIT program! We offer this in recognition of the many contributions that CITs make to their camp teams, even as they are “in training” to become full counselors. In tandem with this switch to compensating first-year CITs, we will be limiting the number of positions available, prioritizing candidates who can attend all trainings and camp dates and who feel genuinely ready to take on the responsibilities of being a CIT (e.g., considering campers’ needs alongside their own, proactively communicating with their camp teams, participating in planning, etc.). Although this may mean that not all applicants will become CITs the first time they apply, it will also help us to ensure that we have staff and resources enough to fully support each CIT’s learning and development.

CIT Responsibilities:

Accountability

• • Arrive at the program on time, with your gear and materials ready.
  • Arrive at the program with personal needs met, ready to focus on participants’ needs for the day.
  • Maintain a basic understanding of Wild Earth policies and emergency procedures.
  • Respond to texts and calls within 24-hours when program is in session.
  • Provide your team with as much notice as possible for any absences or latenesses.

Physical Safety

• • Familiarize yourself with documentation of safety procedures provided to you during camp orientation.
  • Familiarize yourself with and be attentive to the hazards of the land you are working on, as directed by the lead staff.
  • Familiarize yourself and continue your learning with earth living skills related to safety (ex. tarps, fires, etc.).  
  • Model safe behavior. 
  • Set appropriate physical boundaries with campers (ex. redirect them when they try to climb or sit on you.) 
  • Report anything questionable to your fellow staff (ex. “Is it ok for them to be throwing rocks over there?” or “This camper asked to walk down to the water over there. Is that ok?”).
  • Report injuries, falls, ticks or anything in need of first aid to the lead staff.

Emotional Safety

• • Model and uphold the group culture of respect and inclusion.
  • Look for kids not having the best time, feeling left out, or not keeping to group agreements and communicate this to your lead staff.
  • Report to the lead instructor (or Program Coordinator) when situations, behaviors, or anything campers share feels unusual,  confusing, or unsafe.
  • When a participant is exhibiting challenging behaviors, look to your lead staff for how to be supportive. Some examples might include: 
    • Model grounded behavior and help redirect the group’s focus. 
    • Offer to facilitate or support a game with the other campers while instructors work with the participant who is having a hard time.
    • Support individual participants as directed (ex. help campers rebuild a fairy house that was smashed).

Planning & Activities

• • Join your co-staff for planning meetings. 
  • Stay engaged! 
    • Ask your lead where you can be useful during an activity (ex. “Where will I be most helpful during Hawks and Robins?“, “What should I do while you are telling the story?,”  or “What should I do right now?”) .
    • As you notice needs emerging, make offers to support your fellow instructors (ex. “Should I get the fire started?”)
  • Join in on games, activities, and skills when appropriate, while maintaining awareness of the group. Sometimes it may be your job to run and play with the campers or to role model a skill.  
  • Set goals for how you would like to contribute and offer those contributions when you see opportunities (ex. “Can I lead the natural mystery tomorrow?”)

Communication and Feedback

• • Ask lots of questions. 
  • Advocate for your own needs.
  • Set goals for yourself for how you would like to grow and regularly remind yourself of them. 
  • Seek feedback from your co-instructors (ex. “Was it helpful when I ____?”, “Today I tried leading a natural mystery. Did I keep the campers engaged?”, “Is there anything I can do to improve ___ activity?”, or “What did I do well?” )

Posted in: General Job FAQ