The Cudahy Recreation Department Counselor In Training (CIT): Project LEAD Program is a four (4) week leadership training program for youth between the ages of 13 - 16 years old who have an interest in gaining experience working with children and possibly looking forward to working as a camp counselor in the future.

The camp environment provides a unique opportunity for youth to build leadership skills, particularly in assisting camp staff with younger campers. Being a counselor-in-training is an important role in which leadership skills, good character, integrity, patience and self-control are nurtured and developed. CIT's are not "working" at camp in the same sense as camp staff; therefore, the CIT's are still technically camp participants and bound by the same rules as campers. Our CIT's are in a leadership development program and camp fee's still apply. Additionally, CIT's are not guaranteed a staff position with the Cudahy Recreation Department, but will be given a certificate of completion and, if warranted, a letter of recommendation or reference for future work.

- Gain a behind-the-scenes experience of camp operations
- Establish employment and character references
- Develop new skills
- Challenge yourself in regard to personal growth and expanded self-esteem through leadership opportunities
- Gain the ability and skills needed to work with children in the camp community, after school program or other youth programs
- Have fun helping kids
- Learn to work as a team
- Get trained in the basics of safety, CPR and First Aid
- Learn to manage conflicts

A Counselor In Training assists Camp Counselors. The position includes helping to lead games, songs, skits, crafts, stories and more. CIT's will help in supervising campers in their group during recess times, meal times and assist with camp preparation and clean up. A CIT serves as a positive role model for young children and helps to provide a supportive and caring camp community. They participate in all necessary camp activities. The key responsibilities and expectations are as follows:

- CIT's must always be a positive role model for campers, must always display a positive attitude, and be actively involved. Any misconduct or negative behavior will not be tolerated and could result in being removed from the program.
- CIT's must arrive on time each day and come ready to work and learn.
- CIT's must be dressed according to the dress code for counselors.
- CIT's will work under the direction of the Counselor In Training Head Counselor, in coordination with Camp Counselors, and Camp Director.
- CIT's will be asked to keep a daily journal with observations, questions, and things they would like to review in their daily training session.
- CIT's should enjoy themselves. They should have fun with the campers and counselors and encourage campers to make new friends.
- CIT's are not responsible for discipline and are NOT allowed to discipline campers. CIT's should report any issues or inappropriate behavior to the counselor or their CIT Head Counselor.

This is a four-week program where CIT's will gain an inside perspective of camp operations. There will be an hour each day dedicated to topic specific training that will encompass the following topics:
Week One
1. Getting to Know Camp - Recreation Department Employee Manual and Expectations
2. Safety - Accidents and Emergencies
3. Programming - Camp Games
4.Child Development - Behavior Management

Week Two
1. Professionalism - Parent Communications
2. Getting to Know Camp - Check In and Check Out Procedures
3. Safety - Locker Room and Pool Safety
4. Programming - Sports and Activities

Week Three
1. Child Development - Team Building
2. Professionalism - Problem Solving
3. Getting to Know Camp - The Importance of Camp Traditions
4. Safety - Field Trip Safety

Week Four
1. Programming - Leading A Camp Activity
2. Child Development - Motivating Campers
3. Professionalism - How Do Apply This Experience Toward A Job
4. Evaluation and Planning for Week 10 Carnival

8:45 am    Report to camp office to meet with Head Counselor
9:00 am    Join assigned group for the day to assist with morning duties
11:00 am  Assist with lunch set up
11:30 am  CIT Lunch
12:00 pm  CIT Free Time
1:00 pm    Training with Head Counselor
2:15 pm    Join assigned group to assist with afternoon activities
4:15 pm    Check out

There are several key things to be aware of before you apply:
1. The CIT program is limited to 6 participants each session.
2. The session is four weeks in length (Session 1 is June 14 - July 9 and Session 2 is from July 19 - August 13)
3. You must commit to the entire four week session.
4. The cost is $125 per week. Each CIT who has successfully completed their four-weeks of training is invited to attend Week 10 of camp for $50 as they will be asked to help run the Camp Carnival.
5. Application does not guarantee acceptance into the program.
6. Timeline:  Applications due by March 15th / Interviews will be held the week of March 22nd / Applicants will be notified on March 30th.