The term Counselor in Training, often abbreviated as CIT, defines an entry-level leadership role predominantly found within youth development and summer camp programs. This structured program is specifically designed for teenagers who are transitioning from being a participant to taking on responsibilities within the camp community. The CIT experience is a bridge toward becoming a staff member, emphasizing personal growth, mentorship, and practical skill acquisition in a supervised setting.
Defining the Counselor in Training Role
The primary purpose of the Counselor in Training program is to offer a transitional phase for older teens, bridging the gap between being a long-time camper and becoming a paid staff member. Participants are typically in the age range of 14 to 17, an age when they are generally too old to be campers but lack the minimum age requirement or professional experience to be full counselors. This role is fundamentally an educational and apprenticeship experience focused on cultivating leadership and responsibility in a real-world environment.
CIT programs are structured to provide hands-on experience combined with formal training sessions, making the learning process deliberate and guided. Unlike paid staff, the CIT role is frequently unpaid, or participants may receive a modest stipend or reduced program tuition, reflecting the program’s focus on learning over employment. The overall goal is the intentional development of participants, preparing them to successfully apply for a full-time counselor position in the following years.
Daily Duties and Expectations
The daily routine of a Counselor in Training is a blend of observation, hands-on support, and structured learning. Their work is always performed under the direct supervision of experienced counselors or program directors, ensuring that the ultimate duty of care remains with the adult staff. This supervised environment allows CITs to practice management techniques and develop confidence without the legal liability of a senior staff member.
Assisting with Program Activities
CITs are heavily involved in logistical support and facilitation for various activities throughout the camp schedule. This often includes helping to set up equipment before an activity, gathering necessary materials, and then assisting with the breakdown and cleaning afterward. They may be tasked with running simple, pre-approved group games or leading icebreaker activities, which allows them to practice commanding a group’s attention and managing activity flow. By assisting with the smooth operation of daily events, they learn the preparation and organizational skills required for successful program delivery.
Supporting Younger Campers
A central element of the CIT role is serving as an accessible and relatable role model for the younger campers in their assigned group. CITs help to ensure all children are participating and feeling included, often stepping in to mediate minor disagreements or encourage a shy camper to join in an activity. This mentorship teaches them to apply empathy and basic conflict resolution techniques in real-time, focusing on positive reinforcement and encouraging compliance with camp rules. They contribute to a supportive atmosphere by demonstrating ideal camper behavior and fostering a sense of community within their cabin or group.
Participating in Leadership Workshops
A significant portion of the program involves structured training sessions that separate the CIT experience from simply volunteering. These workshops cover specific topics like basic first aid response, effective group management strategies, and the camp’s protocols for addressing behavioral challenges. CITs learn specific methods for communication, such as clear instruction delivery and active listening, which are formalized skills they can immediately apply under supervision. This classroom-style learning provides the theoretical background for the practical experiences they have throughout the day.
Shadowing Experienced Staff
CITs spend dedicated time observing the full-time counselors and program directors to learn best practices and understand the scope of the full job. This shadowing involves watching how experienced staff handle complex situations, such as managing a camper’s homesickness or adapting a scheduled activity due to weather changes. They gain insight into the administrative and logistical demands of a counselor, including attendance tracking, communication with parents, and maintaining a safe cabin environment. This observation period is structured to transfer institutional knowledge and professional techniques from veteran staff to the trainees.
The Path to Becoming a CIT
The application process for a Counselor in Training program is often the first formal selection process a teenager encounters, designed to assess their maturity and commitment. Most programs require applicants to be between 14 and 17 years old, with many preferring or mandating prior experience as a camper at that specific location. This prerequisite ensures that applicants already understand the camp’s culture and operational rhythm, minimizing the initial learning curve.
Application materials typically include a written essay or personal statement detailing the applicant’s desire to transition into a leadership role. Many programs also require character references from teachers, coaches, or other non-family adults to attest to the teen’s reliability and work ethic. Due to high demand and limited spots, the selection process can be competitive, requiring applicants to demonstrate a strong sense of purpose throughout the program’s duration.
Essential Skills Gained from the CIT Experience
The Counselor in Training experience is a formative opportunity that develops a broad range of transferable skills valued in academic and professional settings. The program’s focus on guided practice and feedback accelerates the development of a participant’s leadership abilities, moving them from following instructions to taking guided initiative. This involves learning to inspire peers, organize small groups, and confidently navigate social dynamics within a structured environment.
The daily demands of the role instill practical accountability and time management, as CITs are responsible for being punctual and prepared for their assigned duties. The constant interaction with younger campers and adult staff significantly refines a teen’s communication skills.
The experience provides concrete examples of skills relevant for college applications and future job interviews, including:
Refined communication skills, adapting language for different audiences.
Proficiency in conflict resolution, mediating minor disputes between campers.
Practical accountability and time management.
Teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability.
Understanding the Progression from CIT to Counselor
The successful completion of a CIT program marks a significant milestone, formalizing a participant’s readiness for the next level of responsibility. The primary difference between a CIT and a full Counselor is the legal and financial status of the role. A CIT is a trainee, often volunteering or paying a fee, and does not hold the legal duty of care for campers, which always rests with the adult staff they shadow.
In contrast, a full Counselor is a paid employee, typically aged 18 or older, who holds the professional and legal responsibility for a cabin or group of campers. They are included in the official staff-to-camper ratios required by regulatory bodies and are solely responsible for the welfare and safety of the children under their supervision. Completing the CIT program generally serves as a strong internal recommendation and preferential pathway for paid employment, often leading to a Junior Counselor role the following year.
Distinguishing the Term in Professional Counseling Contexts
While the title “Counselor” is used in the professional mental health field, “Counselor in Training” is not standard terminology for licensed clinical professionals. In the clinical context, becoming a counselor requires significant post-graduate education, typically a master’s degree, followed by extensive supervised clinical practice. Individuals in this phase are more accurately referred to as Practicum Students, Interns, or Post-Graduate Trainees, depending on the state’s licensure board. Some states use titles like Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPC-Associate) to designate a professional accumulating required supervision hours for full licensure. This clinical pathway is distinct from the youth development role, involving advanced study of psychological theory, ethics, and diagnostic methods.