Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Week
Ages 15 to 17
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One CIT Week. A Whole Summer of Memories.
The Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program is a one-week (7 days, 6 nights) experience for teens ages 15 to 17. This long-running program allows counselors to participate in personal development activities and discussions to give them skills in communication, leadership, greater good, positivity, and inclusion. With these skills, they will be ready to be leaders at camp and in their day-to-day lives. If selected, counselors will be asked to return for the camper weeks to put their skills into action (and earn community service hours).
2024 Season: Rates & Dates
CIT Week: June 2 - 8, 2024 (Ages 15 - 17) | Note: There is no cost to return as a counselor following CIT week.
$225 for CIT Week
What’s Included?
All lodging and meals
Personal development training and activities
First Aid/CPR/AED certification, child safety training, and the opportunity to earn community service hours
Transportation from Phoenix to Camp and Camp to Phoenix
Expert, fun, and background-checked staff, with CPR/First Aid/AED training and Camp Nurse, available 24/7
Camp video & pictures
LOTS of fun and memories!
An Overview of CIT Week
Each day of CIT Week has a different theme, which will guide the discussions and activities of that day. These five themes are:
Leadership
Leaders all look different! During this day, counselors will cultivate essential leadership skills by exploring their existing strengths, and how they can become even better at them. Through interactive workshops and team-building activities, counselors will explore different leadership styles, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and collaboration.
Greater Good
This day focuses on the collective impact of our future camp leaders (counselors!). The day is designed to inspire a sense of responsibility for the well-being and happiness of the entire camp community. Aspiring camp counselors engage in collaborative projects, gaining insights into how their actions contribute to the greater good of the camp environment.
Communication
Counselors will delve into the nuances of verbal and non-verbal communication, active listening, and empathy. The day is structured to enhance their ability to express ideas clearly, resolve conflicts, and build meaningful connections with each other, campers, and staff members. Role-playing exercises will reinforce these skills to create a supportive camp community.
Inclusivity
Counselors will discuss how we can create a camp experience where every camper feels valued and accepted. The day focuses on fostering an understanding of different perspectives, promoting empathy, and recognizing, preventing, and addressing bullying behaviors effectively. Together, we can mold an environment where kindness prevails!
Positivity
A positive mindset is transformative! Through engaging activities, counselors focus on cultivating a culture where positive affirmations, encouragement, and gratitude are crucial. Counselors are equipped to radiate positivity, while taking care of their own personal wellbeing, creating a ripple effect all throughout camp!
Counselor Specific FAQs
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No! After CIT Week, there is no additional fee to return and serve as a counselor for additional weeks.
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During registration, you will indicate the weeks you are available to return as a counselor. During CIT Week, our Head Counselor will observe your abilities and how you perform during training. The Head Counselor will carefully weigh the camp’s weekly need for counselors, the weekly availability of all the counselors, and individual abilities to finalize the weeks for each counselor. At the end of CIT Week, each counselor will receive a list of their assigned counselor weeks.
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Yes! Counselors will receive 96 hours of completed community services each week (excluding CIT Week). We are happy to complete forms for schools or other organizations that require proof of service.
100%
of Counselors recommend participating in the CIT program.*
*Source: 2022 Counselor Surveys
Have questions about our CIT program? Contact us!
I'm registered for CIT Week. Now what?
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I'm registered for CIT Week. Now what? •
Yay! We are so excited to see you. Here’s what you need to do and know in preparation for CIT week:
Additional Release Forms and Waivers: These will be emailed to you to be completed electronically immediately after completing registration. You can find them in the confirmation email, and they take under 5 minutes to complete.
After completing online counselor registration, counselors are required to have 3 letters of recommendation submitted on their behalf within 30 days of your registration.
Send the following recommendation form link to the people from whom you are requesting a recommendation: www.sjycaz.com/counselor-rec
The person completing your recommendation will use this link to enter all of the information they need to provide for your letter of recommendation.
A good source for recommenders includes teachers, Deacons, Priests, spiritual directors, coaches, and youth directors.
Counselors are eligible to earn community service hours for each week served (this does not include CIT week). If your counselor requires a certain form to be completed for external reporting, the counselor must bring the form to the Head Counselor during CIT week. It is the Head Counselor‘s responsibility to complete this form for you.
If you are selected to return as a counselor during camp sessions, the location, check-in, and pick-up times are the same as it was for CIT week. Counselors must be signed in and out by a parent, legal guardian, or authorized person. Counselors are not allowed to have a car at the campsite without express written permission. If authorized, car insurance and registration are required and are at the owner’s risk. Please note: counselors are not allowed to use a vehicle at the campsite once checked in, and keys must be turned in to the Camp Director.
Counselors are given 5 SJYC Counselor t-shirts during CIT week, and all counselors are required to wear these t-shirts at all times. All counselors are expected to dress following our Dress Code Policy. Counselor t-shirts should not be cut or worn with sleeves rolled up. Closed-toed shoes are required at all times.
Most counselors ride the bus to get to camp. The check-in time is 2:00 PM on Sundays, and the pick-up time is 1:00 PM on Saturdays. This year’s bus check-in and pick-up location is: St. James Roman Catholic Parish (19640 N 35th Ave, Glendale, AZ 85308).
If you would like to drive your counselor directly to camp, the check-in time at camp is between 5:00 and 6:00 PM on Sundays (no earlier as the camp is not open). The pick-up time on Saturdays is between 9:00 and 10:00 AM on Saturdays. Timely pickup is essential or late fees will apply. The camp’s location is: 4860 Mormon Lake Road, Mormon Lake, AZ 86038
All medication must be listed on registration paperwork and be turned in to the staff at check-in. The Camp Nurse will distribute all medications at the necessary time. If your counselor regularly takes prescribed medication, they must continue taking this medication for the duration of their stay at St. Joseph’s Youth Camp. Prescriptions must be in the original bottle with the counselor’s name and dosage displayed. All prescription medications will be given to and administered by the Camp Nurse. No expired medications are accepted, and all prescriptions must be written in English. All inhalers, nebulizers, and EPI pens must have a current prescription. Please note that the Camp Nurse has most over-the-counter medications and remedies, so there is no need to send these. Medicine not picked up at bus pick-up or left at camp will be donated or destroyed. A copy of our Medication Policy can be found here.
We are a tech-free camp! Cell phones or any other electronic devices are not allowed. Please ensure that no phones are given to bring to camp. Disposable cameras are okay to bring. Please do not send anything expensive or a family heirloom. Items can get lost or broken.
St. Joseph’s Youth Camp is not responsible for items left or lost. Do not pack/send anything expensive or a family heirloom. Items can get lost or broken. All luggage, duffle bags, backpacks, etc. MUST have the counselor’s name on it. Personal items left at the camp or not picked up at the bus pick-up will be donated or destroyed. Counselors should know how many carry bags they are taking and should be bringing home.
Please do not pack food, snacks, or money in the luggage. Food is not allowed in cabins because it attracts rodents and other animals. Healthy snacks are provided and eaten in designated areas.
St. Joseph’s Youth Camp provides a “Camp Store,” which allows counselors to purchase snacks, drinks, and various merchandise during their week away! Camp store money will be collected at check-in. Please put all money in an envelope with your counselor’s name on it, and do not seal the envelope. Please note that Camp Store money is non-refundable.
Our counselors love receiving mail while they are at camp! You can bring pre-written letters to check in, and we will make sure your counselor gets them! Alternatively, you can mail your letter to camp directly at 4860 Mormon Lake Road, Mormon Lake, AZ 86038
Staying in touch with us throughout the week is simple: follow us on social media! We will post pictures throughout the week and post any updates!
Counselor Julia Pitman shares her experience as a counselor and going through the Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program!