Program Overview
Our Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Program, formerly known as the Fellows program, is a work-based four week learning experience designed for campers aged 15 and older who are interested in deepening their personal leadership journey while at camp. The CIT Program is grounded in the belief that our eldest campers are leaders in the making and uniquely positioned to spread positivity, share hard-earned wisdom, and use their creativity to thoughtfully shape and strengthen the Beam Camp community. As Camp Stewards, CITs are expected to model the behavior of campers and staff by getting on the Beam TRACK and encouraging fellow CITs, campers, and staff to do the same.
TRACK is an acronym that we use to represent the core values we strive to cultivate throughout our camp community:
T- Teamwork
R- Responsibility
A - Autonomy
C - Curiosity
K - Kindness
CITs have an option to cultivate their leadership in an area of their choice: programming, instruction or community. Within each area, the fellows will hold different responsibilities, and shadow different staff members at camp throughout the day.
Daily responsibilities may include supporting our shop specialists and project team during independent work and project periods, supervising cabins of campers during rest time, lifeguarding, passing out mail, developing and leading after dinner activities as well as theme day activities and helping to serve meals and clean dishes.
In addition to these additional daily responsibilities, the CITs also participate in weekly meetings with our Head Counselor and Camp Director to discuss and learn more about the facets of leadership and working with young people. In these discussions, the fellows will tackle concepts such as what it means to be a leader, how to meet campers where they are at and how to thoughtfully balance the responsibilities of being a CIT with the joy and privilege that comes with being a camper.
Fellows are also given some additional freedoms and opportunities as recognition for their work at camp. Privileges include night swims, movie nights, limited phone/internet privileges, and extended bedtime.
Period 1 – CIT Assignment
Assisting in a shop space (Art Barn, Woodshop, Metal Shop or Techtown) or working on a CIT project
Period 2 – CIT Assignment
Assisting in a shop space (Art Barn, Woodshop, Metal Shop or Techtown) or working on a CIT project
Midday & Afternoon
Rest & Reading Period (select days)
CITs oversee cabins
Period 3 – Camper Period
Participating in a selected domain or swim/pulse (depending on schedule)
Period 4 – Camper Period
Participating in a selected domain or swim/pulse (depending on schedule)
Period 5 – 5:35 Period (Select Days)
Additional shop time for CITs
Occasionally CITs will be asked to lead a 535
CIT Meetings (Select Days)
Held on days when two-day domains are running
Focused on leadership development, reflection/celebration, and planning
Late Night (Optional)
Late-Night Shop Time (Optional & Supervised)
Woodshop & Metalshop: Adult supervision required
Art Barn: Buddy system required
What's in it for the CIT?
Each camper gets a letter of recommendation from camp directors, or whichever staff member makes the most sense based on their time at camp as well as a certification of completion for their records. Additionally first year CITs receive a 6% discount on their tuition; second or third year CITs receive a 8% discount. On a case by case basis, we are able to offer community service/volunteer hours in exchange for the camper’s time at Beam. Lastly, CITs who apply for full-time staff positions once they are of age will receive priority consideration during the selection process.
What's the difference between being a camper vs. a CIT?
Although the CIT fellows are still campers while at camp, they will be called upon to support our staff members in a variety of ways. CITs will act as liaisons between campers and staff to gauge the needs and wants of young campers. Counselors in Training receive an experience rooted in work based learning and professional development. The program offers a chance to get work experience in a lower risk environment, and assists with job preparedness and strengthening of resumes.
How does one apply for the CIT program?
You can fill out this CIT application. After we receive your application, Brett and Pearl will reach out to schedule a time to chat more over zoom.