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Congratulations on taking the first step to becoming a Fernwood Cove CIT!

The Fernwood Cove Counselor In Training (CIT) Program is a three year program that provides participants with a variety of knowledge and skills that they will be able to use both in and out of camp. In addition CITs will have daily responsibilities helping them to gain work ethic, self esteem, independence and safety awareness. Each CIT is expected to be a positive role model for campers and staff, as well as a proud representative of Fernwood Cove.

The CIT Program is a full-summer program with each year based on specific goals and structured so that each CIT is building on the knowledge and skills she gained in her previous summers. Each year of the CIT program will also include volunteer and community service opportunities that will allow the CITs to give back to both the Fernwood Cove camp community and the communities surrounding camp. Here is what a CIT can expect to gain from the first two summers of the program:

Year One
This summer is designed to provide CITs with all of the basic fundamentals. First year CITs learn about the Fernwood Cove philosophy and camp policies and procedures. Each CIT will gain valuable teamwork and leadership skills through a 3-day teambuilding trip and on-going teambuilding and leadership activities throughout the summer. CITs will also learn about activity and trip leadership through assisting with Free Choice activities and out of camp trips and assisting with and/or leading evening programs and special events. First year CITs are “bunk cousins” to the 2nd, 3rd and 4th grade campers allowing them to build relationships with our youngest campers.

Year Two
The second year of the CIT program is largely focused on gaining skills to instruct daily focus activities. The second year CITs will gain skills and knowledge such as learning styles and lesson plan development to better prepare them to be activities instructors. CITs will continue to assist in leading Free Choice activities as well as gain additional hands-on experience while assisting with daily focus activities. In addition the CITs will participate in an American Red Cross Lifeguard Training course and other clinics that will provide them activity specific skills. Second year CITs will have greater involvement in the leadership of evening programs and special events. CITs will be bunk cousins for the 5th and 6th grade campers allowing them to further develop the skills needed to work with campers in the bunks. A highlight of the second year of the CIT program is a tour of nearby colleges and universities.

Each summer will provide CITs with the opportunity to bond with the small, tight knit family of CITs and build new friendships with CITs, campers and counselors. The summer will be full of rewarding and memorable experiences and most of all- FUN!

Applicants are accepted through an application process that includes a written application, three written character references and an interview, as needed. Take your time when filling out the application. Answer all questions honestly and to the best of your knowledge.

Your references should not be persons related to you. Great alternatives to family are teachers, coaches, employers, camp counselors, guidance counselors or any person who has regularly seen you in a position of responsibility and/or leadership. Your references should return their completed reference form to camp. You can provide them with a downloaded copy of this form or give them the link to the online form.

The application deadline is September 15 each year. All application materials are due on this date, including a $1000 application deposit. This deposit is fully refundable in the event that an applicant is not accepted into the CIT Program.

Please review this information along with the application with your parents. Feel free to contact us at CIT@fernwoodcove.com
if you or your parents have any questions about the CIT program or the application process.

The Application Process
1. Complete CIT Application (complete the form online or download the .pdf version and mail it to camp.)
2. Reference Form (complete the form online or download the .pdf version and mail it to camp.)

In order to read PDF files you will need a copy of the Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you need this program, it is a free download from the Adobe Website.