Counselor in Training

The CIT Program

What Is a CIT?

Our Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Program is the bridge between the camper experience and becoming a counselor. CIT’s learn to be leaders, role models, and to understand the hard work that goes into making Camp a magical experience for all.

The program begins one week before the campers arrive and runs for the full seven-week camp season. CIT’s learn about camp counseling and education, assist in classes, help counselors care for campers, do daily camp chores in the kitchen, dining room, grounds, farm, etc. and help organize some of the special activities. Of course CIT’s also have plenty of time to rest and re-charge and enjoy the summer paradise that is Glen Brook.

Who We’re Looking For

CIT’s must enjoy working with children, embrace and work with the fun and challenge of intense community living, be willing to take initiative and work hard, be willing to give up many personal freedoms and comforts, display outstanding character, and be enthusiastic, creative, self-directed leaders.

CIT’s are chosen based on their application, experience, skills, certifications, recommendations, and sometimes an informal personal or phone interview. Most of our CIT’s are former campers, but it is not a requirement. The program can accommodate up to fourteen individuals, some of whom are coming for a second year. Realistically we cannot accept every applicant. We choose our CIT’s based on their promise as future outstanding counselors.

Most camps charge full or reduced tuition for their CIT program. Glen Brook does not, and we provide a small weekly stipend of $100 per week. This isn’t a summer job to make money. Rather, this is an important opportunity to understand what it means to be a responsible, self-motivated leader, an essential quality for future success in college or careers. And of course, we hope that our CIT’s will go on to be counselors here, to continue to grow those skills and provide deeply impactful experiences for campers.

You can get a better sense of this program by reading through the CIT Manual.