SummerPrep

Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Program (Expanded!)

Take your first steps into the working world with this program designed to introduce skills as a leader, collaborator, and teacher.  If you are rising eighth through tenth grader, begin your journey here as you gain knowledge in how to lead and educate younger students in this dynamic summer program.  

In CIT and CIT 2 Practicum you will contribute directly to the operation of SummerPrep while developing professional life skills to prepare you for workplace and camp counseling positions.*  Under Sandia Prep faculty and staff supervision, you will learn valuable leadership skills and how to work as part of a team while gaining confidence in your abilities.

Topics include how to: 

• Set and achieve goals 
• Give and receive feedback
• Seek employment (write a resume, professional email communication, introduce oneself, hiring process)
• Resolve conflict
• Speak to a large group
• Plan, create, and debrief multi-part activities for young campers
   

As a CIT, you will have time to reflect on your interactions and experiences and debrief after planning and implementing SummerPrep activities. You will also receive regular feedback so you know how you are doing. You will complete the program having developed new job skills, confidence in your leadership ability, and general life readiness.
 

Sample Schedule
Mornings: Teamwork and leadership skills: How to build a growth mindset, positive camper management, goal setting, effective communication methods, and job skills, including applying and interviewing for a job. 

Afternoons: CITs will rotate through the following areas of SummerPrep: Sports, Early Childhood, Arts, Specialty Programs, and Camp Operations. They will shadow and help mentor campers as they design and create projects. 

Daily CIT debrief meetings will provide opportunities for written and verbal reflection. At the end of each session, a CIT evaluation will be completed. 

*Please note: Future employment at SummerPrep is not guaranteed and is based on our standard application process and hiring needs.

Counselor-In-Training 
The CIT program is all about what working teaches us. You will greet campers and families in the car line, assist camp teachers and coaches, lead younger campers in games, prepare activities such as setting out classroom supplies for a project, and clean up after an activity. You will have the opportunity to plan with your team, try out an idea, fail, reflect, and try again! As a CIT, you are not a paid staff member, and you are an integral part of who we are and what we do.

Grades: 8 - 10
Session: 1, 2, or 3
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Tuition: $595

Counselor-In-Training 2 Classroom Practicum
Level up your leadership skills! In this advanced CIT curriculum, participants spend more time working directly with campers in the classroom, assisting with lessons, activities, and daily routines. This hands-on experience builds confidence, teamwork, and communication while preparing CITs for future camp leadership roles. Designed for returning CITs.

Grades: 8 - 10
Session: 3
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Tuition: $450