The Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program is designed for 14 and 15-year-olds (entering Grade 9/10 in Fall 2008) who wish to learn about and practice the responsibilities of serving as a counselor. In turn, they receive community service hours, required by Maryland schools, and many staff benefits. CIT responsibilities include assisting counselors in the implementation of activities, helping to lead age groups, and learning and practicing counselor skills and abilities.

CIT Application Requirements (1st years, entering 9th grade Fall 2008)

-CITs must write a formal, written letter to Matt Hampton, CIT Coordinator, before February 29. "Formal" means typed/word processed and mailed to Camp Odyssey. No emails will be accepted, nor will letters received after the deadline.

-The letter should explain why you want to be a CIT and what makes you think you'd be a good CIT. Include information about your personality, school, and social life (including extra-curricular activities) and any prior work experiences you may have had, particularly those involving working with young people.

-If you have been to Camp Odyssey before, remember that your conduct may influence our decisions as to who to accept.

-After receiving your letter, camp will mail you an invitation to the CIT Tryout Day, normally held the Monday after Easter. The day will include a sit-down interview as well as a leadership challenge which will be explained further in your invitation to the try-out day.

Who are we looking for?

-People who are genuinely interested in learning about working with young people as a camp counselor!
-People who are motivated, dedicated, hard-working, outgoing, and eager to learn!
-People who have a positive attitude!
-People who want to grow as a person and as a professional!

What do CITs get out of the experience?

-Experience working with some of the best educators, counselors, and role models for young people in the world!

-A head start towards "maybe" becoming a camp counselor at Camp Odyssey! Just being a CIT is not a guarantee to become a paid staff member at Camp, but is an excellent way to prove your abilities!

-A bonus in pay if you do reach the goal of becoming a paid staff member.

-Community service hours to apply towards high school graduation requirements! Approximately 35 hours per week!

-Letters of reccomendation for a job well done and work experience towards future employment opportunities.

-A summer of memories that will last a lifetime.

Please Understand!

Many of you will want to be a CIT, thinking about all the fun you have had as a camper. Please realize that although this would be one of the most fun jobs you will ever have, the focus of the fun shifts from you to them. Translation... the campers' fun comes first! Camp is no longer all about you! It is about the campers you will be working with day in and day out. If accepted you will have fun on the job but you will be there to provide great experiences for our campers, first and foremost!

How to Contact Us

Matt Hampton, CIT Coordinator
hammy@campodyssey.org

Mail prospective CIT letters to:
Matt Hampton, CIT Coordinator
Camp Odyssey at The Salisbury School
6279 Hobbs Road
Salisbury, MD 21804