Counselor In Training

3 Counselors in Training in red shirts at the Darien YMCA

Our Counselor In Training program is a great step for 8th, 9th, and 10th graders to learn what it takes to be a Camp Counselor.

The goal of the CIT Program is to find participants who have a true desire to work with children. It is our goal to teach you through hands-on experience the aspects of working with children at camp. This will include planning and implementing activities, organization of campers, discipline, and at times parent interaction. The program offers teenagers the opportunity to make a difference in our community while developing leadership skills and learning to become impactful counselors and role models to younger campers. To gain experience in all camps, and to learn how to work with different age groups, each C.I.T.

Our new CIT Program will begin in the summer of 2024. All CITs regardless of previous participation will be considered first-year CITs as this program is new! To participate in the program, you are required to commit to a two-week session for training which needs to be completed in the first four weeks of camp. Depending on your preference, you may choose 2 of weeks One, Two, Three, or Four. During the first four weeks of camp, first-year CITs will learn how to develop lesson plans for activities and what makes a CIT.

The CIT Coordinator and the Counselors with these assigned CITs will fill out evaluations throughout the week. 9:00 am-11:30 am will be spent with the CIT Coordinator reviewing what is required to be a CIT. You can expect to learn how to develop an activity for the children and incorporate it into the day's schedule, child care supervision, teamwork, and working in a fun, fast-paced, professional environment. After four weeks, the first-year CITs will put their new skills to work in their assigned camp groups. Counselors will be evaluating the CITs weekly and working closely with the CIT Coordinator. The CIT Coordinator will then use those evaluations
to solicit future employment for the CIT.

Second Year CITs program will begin in 2025.

C.I.T.s who have already completed one summer of our C.I.T. program will participate in our 2nd year program. This program features a training refresher with evaluations at the end of each session. In addition to assisting with everyday camp responsibilities and groups, second-year C.I.T.s enjoy hands-on experience working with camp leadership staff to plan and implement activities. This additional experience will enable the more seasoned C.I.T.s to practice their skills as future camp counselors. 

New and Returning CITs must fill out the CIT Application and return it to John Novak and Ashley Maignan. Once applications are received, applicants will be contacted by the CIT Coordinator Ashley Maignan to set up a short interview beginning in May. You will then receive a Welcome Letter and payment information. 

Download Applications here: 2024 CIT Application


CIT Fees

Weeks 1, 2, 4 - 8                                       Week 3 (closed 4th of July)
Members:  $190 per week                          Member:  $152
Non-Members:  $229 per week                   Non-Member:  $183

All 8 Weeks
Members:  $1,408
Non-Members:  $1,689


Registration Dates

Dates and TimeEligibility
January 16th at 10:00 am Members who are Darien Residents or members who are returning 2023 campers.
January 18th at 10:00 amMembers who are not Darien residents.
January 23th at 10:00 am Registration for non-members.
June 4 at 10:00 amRegistration for Lunch Bunch (Holly Hoppers only) and Extended Care.