BRIGHT FUTURES. FUTURE COUNSELORS.

The Counselor-In-Training (CIT) program is for participants who have completed the 11th grade and are genuinely interested in acquiring the skills necessary to be a camp counselor. Applicants who complete this program successfully and with good evaluations are generally hired to work at Camp Chief Ouray when they turn 18.

Counselor Wrangler In Training (CWIT) will do the same program outlined above, but when split out to the program areas, CWIT’s will be assigned to work at the barn helping run lessons and trail rides.

This program involves an application and selection process that requires initiative and dedication from the camper. Steps of the application include submitting a letter of recommendation (for applicants who have not completed a prior Leadership Training Program), completing a set of supplemental questions, and a phone interview with the CCO Leadership and Trips Director.

Click here for dates and availability

ITINERARY

Week 1: CIT’s go on a 5-day Backpacking trip in Rocky Mountain National Park where the group bonds with each other, refines their personal leadership style, and gets trained on some basic camp counselor topics such as risk management, dealing with negative behavior in a positive way, simple songs and games, age group characteristics, etc.

Weeks 2-4: CITs are placed into traditional camp cabins with campers ages 7-13. Here, they learn from a variety of counselors how to approach various situations are given several chances to lead and facilitate games and activities.

• Week 2 is focused on CITs observing CCO counselors working with campers and asking questions.
• Week 3 gives more responsibility to CITs and encourages them to take more initiative when getting the cabin ready for the day, traveling from place to place, and helping counselors deal with various camper issues.
• Week 4 is when CITs take the lead for the majority of activities and camper situations. The counselors in their cabins step in as needed to ensure proper camper-to-counselor supervision ratios and also to provide feedback to the CITs.

Other events during the CIT program include a service project, dinner at the CCO Executive Director’s house, a one-day rafting trip on the Upper Colorado River, a CIT “Exchange” where CITs get to see another YMCA camp for a day, and the opportunity to teach first-year Leadership Training Program campers about Leave No Trace.

Weekend camp is available after odd-numbered sessions. If your camper is planning on participating in another program directly before or after their CIT session, please check to see that weekend camp is available.

Interested? Have more questions? Contact the office at chiefouray@ymcarockies.org or call 970-887-2648.

“I loved being a CIT! The best part of the program was spending time at camp and being immersed in the camp culture.” -CIT Camper

“I really enjoyed working with the kids! The counselors I worked with were excellent and really made me feel like I made a difference.” -CIT Camper

Mission: YMCA of the Rockies puts Christian principles into practice through programs, staff and facilities in an environment that builds a healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

Our goal is to offer challenging experiences to build leaders through life-long skill development in a safe, imaginative, natural setting. We instill confidence through independence and interpersonal skills. We challenge our campers to discover their true selves.

CARING | HONESTY | RESPECT | RESPONSIBILITY | FAITH