COUNSELOR-IN-TRAINING HANDBOOK Parks & Recreation is a Division of the General Services Department For more information on programs, events and services, call (941)429-7275 or visit www.cityofnorthport.com
Welcome! Congratulations on being selected for the GMAC Summer Day Camp Counselor-In-Training Program. This summer you will participate in a special leadership program designed to prepare you to be a future camp counselor. The CIT s role at camp is to learn about the program and how to effectively lead, coach, and motivate children. Over the summer you will learn to use your talents and abilities to make a positive contribution to the camp program. This handbook will help to assist you in the program. We look forward to a great season! Enthusiastically, North Port Parks & Recreation Staff 2
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Overview: The Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program is designed for teens entering 9th-12th grade. The program meets Monday through Friday from 8:30am 4:30pm for two (2) five-week sessions in conjunction with the GMAC Summer Day Camp. Mandatory pre-camp training will be conducted the week prior to the start of camp and includes basic leadership skills, camper age characteristics, group dynamics, conflict resolution, how to work collaboratively with adults and how to mentor young children. All CIT s are required to participate in the pre-camp training to be eligible for the program. In addition, the parent/guardian of the CIT must complete a background check release granting the City of North Port authorization to complete a background check on the CIT. Each CIT will be assigned to a Camp Counselor and will assist with a group of 10-15 children in grades K through 6th. Under the guidance of Summer Camp Staff, CITs will often participate in a leadership capacity, however, CIT s will not be responsibile for supervising campers alone. CIT program participation is on a volunteer basis. The Parks and Recreation Division will log the hours attended for each CIT and can provide documentation of volunteer service. Hours for pre-camp training are not eligible for service hours. The program registration fee includes the administrative costs associated with the program including shirts, field trip fees, and bus transportation. The fee cannot be prorated for days unattended. 4
Camp Staff: The camp program is led by Theresa Scully, Recreation Program Coordinator and Jonathan Wheatley, Recreation Supervisor. Summer Camp Counselors are a mix of students, parents, teachers and other professionals who all share a common goal to make the summer a fun and positive experience for campers. All staff attend a comprehensive training program which includes first aid/cpr, service standards, activity development, safety and security procedures along with undergoing state and local criminal background checks, state sexual predator background check, and substance screening. Jonathan Wheatley Parks & Recreation Supervisor Theresa Scully Recreation Program Coordinator The CIT Program is supervised by Theresa Scully, Recreation Program Coordinator. 5
Goal: To educate and train youth who are interested in working with children to become effective leaders and develop into successful future camp counselors. Objectives: By the end of the program, all participating CITs will have: Observed a variety of different activity areas Demonstrated the ability to teach an activity Assisted with administrative duties Assisted in planning and implementing camp activities Actively participated in discussions/meetings each week Planned and executed a service project Planned and executed an all-camp event Completed weekly self-evaluations with the CIT supervisor Activities: CIT s will reach these objectives by the following means: Experiential learning by shadowing and assisting staff Observation of staff teaching and coaching techniques Active participation in activities, special events, trips, and meetings Discussion/seminars with fellow CITs, mentors, and supervisors Researching ideas Evaluation, feedback, and assessment from peers, supervisors, and self 6
Responsibilities & Expectations: Assist Counselors with positive leadership, guidance, and motivation of campers. Coordinate, lead, and actively participate in group and camp-wide activities under the supervision of Camp Counselor s. Maintain good public relations with campers, parents, staff and the public. Appropriate language is to be used at all times. Set a good example for campers. Demonstrate a positive, friendly attitude. Be flexible. Arrive on time for camp each day. Demonstrate respect for City property, equipment and facilities. Do not use cell phones, IPods or other personal electronic devices during camp. If you are going to be absent from camp call the Recreation Program Coordinator prior to the start of camp. Camp Code of Conduct: The Parks and Recreation Division has established a Code of Conduct based on the guiding principles of respect, safety, behavior and personal property. This applies to all campers, counselors, CIT s, parents/ guardians and supervisory staff. Treat other campers, staff and visitors with respect Listen to announcements and follow the instructions of camp staff Never leave designated areas without permission No fighting or threatening violence No cursing or profane language No sexually suggestive language, behavior, or clothing No teasing or bullying of other campers No stealing No cell phone use during camp No weapons of any kind No smoking or drug use 7
Personal Safety Camper and Counselor safety is of utmost importance. In addition to the Camp Code of Conduct, clear guidelines for interaction and physical touch have been instituted and are vital to everyone s personal safety. CIT s should never be alone with campers for the protection of campers and staff. Additionally, campers should not be touched in any manner that may be construed as personal or private. Examples include applying sunscreen lotion, allowing campers to sit in your lap or carrying a camper. Discipline Should a disciplinary problem arise with a CIT, staff will first address the problem with the CIT and provide clear explanations as to why the specific behavior is inappropriate and help him/her find alternative behavior that meets expectations. If the problem affects the safety and wellbeing of another CIT, camper or staff member or if the issue cannot be resolved, the CIT s parent/guardian will be contacted and the CIT may be released from the program. 8
CIT Meetings: Group meetings between CIT s and the CIT supervisor take place twice per week. Additionally, the CIT supervisor will meet individually with each CIT at least once per week to assess his/her progress. Meetings may include activity planning, teaching techniques, skill building or goals. CIT Group Service Project: Service learning is a valuable way for CITs to build character, leadership and community by investing time in a project of their design. The process includes brainstorming an idea, agreeing on it, planning how it will be carried out, executing it, and finally, evaluating the experience and what was learned. The skills and camaraderie gained through the experience of reaching a common goal for a meaningful cause are invaluable and will make an impression that will last a lifetime. CIT All-Camp Event: Similar to the CIT project, the CIT all-camp event (CIT Day) will be a four-week planning process for CITs. The event is planned and produced for all campers. Through this process, CITs gain an understanding of the logistics of programming for a large group. Evaluations: CITs will set personal goals for each session. The CIT Supervisor will meet with CIT s weekly to evaluate their performance and discuss progress toward their goals. A combination of verbal feedback and written evaluations will be used to document the experience. At the end of the camp experience, CIT s will receive a certificate of completion. 9
Lunch: The GMAC Summer Camp participates in a free lunch program sponsored by the Sarasota County Schools Food and Nutrition Department. All school-age students qualify to participate in the program. Health: For the well-being of all CIT s, campers and staff, please refrain from attending camp if you have an illness that is contagious and can be passed on to others. If you require prescription medication during camp hours, a self-administration form must be completed by parent and doctor and submitted to the Recreation Program Coordinator in advance. Over the counter medications cannot be stored at the camp site or administered by staff. Dress Code: Shirts will be provided to all CIT s and must be worn each camp day. Shorts are acceptable - finger-tip length required. Athletic shoes must be worn daily. Sandals are not permitted. Swim suits are required on swim days. A one-piece bathing suit is preferred for female CIT s. Hats are acceptable for purposes of sun protection. No clothing/hats with inappropriate phrases/symbols. Summer Camp Contacts: Jonathan Wheatley, Recreation Supervisor 941-240-8122 Theresa Scully, Recreation Program Coordinator 941-240-8120 10
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C.I.T. COUNSELOR-IN-TRAINING