Counselor-in-Training Program

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About the Program

Our counselor-in-training (CIT) program offers teenagers the opportunity to gain valuable work experience by assisting counselors in day-to-day camp operations. CITs not only serve as an additional set of eyes and ears but are also able to partake in many of the camp’s activities including stream exploration, hiking, organized games, and arts and crafts. Participation in the program counts towards volunteer hours required by many local schools. CITs are encouraged to volunteer for two weekly sessions but it is not required.

Requirements:

The state of Connecticut considers any non-paid, minor CITs as campers. As such, all CITs must submit the same type of registration materials as our regular campers. Beginning in 2027, Junior CITs (ages 14 and 15) will incur a fee of $100 per week with the exception of children of family-level or above members.

CITs must:

be 14 – 17 years of age with parent/guardian permission
be available from 8:45 am – 3:15 pm each day of your registered session
have a completed and signed CIT Online Application (bottom of page)
have completed and signed recommendation forms (first year CITs only)
have a completed and signed Rules and Behavior Contract
have a completed physical and records of immunizations from the previous 36 months
have a completed and signed Waiver Packet

Responsibilities:
Include, but are not limited to

Setting up & cleaning materials for activities
Guiding campers through hands-on activities
Facilitating games
Helping campers stay on task
Engaging with the group through appropriate small talk and activities
Acting as an extra set of eyes and ears

ALL forms should be emailed back to our camp director, Tara

2026 Eco-Discovery Camp Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Program (#12)

2026 Eco-Discovery Camp Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Application

About the Camp Great Hollow’s Eco-Discovery Camp is an outdoor, environmental education day camp serving children ages 6-12. Heading into its eighth summer, our state-licensed camp offers children the opportunity to forge lasting connections to the natural world on our 825-acre nature preserve. Our days will be spent outdoors, exploring Great Hollow’s creeks, forests, meadows, and trails, learning about the critters that make this special place their home. Each weekly session includes science-based environmental education activities, arts and craftts, games, hikes, and daily time for unstructured outdoor play. Camp has three age groups—Curious Kids (6-8), Knee-High Naturalists (8-10 years old) and Eco-Explorers (9-12 years old)—that alternate, with typical weekly enrollment between 20 and 24 children.

About the Program Each session, a maximum of four CITs will work alongside the Camp Director and Camp Instructor to provide a week of fun and educational outdoor programming for our campers. CITs, supervised by the Camp Director and mentored by both the Director and Instructor, will have the opportunity to explore their interests in environmental education while gaining valuable experience working with children outdoors. As comfort and skills grow, CITs will be given opportunities to lead or help lead a variety of camp activities. Interested CITs may also be offered the chance to be trained in handling and presenting our education program reptiles. CITs will be provided a written record of their community service hours.

Responsibilities:

•Work with Director, Instructor, and other CITs to run daily camp activities.
•Work hours are 8:30 am -3:15 pm, Mon.-Fri. each session.
•Typical tasks include: participating in all games and activities or reinforcing camp expectations; assisting with snack and lunch times; accompanying campers to the restroom (all campers are toilet trained); interacting with campers during down-time (camper drop-off/pick-up, snack and lunch breaks, hiking on the trails, etc.); activity prep and clean-up
•Help Director and Instructor supervise children in an outdoor setting that includes forests,streams, and wetlands, with travel both on and off trail. We will be outside in all weather conditions except thunderstorms.

Who Can Apply? Students entering 9th-12th grades (min. of 14 years old). CITs are encouraged to work two weekly sessions (they do not need to be consecutive). Preference given to children of current members, siblings or campers, returning CITs, and applicants who can work multiple weekly sessions. Camp runs from June 15 to August 14. A weekly schedule can be viewed on the Summer Camp page of our website, greathollow.org. CITs must attend a short virtual orientation session prior to their first week volunteering and submit a record of a physical examination and completed immunization record from within the previous 36 months.Daily transportation to and from Great Hollow is the responsibility of the CIT.

Qualifications:

•Interests in outdoor and environmental education; wildlife and habitat conservation; New England natural history; ecology; wilderness living skills; nature-based arts and crafts;teaching and mentoring children.
•Highly motivated and able to handle responsibility
•Outgoing and engaging personality; ability to relate well to children
•Excellent communication skills; ability to follow directions and receive feedback
•Ability to work long days outdoors, often in hot weather
•Previous experience working with children is a strong plus, but not required

Application Directions:

Complete the following online application below. Have an adult (not a family member or friend), such as a teacher, who can speak to your suitability for the CIT position to fill out a reference form and submit directly to Great Hollow. Applications are due by 5/1/2026 and will be reviewed in the order in which they are received. Qualified applicants will be contacted by email. Please contact Camp Director, Tara Ewers at or (203) 546-7789 with any questions or concerns.

Your Information

First Name

Last Name

Address

Address Line 1

Address Line 2

City

State

Zip Code

Telephone Number

School

Current School Grade

Are you a...? (select all that apply)

Why do you want to volunteer as a CIT at Great Hollow?

Describe any skills or past experiences that you think will help you be a successful CIT

Describe your experience working with children, if applicable.

Use this space if you’d like to tell us anything else about yourself relevant to this position

2026 Camp Sessions

Camp hours are from 8:30 am - 3:15 pm

June 22-26 | Fins, Feathers, & Fur | Ages 6-10

June 29 - July 1 | Nature Rocks | Ages 6-10

July 6-10 | Women in Science | Ages 9-12

July 13-17 | Survival Week | Ages 9-12

July 20-24 | Magical Minds | Ages 9-12

July 27 - July 31 | Water Exploration Week | Ages 8-12

Aug 3-7 | STEAM Week | Ages 8-10

Aug 10-14 | Nature Arts Week | Ages 6-10

Aug 17-19 | Into The Woods | Ages 6-10

Parent/Guardian Information

First Name

Last Name

Address

Address Line 1

Address Line 2

City

State

Zip Code

Telephone Number

Electronic Signatures

If you are under the age of 18 a hard copy of this application will be sent back to you and will need to be signed by your parent/guardian.

I certify that my answers are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that if accepted into the program I am making a commitment of working at least two week-long sessions during the camp season. I am aware that misrepresentation or omission of facts may result in immediate dismissal from the CIT program.

Date

As the parent/guardian of the applicant, I understand the above statements and give my child permission to participate in this program. As this is a leadership program, I understand that my child will contact the Camp Director themselves with any questions or concerns.