J-Camp CITs get the whole camp experience

J-Camp at the Dwares JCC has an exciting opportunity for teens to become Counselors-in-Training this summer!

If you’re a teen going into grades 7-10 and you’re interested in working with children or in education, or you just want to be a part of our amazing summer J-Camp program, then our Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program is the perfect fit for you. CITs in J-Camp have a direct and crucial role while working with both the campers and the counselors, learning teaching techniques, being exposed to behavior management, planning and participating in tons of awesome games, and designing and running their own activities.

CITs will get to know and work with the campers each day. They will help the campers throughout the day and during pick-up and drop-off. One bonus to being a CIT at J-Camp is learning how to teach. CITs work intimately with J-camp specialists by helping them run their programs and training with them on how to plan and implement programs in their specialty fields. “I liked how we were in different camps each week. It helped me get a better understanding for different age groups,” said CIT Julia Keizler.

Additionally, CITs will have their own daily sessions to learn pedagogical skills. They’ll learn positive teaching techniques, ways to identify and correct disruptive behavior before it happens, handle emergency situations, prevent bullying and many more techniques that will prepare them to plan, create and run their own activities.

“I feel like I was trusted more as a CIT. I like how the kids look up to us,” said Jacob Hammarstrom.

CITs also get Red Cross CPR and first aid training, with the opportunity to get certified.

How do some of our CITs feel about the program?

“I like how we worked together,” said Michael Gerber.

“I like how we always have something to do with the kids,” said Kevin Alezker.

“I have to say, I was very nervous on the first day. Now, I feel I have nothing to worry about. I love the kids, and the kids love me,” said Jozef Zekanoski.

If you want to have fun working with kids while learning how to be a leader, we hope you will join us this summer as a CIT at J-Camp!

For more information, contact Shannon Boucher, sboucher@jewishallianceri.org, at 401-421-4111, ext. 147.

JESSE SMOLOVER is the J-Camp CIT Leader.