What’s a CIT?

Counsellor In Training Program

Two-month leadership program

The Counsellor In Training (CIT) program is for 16-17 year-olds who are passionate about making a difference and role modelling the positive changes that we want to see in Ouareau’s community.

CIT program participants get a special glimpse into the behind the scenes of Camp; activities, camper care, teaching language, etc. as well as leadership opportunities, professional skill development and first aid!

The CIT program is divided into 4 stages; each with a different focus, and gradually increasing their responsibilities within camp life.

  • STAGE 1 - CIT Role & Camper Care

    Focus on helping 16 year olds transition from camper to CIT. The first 2 weeks highlight the bigger picture of Ouareau, provide a deeper understanding of the responsibilities of a camp counsellor, and concretize their new role as a CIT by providing both theoretical and hands-on child development and educational experiences.

  • STAGE 2 - Team Building & Self Reflection

    CIT’s will learn how to work together, problem-solve, lead their peers, and manage conflict. Stage 2 also includes our six day leadership canoe trip to allow participants to put theory into practice.

  • STAGE 3 - Activities & Programming

    Designed to help CITs learn and apply specific teaching strategies at activities, coaching, and supporting others through their learning, CITs will get the chance to participate in activity clinics, as well as develop and lead their very own camp programs. This stage also provides the opportunity for CITs to shadow a staff member of their choice.

  • STAGE 4 - Internship

    In their final two weeks, CITs will take all of the knowledge that they have acquired throughout the summer and apply it to their internship stage of the program. CITs will be teaching at activities, supervised by our staff, including swim/language classes, as well as taking more of a leadership position with their campers. There will also be a focus on professional development, including writing CVs and practicing interviews.

CITs are assigned to different camper groups each week, so they get to experience the most variety in age groups, working with different styles of counsellors, and meet the most campers possible.

They are involved in all aspects of camp life; campers will see them at meals with Novas and Lunas, at all activities, with their groups at different times (wake up, group clean-up, before evening program and bed time), they’re the ones in charge of Tuck (the candies campers get three times a week), and they also help out at the Dépanneur.

At activities, they will both hone their hard and soft skills specific to that activity but also learn to teach those skills and manage small groups. Through the summer they’ll go from being helpful participants to leaders wherever they go!

What former participants have to say about the program

  • "I joined the CIT program with a passion for the outdoors and a desire to help campers have a positive camp experience. Little did I know that this would be the most transformative summer of my life. The bonds we forge with other CITs, monits' and campers are unlike any other. It's not just about fun and games. It's about creating a supportive community where everyone is valued and encouraged to be authentic. The friendships and memories I made while participating in the CIT program will stay with me for the rest of my life. I can confidently say that this program not only prepared me to work with children in the future, but also enriched my life in many ways. It’s a journey of self-discovery, personal growth and the chance to have a positive impact on the lives of younger people.”

  • “My favourite memory is the canoe camping trip and the Crystal beach adventures. The morning we went to Crystal beach. It was raining, so my dry shoes were very wet, so I did what others do, I put duck tape all around. We started out with a big roll of tape and there was nothing left. That evening, we hunted leeches while washing the dishes and played werewolf, which was great fun, then sang Taps before going to bed. It was a great trip that allowed me to bond with the other CITs.“

  • “I attribute my success in my career as a young professional to the skills I learned during my CIT summer at camp. I learned to be a leader and gained confidence in my ability to organize and coordinate with a large team. I use these skills on a daily basis and am grateful to have acquired them in such a supportive environment.”

  • “For me, my CIT summer can be summed up in one word: leadership. I learned to take my place and take charge of a group or activity. I'm now a nurse clinician in a critical care unit, and it was my CIT summer that trained me as a leader and gave me the tools to take charge in professional issues for the good of my patients.”