What I Learned as a Counselor In Training
My counselor in training (CIT) summer was the best summer of my life and there are no questions about it. I realize this may sound peculiar, but having the opportunity to serve the summer camp that I love while getting so much out of it was such a unique experience.
A lot of people don’t fully understand what it means to be a CIT. My CIT summer job consisted of what may be obvious— cleaning the bathrooms, washing dishes, and push mowing. I really did get to serve camp in a unique way. I got the opportunity to serve every single person at camp— from campers, to Ms. Ada, to my co-counselors. CITs play a vital role in Camp functioning, and knowing this made my job so much more precious. Having the opportunity to help create situations at summer camp in which campers would be able to enjoy the same things I did as a camper was incredible. Because I treasured so much my years as a camper, I was able to appreciate all the more getting my hands dirty. I learned the value of hard work, and knowing that kids were having the time of their lives, partly because of the work I was putting in, was so worth it.
My counselor in training (CIT) summer was the best summer of my life and there are no questions about it. – Grace
Beyond the physical aspects of my summer job, I experienced so much mental growth. I feel like I changed so much this summer— it was truly beneficial transformation. Each week we had the opportunity to engage in two huddles. During our huddles our group leader would pose a question meant to challenge us and help us to better understand ourselves and our peers. Before this summer I really did not spend much time self-reflecting. I wanted to do this more, and the CIT program really created the space for this to happen. Through the CIT Program I learned so much about myself and was continually put in situations in which I could exercise my natural strengths— some of which I had not been previously aware of.
I learned the value of hard work, and knowing that kids were having the time of their lives, partly because of the work I was putting in, was so worth it. – Grace
Through my CIT experience, I grabbed a hold of three very important lessons that have continually helped me in college. First, I learned how to lead in resolving conflict. Traditionally I (and others) have avoided conflict, but now, instead of dodging it, I now can maneuver it in a constructive way that leads to personal growth…both for me and those I’m entering into it with. I also grew in emotional intelligence. Before the summer, I was not particularly good at understanding other people’s feelings or recognizing how to respond. Now I’m better able to pick up on others’ feelings and respond in an appropriate way. Finally, and maybe most importantly, I learned that I am a nurturing person. I better know how I’m wired (my true significance)!
These self-realizations may come off as not super important, but for an incoming college freshman, they were pivotal. The work I did and the things I learned about myself have served me so well during my freshman year of college. – Grace
These self-realizations may come off as not super important, but for an incoming college freshman, they were pivotal. The work I did at summer camp and the things I learned about myself have served me so well during my freshman year of college. The transition into college is not an easy one, but the lessons I learned this summer helped smooth that transition. My CIT Summer truly was the best summer of my life!
- Grace Stark, CIT Class of 2017
