Should I be a counselor in training at a summer camp?

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Meril
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06 Nov 2014, 7:40 pm

I am considering being a counselor in training or "CIT" at a BSA camp next summer. Has anyone worked at summer camp? What is it like? I am a little worried about spending so much time away from home, but I may or may not work most of the summer. (I have a trip, but I also can work the rest of the time or just 4 weeks) Will they think I'm stupid? I love going to camp.
Thanks



kraftiekortie
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06 Nov 2014, 9:21 pm

If you love going to camp, you'd make a great CIT.

They never even considered making me a CIT, even when I was 15; I was too immature.

At least, they think you're mature enough--a great accomplishment for somebody on the Spectrum!

I went to sleepaway camp for at least eight weeks a year from the age of 7 through the age of 15--so I have lots of "camp experience."



Meril
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06 Nov 2014, 9:53 pm

I actually haven't applied yet, so I don't know for sure that they think I'm mature enough. :( But my parents do. :lol: I had a job before, and I hope they thought I was mature. (It was seasonal, I wasn't fired) thanks for your input. :D



kraftiekortie
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06 Nov 2014, 10:13 pm

If you had a job, and were not fired, you're mature enough to be a CIT.

Do they ask for a resume--if so, I'd definitely put the job down--you'd be sure to be approved for the CIT position.

I guess you'd have to be 18 or have some college to be an actual counselor.



luanqibazao
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06 Nov 2014, 10:33 pm

I was a CIT, then counselor, at a Y camp for four years in all, after attending the same camp seven summers as a camper. I probably wasn't really mature enough the first year or two, but I had an absolute blast. I came away from the experience with a lot more confidence, patience, and understanding, many terrific memories, and a few lifelong friends.

The only downside, from an Aspie perspective, is that it's nearly constant social interaction. Mostly with kids, though, which I always found less stressful than dealing with adults. Anyway if you've been to the camp as a camper you have a pretty good idea what goes on. If you think you can handle the responsibility I think you'll have a great time.



kraftiekortie
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06 Nov 2014, 10:48 pm

BSA means Boy Scouts, right?

How far did you get in Scouting?

I would guess, if you got to at least Star or Life, you'd make an excellent CIT. You'd have the credentials.

Pretty darn good for someone on the Spectrum!

I never made it past Tenderfoot myself. I quit when I was 12. I was in a "special needs" troop.



Meril
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07 Nov 2014, 9:28 am

It does mean Boy Scouts, but I'm a venture scout. I haven't been in it long enough for any rank, but I'm not sure they care. The age requirement is also the age you can join venture scouts, and they do hire venture scouts, so I don't think they will care about my rank or lack thereof. I hope I'm not going to be the only girl, though I could handle it since that happens to me quite a bit. I am planning on seeing if I can get any of my friends to come so that I don't go not knowing anyone, but I also heard that its hard to work with friends. Is it a good idea?

Thanks sooooo much!



kraftiekortie
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07 Nov 2014, 9:33 am

It depends upon the personality of your friends. If they are ultra-competitive, it might be hard to work with them. Then again, it IS always nice to know somebody so you could confide in that somebody.

When I was in Boy Scouts (now called just "Scouts"), they had something called "'Explorers" for the over 15 set.

Have you received any "badges" or any such things? They MIGHT care about that--because the "badges" means that you've earned credentials in, say, tying knots, using an axe, first aid, etc.

If I were an "HR" person for a summer camp, I would like it if one of my CIT's had first aid training, training in CPR, etc.