COUNSELOR IN TRAINING PROGRAM

CHECK BACK THIS FALL FOR INFO ON 2011 CIT PROGRAM.

Requirements for the CIT Program

• Must be between their junior and senior year in high school. (This program is not based on camper age.)
• Must be able to attend the first five sessions of camp along with one week of Counselor Training for a total of six weeks. Exact dates tba. Conflicts between school schedules and Counselor Training week do sometimes occur; therefore, applicants need to be available at least five weeks of this six-week program without exception.
• The 2011 fee for the CIT program will be set in Fall 2010.   The fee includes two t-shirts, a staff shirt, a CIT group photo and travel for any field trips.
• A luncheon and training the first Sunday of Counselor Training week.
• Must be prepared to serve others while taking on an active leadership role at camp.

Details of the CIT Program

• Learn by doing in a safe environment.
• Assigned to a counselor and cabin of campers to begin with for the purpose of “shadowing” during meals, free time, coffee breaks and evening activities.  Allowing them the opportunity to further develop their leadership skills while reinforcing their knowledge and comfort with the various age groups at camp.
• Relief counseling as needed.  This opportunity is based on performance and evaluations.
• Four of the eight daily classes spent teaching/assisting in the classes and electives offered to campers.
• Two of the eight daily classes designated for CIT class.
• Remaining two classes spent in riding or vaulting according to their rank(s) at Rawhide.
• Help make the Horse Show a safe and rewarding experience for our campers, rather than participate for their own benefit.
• Field trip(s) to other camps for program comparison while gaining knowledge of what other activities are available in our local counties.
• Promote and maintain the recycling program.
• Weekly evaluations for the purpose of learning personal strengths and to set tangible goals for growth opportunities. 
• Time off provided every Saturday at noon to Sunday at noon.  Participants are required (unless previous arrangements have been made with the CIT/LIT Director) to leave the ranch for some needed rest and relaxation due to their demanding schedule, the high level of expectation placed on them and their lack of free time during the week.

Goal of the CIT Program
Our goal is to help prepare participants for leadership roles in all walks of life, specifically those that involve the leadership of children.

Application Process
We encourage all those highly motivated and up for the challenge of leadership to submit an application.  Please note first consideration will be given to those who participated in the LIT program the previous year; however, it is important to recognize that all participants are chosen based on merit and ability. No one is guaranteed a position.  Forms can be downloaded.  All necessary paperwork is due by February 1st.   

• Previous LIT Participants
• Application including 600 word essay.
• Face to face interviews to be arranged starting in early March here at Rawhide Ranch.       
• New Applicants
• Application
• Parent/Guardian Reference
• Three personal references from teachers, coaches, religious leaders and/or an employer. 
• Please note: close friends of the family or Rawhide Ranch staff (past or present) are not sufficient for our purposes
• Face to face interviews will be arranged starting in early March here at Rawhide Ranch.

Applicants will be notified by mid May of their acceptance in the program after all interviews have been completed.  Unfortunately, we have a limited number of spaces in our program so not all who apply are accepted. One should not simply apply because they hope to seek future   employment at Rawhide Ranch.  We are looking for applicants with a strong interest in making a positive difference in the lives of children while making a contribution to camp and developing their own leadership skills.  All those invited to participate should understand the opportunity is a privilege and approach it with a sense of responsibility and enthusiasm.