Counselor-in-Training Program
Calling all 13-17 year olds who are interested in growing in their leadership skills, have a passion to serve as a positive role model and are excited to help create a week full of fun for our elementary-aged summer campers!
Our volunteer Counselor-In-Training (CIT) program offers opportunities for students to support our day to day summer camp programming through leading activities and support our staff with camper management. In addition, the CITs have a one-on-one mentee opportunity with a summer camp staff to set goals and conduct daily check-ins.
*Please note, CIT positions will be filled through an application process.
CIT EXPECTIONS
- An attitude to lead, engage, and work within a tight team
- Be willing to work outside for up to eight hours a day
- Display passion and interest in working with younger kids
- Lead daily activities with campers (i.e. forest walks, crafts, river play, etc)
- Attend our day long CIT training prior to Summer Camp
What Does A Day at Camp Look Like?
We start each day at Fassbinder (triangle) park with a check-in as a team, in which we go over the day. Once all the campers arrive, we do a brief morning circle then load in the vans to head to our location for the day. We rotate each day between field trips and heading to our Nature Center. Locations for field trips vary each week depending on our theme of the week and could look like going to Andrews Lake, visiting local farms, Canyons of the Ancients, or heading to Lime Creek. While at the Nature Center CITs may help lead morning announcements, help staff set up or take down equipment or supplies, lead afternoon elective activities or games, and support in facilitating lessons. During our field trip days CITs may assist with managing summer campers, lead theme-related lessons or activities, and work to create a fun and safe environment with summer campers. At the end of the day we wrap up with a closing check-in with staff and CITs to address anything that comes up throughout the day. Being a CIT for our SJMA Summer Camps is an opportunity for emerging teenagers to support and contribute to the success and contagious magic of summer camp.
Age Eligibility
13 – 17 years old (mature 12 year olds will be considered)
Required CIT Training
TBD, SJMA’s day long CIT training prior to Summer Camp
Camp Dates / Themes
June 2-6, 2025: Wildlife Neighbors
June 9-13, 2025: Water World
June 23-27, 2025: Predators and Prey
July 7-11, 2025: Biodiversity Blitz
July 14-18, 2025: Eco Village
July 21-25, 2025: Montezuma County – Living Off the Land
August 4-8, 2025: Nature Detectives
Cost
Free Program
Camp Location
Monday & Friday: San Juan National Forest land
Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday: Durango Nature Center (with the exception of July 22-26 in Montezuma County)
Drop Off / Pick Up Location
Fassbinder Park at corner of W 17th St and Main Street (with the exception of Montezuma JNFC where drop off/pick up is at Boyle Park, Mancos)
Drop Off / Pick Up Time
Monday – Thursday: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Friday: 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
Number of CITs
We will be offering three CIT spots for each week of summer camp. Upon completion of volunteering as a CIT you will receive a volunteer certificate of completion to add to your resume.
Registration
If you are interested in our CIT 2025 program, please apply through our 2025 Application Form. These applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and will be open until all spots are filled. Please allow for all CIT applicants to fill out this application on their own to the best of their ability.
Questions?
Check out our Camp Policies or contact SJMA’s Education Director, Adriana Stimax: astimax@sjma.org