Counsellor In Training Program
The emphasis of the CIT Program is Discipline, Experience, Excitement and Development. The CIT Program provides opportunities and learning experiences for transitional age youth (13-15 years of age), instilling important employable skills to get them ready for tomorrow’s labour market. CITs gain on-the-job experience, enjoy the excitement of a great program, and develop new skills and knowledge.
The CIT program consists of two sessions: summer camp and ongoing school year. The first segment is to be completed during the summer camp months of July and August. The second segment of the program take places on a monthly basis, consisting of a training session or assisting with a Centre 55 program or special event. The training sessions will help to give CITs a competitive advantage when applying for employment in the future.
Upon successful completion of the 3-year CIT Program, participants will receive a leadership certificate and a letter of reference.
Eligibility & Registration Process
The CIT program is available to youth who meet the following requirements:
- Applicants must be 13 to 15 years of age (Born 2009 - 2011)
- Applicants have attended a Centre 55 camp in the past. Applicants who have not attended a Centre 55 camp may still apply and will be considered, if space permits.
The Registration Process For New CIT Applicants
- New applicants must submit a CIT Application Form via email or in-person by 4:00pm on April 26, 2024 to be considered.
- Invitations will be sent to new applicants to attend a CIT Selection Night on May 6th from 4:00 to 6:00pm. Applicants will be required to present a game, craft, or activity to their fellow applicants. Applicants will be selected based on their application form and performance at Selection Night. In general, we are looking for individuals who demonstrate maturity, creativity, enthusiasm.
- If selected into the program, new applicants must submit their CIT Program Registration Forms by Tuesday May 28, 2024 by 4pm.
The Registration Process For Returning CITS
Returning CITs will receive a space in the program provided they have:
- Met all of the requirements from the previous year
- Submit CIT Program Registration Forms by Tuesday May 28, 2024 by 4pm, and
- Attend a training session in June.
Please note: submitting a CIT Application Form does not guarantee enrollment in the CIT program. This is a competitive program with a maximum number of participants. Applicants selected for the program will be notified by May 13, 2024.
The deadline for both new & returning CIT Registration Forms is Tuesday, May 28, 2024 by 4PM.
Annual Cost
$425.00 (Includes: camp outings and transportation, admission, course fees, etc.) CITs are also required to purchase CC55 t-shirts, which must be worn every day during the summer session and when assisting with CC55 programs and events. Subsidies are not available for the CIT program. Please note this is a leadership program and therefore does not qualify for an official childcare tax receipt.
Program Description
Summer Session
This intensive 4-week segment will include seminars, program design, development and implementation, problem solving, mentoring, hands-on experience working with counsellors and campers, weekly meetings during camp sessions, weekly assigned duties, weekly assessments, completion of a skills checklist, and a personalized written performance evaluation. The participants will be actively engaged in their own evaluation. Each week we will focus on a designated character attribute that will shape the weekly training session and reflection. By implementing specific attributes, we intend for CITs to be specific in their goal setting activities and work towards attaining transferrable skills that are applicable in all fields of employment.
| Week 1 – Communication | Week 5 – Team Work |
| Week 2 – Initiative | Week 6 – Conflict Resolution |
| Week 3 - Confidence | Week 7 - Leadership |
| Week 4 - Enthusiasm | Week 8 - Professionalism |
Notes & Reminders
- You will need a bathing suit and towel every day.
- Always remember to wear a hat, CC55 t-shirt and sunscreen.
- Wear appropriate footwear and bring a backpack for easy transportation of personal belongings. Bring a lunch, drinks and snacks
- Arrive at camp by no later than 9:00am every day.
- First year CITs will not be selected to attend the overnight camping trips.
- Please leave any valuables at home.
- Community Centre 55 is not a nut free facility but we do have staff/campers with severe allergies to nuts. When packing your lunch and snacks please do not pack food with nut products.
School Year Session
The school year portion of the CIT program will build upon the knowledge gained by working in the summer camp. CITs will have the opportunity to further their program skills by assisting with the planning and implementation of various community events facilitated by Community Centre 55. The training offered is what would be needed for employment at Community Centre 55. To be a successful graduate, participants must attend 75% of the training sessions.
Yearly Breakdown Of Training & Events
| Year 1 Program | |
| September | High Five Certification |
| October | Program Planning Workshop |
| November | Christmas Parade |
| December | Share a Christmas Program |
| January | Winter Carnival |
| February | Babysitting Course |
| March | Disability Awareness Workshop |
| April | Breakfast with the Easter Bunny |
| Year 2 Program | |
| September | Employment Preparation Part 1 |
| October | Fall Festival |
| November | Christmas Parade |
| December | Breakfast with Hamper & Santa |
| January | Winter Carnival |
| February | Employment Preparation Part 2 |
| March | Disability Awareness Workshop |
| May | Spring Festival |
| Year 3 Program | |
| September | Employment Preparation Part 1 |
| February | Employment Preparation Part 2 |
| March | Disability Awareness Workshop |
| April | High Five Certification Part 2 |
| June | Graduation |
| June | First Aid Certification |
In addition to these workshops, 3rd year CITs are required to attend three additional events to mentor the 1st and 2nd year CITs. The signup for these events will occur in September/October.
Notes & Reminders
- Be on time for all meetings, workshops, events and programs.
- Come prepared to participate and ready to give constructive suggestions.
- Bring a snack and lunch to all trainings and events.
- Wear clothing and footwear appropriate for the training or event.
- If you have completed any of the scheduled trainings, you are not required to attend them, but are welcome to if you choose. If you feel that you do not need to complete the training again, please bring a photocopy of the certification for our records.
Contact Information
Tamara Mehdinejad
Program and Fundraising Coordinator
tamara@centre55.com
416-691-1113 ext. 223