CIT Program

The CIT program is a leadership and staff development program which prepares young adults for working with children in camps and other professional settings. Participants develop leadership, team-building, and communication skills, and are asked to be role models to campers by exhibiting positive leadership and behaviors.

Positions are available at Camp Anita Bliss Coler (ABC), Camp Hayden-Marks, Camp Junior, Camp Mariah, and Camp Tommy. CITs at each camp will live together as a group in rustic cabins that may not have electricity.

Qualifications

All who qualify are welcome to apply. Former Fresh Air Fund participants are given priority. 

All applicants must:

  • Be either 16 or 17 years old by July 1, 2024
  • Live in and go to school in one of NYC’s five boroughs
  • Be eligible for free or reduced lunch under the USDA income guidelines
  • Have an interest in working with children and improving leadership and communication skills through workshops and hands-on activities in an outdoor setting
  • Be flexible and open to trying new programs and being a cooperative member of a team

Session Dates

Camps ABC, Hayden-Marks, Hidden Valley, Junior and Tommy: 

  • Session 1: Thursday, June 27th – Friday, July 5th
  • Session 2: Monday, July 8th – Thursday, July 18th
  • Session 3: Monday, July 22nd – Friday, August 2nd
  • Session 4: Monday, August 5th – Friday, August 16th

 Camp Mariah 

  • Session 1: Friday, June 28th – Friday, July 19th
  • Session 2: Friday, July 26th – Friday, August 16th

Program Details

The CIT program is a progressive program and each session has a different focus.

  • Session 1: Focus on personal purpose answering the questions “Who am I?” and “Who am I as a leader?”
  • Session 2: Focus on planning –”How do I connect and work with others?”
  • Session 3: Focus on practicing all the information learned and answering the question “Who am I going to be as a staff member?”
  • Session 4: Focus on performance using all the skills learned and reflecting on how to continue to improve and grow.

Application Process

  1. Info Session: To apply for the CIT program, interested applicants will attend an information session in December or January. The information session will include information about the program and the next steps of the application process. (To sign up for an information session, please call the Camping Department at 212-897-8919.)
  2. Child Application: All parents/guardians need to complete the child application via the family portal. A child application must be started to move on to the next steps.
  3. CIT Job Application: CITs will fill out a job application to express interest in the position, explain why they are suitable and provide reference contact information.
  4. Group Interview: After CITs fill out the job application, they will be contacted to schedule a group interview in February and March. References will be contacted after the interview. Final decisions will be made by early April.
  5. Payroll Paperwork: CITs will need to submit additional paperwork to be paid. All documents must be submitted by the set deadline in order for CITs to attend camp.
  6. Parent/Guardian Orientation: All parents/guardian and CITs must attend a mandatory orientation session pre-summer to review expectations.

We look forward to receiving your application! If you have any questions, please contact us at 212-897-8919 or cit@freshair.org

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