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.

The CIT program takes place at Camp Junior and Camp Tommy. CITs at each camp will live together as a group with counselors 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, 2025
  • 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

Camp Junior and Camp Tommy:  

  • Session 1: Friday, June 27th – Thursday, July 3rd 
  • Session 2: Monday, July 7th – Friday, July 18th  
  • Session 3: Monday, July 21st– Friday, August 1st 
  • Session 4: Monday, August 4th – Friday, August 15th  

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 how you show up in the workplace answering the question –”How do I connect and work with others?” CITs begin to shadow activities to learn from activity leaders on how to lead amazing camp activities.
  • Session 3: Focus on practicing all the information learned and answering the question “Who am I going to be as a staff member?” CITs shadow counselors and practice working with different age groups.
  • Session 4: Focus on performance using all the skills learned and reflecting on how to continue to improve and grow. During the session, CITs are paired with a group.

Application Process

  1. 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.
  2. 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. The job link will be sent after starting step 1: the child application.
  3. Individual Interview: After CITs fill out the job application, they will be contacted to schedule an individual interview.  All interviews take place in person in the NYC office. References will be contacted after the interview.  
  4. Group Interview: CITs will be invited to a group interview. Final decisions on acceptance will be made by early April. 
  5. CIT Weekend: Accepted CITs will be invited to a CIT Weekend at camp in May.
  6. Paperwork: Accepted CITs will need to submit additional paperwork to be paid. CITs will also sign a CIT expectations agreement. All documents must be submitted by the set deadline in order for CITs to attend camp. 
  7. Parent/Guardian Orientation: All parents/guardian and CITs must watch an orientation video before the summer. There will also be a live orientation session to ask questions.  

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

en_USEnglish
es_MXSpanish zh_CNChinese en_USEnglish