Counselor-In-Training

Counselor-In-Training Program

Freshman – Seniors in High School

Our Counselor-In-Training (CIT) Summer Program is designed for high school students to develop leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. During the program, participants will work alongside camp counselors to assist with check-in/check-out, daily activities, and camper care.

CIT sessions are 3 weeks long:

Week 1: Shadowing experienced camp counselors
Week 2: Team teaching with a camp counselor
Week 3: Leading activities with counselor support

Camp Schedule: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Session 1: June 15 – July 2 (This is a holiday week – there is no camp on Friday, July 3rd)
Session 2: July 6 – July 24
Session 3: July 27 –August 14

Who can apply: high school students (must be turning 14 years old by September 1, 2026)

Members with Family level memberships and above will receive a 10% discount.

Application required prior to registration – See application below.

Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Program Application

This application is intended to be completed by the applicant themselves. Parental assistance in completing this application should be minimal. Acceptance is based on merit as well as availability in scheduling.

Do not register for a CIT Summer Camp session until you have confirmed your spot in the program. You will be notified once you may register.

Applications due Friday, May 1; Decisions announced Friday, May 29

Click Here to Apply!

Applications are now closed for this year. Please return to this page in March 2026 for the next round of applications.

Name of Applicant

Email Address

Confirm Email Address

Phone Number

Date of Birth (MM/DD/YYYY)

2026-27 School Year Grade

Name of School

Parent/Guardian Name

Parent/Guardian Email

What is your city of residence?

Out of the 3 CIT sessions, which one do you prefer?

Are you available to attend the mandatory summer camp trainings at Ocean Institute? Are you available to attend the mandatory summer camp trainings at Ocean Institute? Ocean Institute's Summer Camp Training (Monday, June 8th at 9:00 AM) and Marine Ecology Training (Tuesday, June 9th at 10:00 AM) are mandatory for all Counselors-in-Training (CITs) to attend before starting the program. Yes No I am a trained Ocean Institute volunteer.

Describe any experiences you have had working with children.

Describe an impactful experience you have had while at summer camp. (This can be an Ocean Institute or non-Ocean Institute summer camp)

Please think about a positive role model of yours. What are some attributes that you admire in this person?

If you were a camp counselor, what would you want campers to say about you?

Describe a time when you worked as a part of a group/team and describe your role.

What qualities do you have that would make you an asset to the CIT Program?

What skills do you hope to gain from the CIT program?

Do you have any skills, hidden talents, and/or hobbies?

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