Counselors-in-Training Program (C.I.T.)

Ages 14 - 16 (Entering Grades 10 – 11 )

Camp offered: Starts Session 2 and goes from July 7 - July 25
Fee: $395 for a three-week session
Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Watchung Reservation

Designed to encourage leadership and responsibility in young men and women, this program helps campers transition into new roles as junior counselors.

With the help of our talented CIT Director and capable staff, counselors-in-training develop their own schedules and participate in group discussions that encourage them to express their feelings about being teenagers. Through a variety of activities, the teens have opportunities to increase their self-confidence, learn leadership skills, listen, solve problems and act as positive role models for each other and for younger campers.

Once they have earned their posts as CIT's, teens work alongside counselors in a number of Y camps, learning the art of caring and leadership.

To be accepted in the program, teens or their parents must complete the necessary camp registration form and return it with the required $75.00 deposit. Each teen will then be called for an interview. Please sign up soon - limited spots available and we would not want your teen to miss this enriching educational program.

TRANSPORTATION

We bus the children daily from the YMCA to the Loop Area of the Watchung Reservation, a great place for exploration and discovery!  The campers utilize portable bathroom facilities and the YMCA brings fresh drinking water to the site each day

Please make sure you check your child’s backpack and personal belongings for “notices from camp” each day your child returns home.  Schedules, field trip information and any changes made regarding camp will be sent home with your child.

If your child will be absent from camp, please call the YMCA by 8:15 AM at (908) 273-3330 ext 165 and leave a message on the Absentee Hotline.

DROP-OFF / PICK-UP PROCEDURES:

Campers are dropped-off and picked-up at the YMCA. Drop-off at the YMCA is between 8:30 - 8:45 AM.

Campers meet in the gym on Mondays and in front of the YMCA on all other days.

All campers will take the bus to and from the Watchung Reservation. Pick-up at the YMCA is between 4:00 - 4:10 PM.  PLEASE DO NOT park directly in front of the YMCA, as the busses load and unload there.  All campers must be signed in and out by a parent/guardian or other authorized person. For the safety of our campers, no children will be allowed to leave the YMCA without an adult signature.

If your child is not picked-up by 4:10, the YMCA reserves the right to place your child in Post-Camp at your expense.

PRE/POST CAMP EXTENDED CARE:

Pre-Camp and Post-Camp are available for an additional fee.  You must sign-up for this option prior to your child attending camp.  Pre-Camp runs from 7:30 AM until the start of camp.  Post-Camp runs from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM.

Campers who are pre-registered for Pre-Camp and/or Post-Camp will meet in the gym. Post-Campers will receive a small snack and have the opportunity to participate in recreational swim (Summit YMCA only). Parents who pick up their children later than 6:00 PM will be charged a late fee of $2 per minute.

SWIMMING

Campers will participate in recreational swim at the Summit YMCA. On swim days, Campers should bring a bag with a bathing suit and towel, labeled with their name. The YMCA will shuttle the campers from the Reservation to the YMCA and back. 

RAINY DAYS (Extreme Weather)

As this is a natural outdoor setting, we are affected by the weather.  On rainy days, camp will be held at Franklin School in Summit. Do not drop your child off at Franklin School.  On rainy days the Camp Director will make a decision at the YMCA as to where the buses will go.

FIELD TRIPS & WEEKLY EVENTS

Each week on Thursdays, Camp Cannundus will participate in either a Field Trip OR an All Camp Event.  Past activities for all camp events have included Olympics, BBQ and Nature Day.  Information for each week’s events will be sent home during the week.

WHAT TO WEAR

Campers should dress for camp activities in shorts, t-shirt, socks and sneakers. No sandals and flip-flops. Please apply sunscreen to your child before camp and teach them how to reapply.  YMCA staff are not allowed to apply sunscreen to campers.  Expect your child to get dirty while enjoying camp! Each camper will receive one YMCA camp t-shirt to be worn on Trip/All Camp Event Days.

WHAT TO BRING

Campers should bring a swimming bag on swim days, and lunch every day. Other personal items do NOT belong at camp, such as trading cards, water guns, Game Boys, and other electronic devices. If these items are brought to camp, the Camp Director will hold them during the day and give them back to your child at the end of camp.  When we have a special theme day, your child’s counselor may request a specific item to be brought to camp. This will be done in writing. All personal items should be labeled with you child’s name. Children should not bring money to camp on regular days. They are not permitted to use the YMCA vending machines during Pre-Camp, Camp or Post-Camp. 

LUNCH

Campers should bring a non-perishable lunch and drink (no glass!) to camp each day. An insulated lunch bag is recommended, as there are no refrigeration facilities at the Reservation. Water is available for campers throughout the day.

MEDICAL FORMS

State law requires that all campers have a current Medical Form on file BEFORE attending camp.  The YMCA must receive the completed form with your FIRST payment. PLEASE SEE PAYMENT SCHEDULE.  The form does not need to be completed by a doctor.  Camper safety is a main priority and all of our staff are trained in emergency procedures. 

MEDICATIONS

If your child will be taking medication during camp, the camp must have written permission from the child’s doctor about the medication in addition to our Camp’s Medication Form. This includes any over the counter medications. The medication form must be turned in to the director a month prior to your child’s first week of camp.

CARING STAFF

We carefully select counselors that have a genuine interest in children, enjoy being with children, and have the ability to interact in a positive and caring way with your child. All of our counselors have certification in First Aid and CPR for the Professional Rescuer. They receive training in YMCA leadership skills, safety and emergency procedures, and the principles of healthy child development. All staff members and volunteers go through criminal background and drug tests prior to the start of camp.

DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES

In order for our camp to operate smoothly we must set reasonable limitations.  Limits are necessary to maintain safety, protect health and regard the rights of others.  Constructive methods of discipline will be used to promote the child's self-discipline and good behavior.  Serious behavior that affects other children, counselors or supervisors, such as, but not limited to, swearing, fighting, leaving the group or refusal to obey directives of staff, will be handled in the following manner:

Any other discipline problems as determined by the staff may also be reasons for
warnings or termination. In very serious cases, suspension may be the first step.