Thank you for your interest in Frederick County Parks and Recreation’s Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program!

3/25/20 Update: Please contact Sarah Delise at sdelise@frederickcountymd.gov if you are interested in completing an online application and signing up for an online group interview.

2020 Counselor in Training (CIT)

For Grades 6-12 (in 2020-2021 School Year
Our LIT (Leader in Training) program has now merged with our CIT (Counselor in Training) program. Any teen in Grades 6-12 (in the 2020-2021 school year) can apply for the CIT program. Please see the interest letter for more information – specifically how to register for one of the required group interview sessions.

The CIT program is a hands-on educational program designed to develop the skills necessary to be an effective camp counselor. Program focus includes developing leadership, communication skills, team-building, goal-setting and working with children. It is not "working" at camp. A CIT is still technically a camper and therefore bound by many of the same rules and restrictions as regular campers, as well as the same code of behavior and policies as regular program staff. CITS will always work with another counselor and will receive mentorship from a camp director and CIT program coordinator.

The primary duty of a CIT is to assist with the overall supervision of campers and help to provide a safe, clean, supportive, and enjoyable atmosphere for campers. CITs help to contribute ideas and help with the planning of themed activities, and will plan and carry out at least two independently led activities each week, under the mentorship of the Camp Director and staff. The session will end with an individual evaluation by the Camp Directors and recommendations for the continuation of each participant’s development. At this time, CITs may be invited back for additional sessions; an additional registration fee would apply. CITs may receive SSL hours for time spent assisting with the supervision of campers and are responsible for their completion of all required paperwork with their school.

All CIT applicants should be interested in working with children and possess maturity, flexibility, a strong work ethic, and the ability to have fun.

How are CITs Selected?
CIT space is competitive and selective based off of group interview performance and full and detailed completion of their application. 

Group Interviews
To be considered for a CIT position, all returning and new candidates must attend (1) group interview session, where they will showcase their talents by leading a group game, activity, song, or craft. CIT applicants will also work to independently complete a written application. 

CITs will need to come prepared with names and contact information for (3) professional references (teacher, pastor, volunteer group leader, coach, etc).

Acceptance & Registration Information

CIT applicants will be informed of their acceptance on Wednesday, April 15, 2020. Applicants that have not been selected will be provided feedback and suggestions for development and programs that are available to assist with that. They will also be encouraged to apply again next year!

CIT Training
Applicants that have been accepted into the program will receive an acceptance letter and information on how to register for the 2-week session to secure their spot. Applicants must be able to commit to an entire 2-week session and attend (1) one mandatory training (dates listed below). Accepted CITs will attend a pre-camp staff training consisting of planning and playing games, safety training, leadership skills, and expectations of a CIT.

Training Dates
Monday, June 1 • 4:00-7:00 pm
Sunday, June 7 • 2:00-5:00 pm

2-Week CIT Sessions
Registration is $50 for the two-week session and the CIT must attend each day of their session. Since a CIT program is a training program, CITs are not paid, nor is there a guarantee that once the CIT has successfully completed the program, that they will be hired as a future camp counselor.

Financial assistance funds may be available for the CIT Program, and can be inquired through our administrative office at 301-600-2936.

Available Weeks:
SESSION 1: 6/22-7/3
SESSION 2: 7/6-7/17
SESSION 3: 7/20-7/31
SESSION 4: 8/3-8/14

Time: 8:30-4:30pm

Available Locations:

• Pinecliff – Outdoor Adventure Camp
• Monocacy: Middletown Rec Center
• Monocacy: Oakdale Rec Center* (not available for Session 4)
• Monocacy: Sugarloaf Rec Center
• Monocacy: Walkersville Rec Center
• Monocacy: Tuscarora Rec Center
• Catoctin Creek Nature Center
• Fountain Rock Nature Center
• Rose Hill Museum

Contact Sarah Delise directly for more information on possible half-day camp options, including half-day preschool enrichment camps and half-day preschool and youth sports development camps.

Camp Counselors

The LIT program was merged with the CIT program because we are now hiring counselors at the minimum age of 16. If you are interested in applying for a day camp counselor, nature counselor, or sports camp counselor position, please click HERE to browse and apply. 

Teen Camps

If you are interested in teen and leadership development camp options, we encourage you to learn more about the following options:

Teen Adventure Camp #21711

Jun 29, 2020 to Jul 3, 2020, 9am to 4pm
Pinecliff Park (Ages 12-14) REGISTER
Are you looking for activities for your teens to develop their skills and themselves this summer? Adventure Camp is a unique opportunity for youth to be exposed to outdoor adventure activities and challenges in a fun, safe, and healthy environment that promotes self-confidence, responsibility, self-awareness, problem-solving and decision making skills. Teens will enjoy activities including tubing, swimming, hiking, geocaching, campfire cooking, team building activities, and more! Three field trips throughout the week.

Teen Leaders Camp #21682

Jul 13, 2020 to Jul 17, 2020, 9am to 4pm
Pinecliff Park (Ages 11-13) REGISTER
Enjoy the traditional fun of summer camp while developing personal and life skills and gaining confidence through leadership in the outdoors. Camp will be outdoors so please dress for the weather, and bring a water bottle and packed lunch.

Archery & Bushcraft Skills Camp #21712

Jul 27, 2020 to Jul 31, 2020, 9am to 4pm
Pinecliff Park (Ages 12-17) REGISTER
Summer camps are a fun, rewarding, and most importantly, safe way of learning how to shoot archery. In these camps students will learn safety, the rules of the range, games and the basics of shooting with our highly trained staff. These programs are developed for archers ages 12-17. First half of day will be made up of Archery skills and games, second half Bush craft skills, including learning to make a Bow, shelter building, self-mapping and other skills. This is an outdoor camp so dress for the weather and bring a water bottle every day.