Counsellor-In-Training
Ages: 14-15
Price: $1,202 + GST
The Counsellor-In-Training (CIT) program is a twelve day overnight program for youth ages 14-15 to develop their leadership skills in a hands-on environment. Students will learn the foundations of leadership and have opportunity to apply their skills to program design and facilitation, and youth group management. There will also be ample time to simply enjoy camp life with their peers over the course of the two weeks spent together. Inevitably, every summer CITs become an integral part of the camp community as our new young leaders.
July 2025 Camp Dates
Session #1: June 30- July 11
Session #2: July 14-25
August 2025 Camp Dates
Session #3: July 28- August 8
Session #4: August 11-22
The Counsellor-In-Training (CIT) program is designed for youth who have a passion for the outdoors and for working with children. CIT is a unique opportunity for teenage participants to experience summer camp from a new perspective, taking on the role of a leader amongst campers. The CIT program will accelerate participants’ personal development through experiential learning and situational practice. Working and playing as a team, every summer our CITs inevitably develop a strong sense of community amongst their cohort and develop lasting friendships with their peers.
The CIT program is a two-week immersive overnight program that will engage youth and is sure to form fast friendships. The CIT Instructor will coach the CITs to explore their personal leadership style, helping them to build confidence and competence through applied learning and reflection. With the help of formal and informal sessions, cabin placements, and personal feedback, CITs will gain a deeper understanding of how to be an effective leader. CITs will practice their hand at group dynamics, program facilitation and behaviour management, receiving support along to the way.
CITs will also have the opportunity to participate in a RCABC Canoe Certification course, as well as receive their Emergency First Aid certificate as part of the program. Over the weekend, CITs will also enjoy a wilderness camping trip. Upon successful completion of the CIT program, participants will have gained practical experience and knowledge for working with children or youth in a leadership position.
While learning is the central component of the CIT program, CITs also have time to simply enjoy summer camp and the company of their peers. The two week program allows CITs to become integrated into the camp community, where all staff will support and coach them through their program.
CIT, like all programs at Sasamat, is founded on the values of inclusion, respect and compassion. CITs will be placed with day camp and overnight camp groups and staff, during which time CITs will be encouraged to uphold these values as peer leaders for other campers.
If you still have questions about CIT please visit our FAQ page, Pre-camp Info Guide or contact us at info@sasamat.org. Learn more about all of Sasamat’s program areas.
Daily Events
The schedule of a typical day in CIT might look like the following:
7:30am - Optional Polar Dip
8:15am - Breakfast: Waffles, fruit and yogurt
9:00am - Activity #1: Group facilitation lesson
10:30am - Activity #2: Canoeing
12:00pm - Lunch: Grilled cheese, tomato soup, fresh veggies and fruit
12:45pm - Rest Hour: Time to relax and do quiet activities in the cabin
1:30pm - Activity #3: Working with a camper group
3:00pm - Swim Time!
5:00pm - Dinner: Chicken alfredo, salad and freshly baked cookies for dessert
6:00pm - Activity #4: High ropes course
7:00pm - CYOA! (choose your own adventure - CITs join their campers on selected activities)
8:00pm - Campfire and evening snack: Juice, apples and Bits n’ Bites
9:00pm - Group reflection and debrief
10:00pm - Bedtime
CIT schedules will change significantly week-to-week as participants progress through the program. CITs will also enjoy a wilderness out-trip over the weekend.
Food
CITs will enjoy full food service meals prepared by Sasamat’s awesome in-house chefs. With a focus on nutrition and nourishment, menus are selected to provide variety and great taste. Each day, campers will enjoy three full meals, afternoon snack, and evening snack. If a camper has a dietary restriction, our kitchen is usually able accommodate special diets. For campers with serious dietary restrictions, families should call the office in advance to discuss special requirements.
Transportation
Numerous transportation options are available. Learn more about transportation for overnight camp.
Accommodation
CITs will sleep in our cabins, and counsellors will sleep in the cabin next door. Bathrooms are centrally located in the Main Lodge.
Before & After Care
Before and After Care is extended daytime care on Monday morning and Friday afternoon for families that may need longer child care hours. Before and After Care is based out of Port Moody Recreation Centre and is run by Sasamat Camp Counsellors. Participants will get to enjoy the recreation centre’s playground, as well as low organizational games or activities. The cost is $10 per day, and the hours are:
8:00am until the buses depart the Recreation Centre on Monday (i.e. 9:30am)
When the buses arrive end of day on Friday (i.e. 3:45pm) until 5:30pm
Cancellation Policy
If your plans change and you need to adjust your registration – not a problem! Our cancellation policy outlines what fees will apply, in addition to the non-refundable deposit of $100.00. Please note that the non-refundable deposit is per child, per registration.
