Counselor-In-Training

1 Counselor-in-Training Frequently Asked Questions Skyland Camp for Girls

Tell me about Skyland Camp for Girls. Since 1917, campers have come to Skyland and found something amazing. Themselves. At Skyland, people learn to embrace their own true selves, challenge their limits, and build some of their most meaningful connections with others.

With no more than 65 campers, each individual is an important member of the Skyland community. In fact, even the youngest and newest campers have opportunities to grow, lead, and contribute. Staff provide individualized attention that helps campers find mentors in all types of incredible girls and women. It is not uncommon for someone to leave Skyland feeling like she has gained a few grandmothers, lots of cool moms, aunts, older cousins, and scores of sisters.

What is Skyland’s Mission? Through traditional camp programs, Skyland Camp for Girls inspires girls to be curious, creative, confident and connected to each other, and to the world.

The following values support our mission and guide us both as an organization and as individuals in our work.

 Welcoming – We invite people to find space here, to feel safe, to create community, to feel at home and find nourishment. Our environment is nurturing, relaxing, stimulating and inspiring.

 Teamwork – We work together, inclusively, collaboratively, with energy, intention and commitment. We keep each other informed, share what we are thinking and doing, and expect the same in return.

 Service – We value the practice of service and what it teaches us about ourselves and our relation to others. Our campers and guests are here to experience the world in new ways. We are attuned to and care about their experience, needs and expectations. We treat each other with similar grace.

 Integrity – In business and in relationships, we conduct ourselves with honesty, fairness, truth, candor and respect. We treat others as we ourselves would want to be treated. We focus on the collective good.

 Accountability – We expect each of us to do what we say we will, to meet commitments and to be dependable and responsible. [Type text] [Type text] [Type text]

What is the purpose of the CIT program? The purpose of the CIT program is to provide leadership training and opportunities to high school students who wish to become counselors at Skyland Camp for Girls. We use a hands-on approach that combines classroom instruction, on-the-job training, and personal reflection and assessment. The CIT training program provides a network of support – through a team of peers, staff mentorship, and one- on-one meetings with the CIT supervisor. How will being a CIT or camp counselor prepare me for my future? Your training and future work as a camp counselor will help you develop critical skills for your own personal development and for future jobs. As a CIT you will have the opportunity to practice and develop the following skills that are critical to college and business success:

 Plan and lead activities  Take appropriate initiative  Adapt to individual needs  Be a confident leader  Create and maintain harmonious  Teach skills to various age groups communities  Have patience and perseverance  Solve problems using smart and  Demonstrate personal commitment efficient approaches and dedication  Create and maintain strong  Motivate yourself and others relationships with varied age groups  Be part of a team What does a Counselor do? Who is this ‘Camp Counselor’ that I’m training to be? Counselors are the front-line mentors and teachers for Skyland campers. At Skyland, counselors work as both cabin and activity counselors. They live and sleep alongside their campers in the cabin, facilitate effective (and sometimes goofy) bonding activities during free time, and help campers who might be learning new skills for the first time.

In their activities, counselors are the people who make the activity happen, from planning for each of the different age groups, to gathering supplies to leading the activity with campers. Counselors also have special “additional duties” like planning an evening all-camp Clubhouse activity, handing out mail during mail call, or taking photos and video around camp, among others. Please see the Camp Counselor job description for more information about the position. What are my daily responsibilities? CITs follow the same daily schedule as counselors and are expected to be active participants in all onsite and offsite activities. Under the supervision of counselors and other staff, you will help prepare campers for their day, participate as a positive role model at all meal times, and help teach activities and lead evening clubhouse. You will also have frequent group meetings as a CIT team where you will learn, discuss, and practice key leadership and counselor skills like communication, conflict resolution, lesson planning and many more. On some days, you will meet one-on-one with your supervisor to reflect on your progress and set short-term goals.

I’ve never done this before. Is somebody going to be looking out for me? Not to worry. You will be supported through CIT meetings, staff mentorship, and one-on-one work with a dedicated supervisor. You will be assigned to work with a group of campers and help teach an activity, but there will always be a seasoned counselor working with that same group or activity. Those counselors will help guide you in leading specific age groups and activities. 3

Can I be a CIT all summer? No, the CIT training period is for one session only (18 days). CITs also attend on-site staff training. What is pre-camp training? Is it the same thing as on-site training and orientation? Pre-camp training and orientation are two separate things. Pre-camp training is done on your own time prior to arriving at camp. It generally consists of video training through our partner, Expert Online Training, as well as some books or other resources that you are expected to read. Pre-camp training prepares you with basic skills and allows you to work at your own pace.

On-site training and orientation is a training and team-building experience that takes place immediately before the start of first session. All staff arrives on Skyland Hill several days before opening day to prepare for the upcoming summer. In addition to classroom and experiential training, staff learns the ins and outs of life at Skyland and prepares for the arrival of campers. While second session CITs will have a short on-site training and orientation prior to the start of second session, we strongly encourage all CITs to attend the pre-summer orientation with the rest of the staff. Can my best friend and I be CITs together? Unfortunately, we can’t guarantee that you will be in the CIT program during the same session as your best friend. Our primary goal is to support the needs of the camp, though we will take your session preferences into consideration during CIT placement. Do CITs get time off? CITs will have a half-day off together during the session to relax and enjoy activities they choose in the surrounding area. A staff member will chaperone and supervise this time off. CITs will not leave Skyland property without a member of the senior staff, and they do not take time off with other counselors. Can I get community service hours for being a CIT? Sure, and we think that’s a great idea! We’re happy to have necessary conversations and fill out forms and documents for you to receive community service credit. Where will I live? CITs will be assigned to a group of campers (generally with the youngest campers in the Big House) and live with those campers, counselors, and other CITs. CITs will have a room separate from campers in which to keep their belongings. All living areas have restrooms, and shower facilities are available in the Big House and in separate ‘shower huts’ located near the cabins.

What about the food? Can you accommodate my dietary preferences/allergies? At Skyland, we pride ourselves for serving wholesome, made-from scratch food and using plenty of local produce. Three meals each day are served family-style and each table accommodates six campers and at least one counselor. As role models to campers, it is important that staff members eat what is served and encourage campers to try new things. Fruits and vegetables are plentiful at each meal and it’s not uncommon to see fresh fruits on the all-day snack table, a healthy salad bar at supper or an oatmeal bar at breakfast.

Staff also has access to a shared refrigerator and storage space for food they may want to have available, provided that it is kept in sealed containers and not eaten in front of campers. [Type text] [Type text] [Type text] Unfortunately, Skyland is not able to accommodate severe or life-threatening food allergies, but does provide vegetarian options, as well as options for gluten and dairy sensitivity (100% gluten and/or dairy-free cannot be guaranteed). If you have specific dietary concerns, let us know and we’ll be happy to discuss options.

What if I get sick? The camp nurse and Infirmary are available to everyone at Skyland Camp. If further medical attention is required, we will make arrangements for you to receive that attention. The costs of prescriptions, doctor and hospital visits, and any other services rendered are your responsibility. You will be required to submit health forms and insurance information before camp begins. We will be in contact with your parents or guardians should you need outside medical attention. Should I pack special counselor stuff? You should follow the same packing list as the rest of the staff. You should also bring any books, notes, or other materials that you used in pre-camp training. If you want, you can also bring activities to do with your campers, like puzzles, books, crafts, or hobbies you think they’ll enjoy. You may want to bring a large backpack to help carry gear on hikes, and a few extra bandanas never hurt! Can I bring my car? Please leave your car at home. CITs don’t leave Skyland alone and won’t need a car at any point during the session. You can be dropped off and picked up from camp by your parents or guardians, or carpool with other staff who are coming for the same session. If you need to be picked up or dropped off at the Asheville airport, let us know and we’ll make arrangements to do so. Can I bring my cell phone? What about my laptop or tablet? We encourage our staff to use the opportunity to ‘unplug’ at camp, just as we do the campers. What a great time to make use of good ‘ol fashioned snail mail! You may decide to bring cell phones and laptops, though individuals who do so assume all risks and liabilities. You are welcome to take care of any personal business on time off, including use of cell phones and laptops and keeping in touch with people away from camp. These special technology privileges should not detract from a staff member’s work nor be used in the presence of or made evident to campers.

What comes after my CIT year? After successful completion of the CIT program, you may apply for a Junior Counselor or Counselor position. Following are Skyland Camp positions and requirements:  Junior Counselor: 16-17 years old and have completed your junior year in high school and Skyland’s Counselor-in-Training.  Counselors: 18+ years old and a high school graduate.  Administrative staff: 21+ years old and a college graduate or equivalent experience. Additional experience may be required depending on position.  Maintenance/Housekeeping staff: at least 16 years old.

Who do I contact with questions about the program? Please contact Wendy Burns at [email protected] or (828) 627-2470.