The Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program is back and a huge success!
The program, for campers completing the 9th and 10th grade who are not 16 years old, is designed to enhance interpersonal and communication skills while fostering independence and self-awareness. Providing leadership opportunities that prepare teens to become staff members and leaders within their communities, the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA CIT program helps campers grow and prepare for future potential opportunities as camp counselors.
We recently sat down with the CITs to learn more about their experience at the FSPY camp.
Here are some highlights:
Favorite Activity: Gaga is the favorite sport for all campers. Campers are excited to get in the pit and get the action started! The kids truly love playing gaga which is similar to a gentler version of dodgeball.
Important Learnings: All CITs feel that developing the skills to work with children was the paramount part of their experience. They watched counselors deftly work with campers to follow rules so all could have an enjoyable summer. The CITS learned how understand and work with children to ensure best behaviors.
Greatest Accomplishment: The group is proud of themselves for learning all the campers’ names and what interests each camper. The personalized attention allowed for every camper to feel special, build friendships, and create an amazing summer experience for all.
Memorable Moments: Each CIT has a memorable moment with campers including being asked if they were the senior counselor’s child, helping to cultivate creativity with art, and listening to their many tales and adventures. They enjoyed watching Little Sprouts start their Y camp experience. Each CIT reminisced about their FSPY start and were enthused to witness the next generation join the FSPY family.
Inspiration: The CITs wanted to be part of the FSPY CIT program to enhance their job opportunities for the future. In addition, as longtime campers, they recall looking up to and revering summer camp counselors and were excited to now be on the other side of this equation. One CIT credits his grandmother with encouraging him to pursue this opportunity!
CITs: Adrianna, Sofia, Julien, Matthew
All of our CITs are longtime members of the FSPY family and have participated in a variety of programs here including childcare, camp, aftercare, gymnastics, swim lessons and more!