Counselor-in-Training Camp

Age: 15 to 17 years old.

What is the Counselor in Training Program?

The Counselor in Training Program (or C.I.T., for veterans) is designed for youth from 15 to 17 years, hoping to one day become a camp counselor. The program is a training certified by the Association des Camps du Quebec, which allows one to work in camps in the summers following its completion. The C.I.T. program takes place over five weeks, with two days spent together at a sleepaway camp.

During the program, the future counselors will be trained in all aspects of camp life: the role of the counselor, working with children, animation, the planning of activities, creativity, safety, coworker relations, etc. Over the course of the 5 weeks, the C.I.T.s will take on responsibilities around camp and will complete the program with a placement in a group from the McGill Conservatory Day Camp.

The C.I.T. program is also an exciting experience in working and meeting others! Alongside peers with similar interests, trainees will have the chance to develop their personal leadership, their creativity, and their animation skills.

After the completion of the program, trainees receive a certificate from the Association des Camps du Quebec (ACQ), which comprises 125 camps in Quebec. This permits one, as soon as the following summer, to work both in day camps and sleepaway camps. This training is considered a major asset for many camps, including the McGill Conservatory Day Camp in hiring counselors.

Benefits of doing a C.I.T. program at the McGill Conservatory Day Camp

• A program grounded in the Performing Arts: Trainees will participate closely in the organization of the many shows put on by the McGill Conservatory Day Camp. Rehearsal, logistics, costumes, backstage management, etc. If you love music, theatre, fine arts, video, cinema or dance, this camp is for you!
• A Bilingual Program: Like all McGill Conservatory Day Camp programs, the C.I.T. program is completely bilingual. All animation and training is done both in English and French. This makes it a perfect opportunity to develop your second language. The ability to work both in English as well as in French will constitute a major advantage for future employment.
• A Techno-Savvy Program: the McGill Conservatory Day Camp fully utilizes all technologies: digital cameras, digital video, digital music, internet, etc. On top of your experience at camp, you will benefit from training in the use of a variety of technologies used by the camp.
• A Reputation for Innovation: Since its start in 1996, McGill Conservatory Day Camp has continuously evolved and developed its innovative programs: Garage Band Camp, Percussion Camp, Video and Cinema Camp, etc. To take part in the C.I.T. program at the McGill Conservatory Day Camp is to join this culture of pleasure, art, and originality.
• A Camp Perfectly Situated: the camp is situated on the Mcgill University Campus in downtown Montreal. It is easily accessible by car, bus, or metro, and is in walking distance of many great sites (Montreal Jazz Fest, Museums, Mount-Royal etc)