Counselor In Training

The Counselor In Trianing program is where someone interested in being a staff member starts. The scout, who is at least 14 years old, attained the rank of First Class and attended camp within the last 12 months applies and goes through an interview process. If accepted we'll work with the scout to determine what week they can attend and the scout reports to camp at 11:00 AM that Sunday. This scout will spend the week learning what the staff does and how they do it. The price for the first week if $125.

Each morning will be spent in a different program area of camp. The afternoons are free so the scout can earn merit badges. He is also trained in areas like "How to be a Leader," "How to Teach," etc. At the end of the week he is interviewed again. This time, attention is paid to what he has learned, what the department directors thought of him, and what he thought of the departments. If he has done exceptionally well, and there is a need, he may be invited to join the staff for a 2nd week of training free of charge.

If invited his second week will be spent in a single department working and learning just like a staff member. At that end of the week he is interviewed again and they talk about his possibilities next year of being a staff member. This program is great even if the scout doesn't return next year on staff, because it develops his sense of leadership, and the troop will benefit. Troops could consider sending their SPL’s the week before the troop comes to camp. This way he could act as a pathfinder for the unit. When the troop's week arrives, he would know the staff and program thoroughly. Applications can be obtained at any of the Council Office, on-line at www.ctrivers.org or here and at the Camp Office during summer camp.