Dear Counselor in Training Applicants, Thank you for your interest in the Counselor in Training program at YMCA Storer Camps. This program is specifically designed for teens (entering 11th and 12th grades) that have a sincere desire to develop their leadership skills and are interested in becoming a future camp counselor. The objective of the Counselor in Training (CIT) Program is to develop skills working with children in an outdoor setting and community. During the two week session, CIT’s will have a “behind the scenes” look at how camp operates, including shadowing Resident Camp counselors to specifically observe and learn various leadership skills and techniques. Daily workshops will instruct CIT’s on various aspects of running a successful camping program, including administration, safety, program activities and character development. From their arrival at camp, CIT’s will be given the opportunity to live in a cabin with campers and assist YMCA Storer Camp staff members in that cabin. At the conclusion of the program, CIT’s are evaluated by the CIT Director and will leave camp with resources to assist them in future endeavors at Storer Camps and in the world. CIT’s will also have the opportunity to enjoy many recreational activities during their session with their cabin. In order to apply for the CIT program, applicants must be entering 11th or 12th grade in the fall of the next school year. Please complete the enclosed application form and have three individuals fill out the enclosed reference forms. These can be professional or character references, but should not be friends or relatives. Application Deadline is March 31, 2016. Once your application and references have been received, we will contact you to set up a short phone interview. All applicants will be notified by May 5, 2016 if they have been approved. Space is limited for this program, so registrations will be accepted until March 31, 2016. We recommend that you submit your completed application and character references as soon as possible. If you have any questions about the CIT program or the application process, feel free to contact our office. In service through YMCA camping, Abimbola Fajobi Program Executive

YMCA Storer Camps Counselor in Training Application

Name: ____________________________________________________________________ Date of Application: _____/_____/______

Home Address: ___________________________________________City: ____________________St: ________ Zip: _____________

Home Phone :(______) __________-_________Parent’s Email: _______________________________________________________

Grade Entering Next Fall _________ Date of Birth______________________________________ Male: _____Female:_____

Parent Guardian Name___________________________________________________Cell Ph: (_____) _________________________

Parent Guardian Name___________________________________________________Cell Ph: (_____) _________________________

Application Deadline: Must be received by March 31, 2016. You will be notified by mail if you are

approved for the program by May 5, 2016. This is new this year!

Please indicate your session preference: � Session 2 (June 19-July 1, 2016) � Session 4 (July 17-29, 2016) Please list your camper experience at YMCA Storer Camps, including program(s) and year(s) attended. If you need more space, please attach additional sheets to the back.

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Please list your camper experience at any camp other than YMCA Storer Camps, including program(s) and year(s) attended. If you need more space, please attach additional sheets to the back.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Please list any volunteer experiences, including name of organization, date attended and assigned duties.

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Please list any employment experiences.

Employer: ___________________________________________Dates Employed: ____________ Position: ___________________

Supervisor:___________________________________________________ Phone: (______) ________-___________________________

May we contact your employer? Y N

Employer: ___________________________________________Dates Employed: ____________ Position:___________________

Supervisor:___________________________________________________ Phone: (______) ________-___________________________

May we contact your employer? Y N

Please list on the following lines the people to whom you gave your reference forms. Please use

teachers, supervisors, pastors and others who can give reference to your character. Avoid using

friends and relatives.

Name: __________________________________________________________________________ Phone (____) _______-____________

Name: __________________________________________________________________________ Phone (____) _______-____________

Name: __________________________________________________________________________ Phone (____) _______-____________

Please answer the following questions on a separate sheet of paper:

Why do you want to participate in the Counselor in Training Program?

1. What positive qualities, talents or interests would you bring to the CIT Program?

2. What are your expectations and goals for your experience at YMCA Storer Camps

3. Plan a 40 minute activity for a group of 10 campers. Describe in detail what your

activity consists of, how you would lead the group and what goals you hope to

accomplish.

4. Describe how an event or person at YMCA Storer Camps or elsewhere had a positive

influence on you and why.

Page 3 I understand that acceptance into the CIT program is dependant upon interview and personal references. Submission of my application does not guarantee a spot in the program. Applicant’s Signature: _________________________________________________________ Date: ___________________________

Parent’s Signature: ____________________________________________________________ Date: ___________________________

Upon receipt, we will contact you for a phone interview. If you are accepted into the program, you will receive a confirmation letter and program information. Please submit completed application, registration form and a signed Code of Conduct along with a $150.00 deposit. Deposit is refundable if application is not approved. Forms may be mailed to: YMCA Storer Camps Or Emailed to: CIT Program sshirey@ymcastorercamps.org 6941 Stony Lake Road Jackson, MI 49201 Fax: 517-536-4922 please confirm fax by calling 517-536-8607

YMCA Storer Camps

6941 Stony Lake Rd. Jackson, MI 49201

YMCA Storer Camp’s CIT Code of Conduct

It is important to remember that CIT’s are still campers involved in a specialized training program. They are not staff members. By participating in the Counselor in Training Program, all CIT’s are expected to follow rules, policies, and procedures of YMCA Storer Camps and the CIT program.

In order to protect YMCA/JCC staff, volunteers, and program participants – at no time during a YMCA Storer Camps program may a CIT be alone with a single child where they cannot be observed by others.

Participants in YMCA programs will be supervised at all times. CIT’s must tell a staff member where they are at all times and campers are not to be in cabins without staff present.

YMCA Storer Camps holds the highest standards for our staff, volunteers and campers to treat everyone with respect and love. The following is a list of actions which will not be tolerated and will be cause for immediate dismissal.

physical abuse – strike, spank, shake, slap verbal abuse – humiliate, degrade, threaten sexual abuse – inappropriate touch or verbal exchange mental abuse – shaming, withholding love, cruelty neglect – withholding food, water, basic care, etc.

CIT’s must appear clean, neat, and appropriately attired as well as follow the Storer Look dress code, (which will be given if accepted). As a youth serving agency, whose CIT’s are viewed as role models for children, tattoos and piercings are discouraged. YMCA Storer Camps has the right to ask to have any tattoos covered or jewelry removed while the CIT is at camp.

Using, possessing, or being under the influence of alcohol, tobacco, guns, firearms, knives and other weapons or illegal drugs while at camp is prohibited and is cause for immediate dismissal from program.

Profanity, inappropriate jokes, sharing intimate details of one’s personal life, and any kind of harassment is prohibited.

CIT’s will portray a positive role model for youth by maintaining an attitude of respect, loyalty, patience, courtesy, tact, and maturity and promoting the core values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and faith.

CIT’s will respect camp property and equipment, along with taking responsibility for their personal belongings and space

CIT’s are not allowed to bring or have the following at camp: *Cell Phones *Electronic Devices *Extra Food/Snacks *Radios/iPods/MP3 Players *Hair Dryer *Chewing Gum/Candy

CIT’s will participate in all aspects of CIT Training, complete any assignments given to them by their mentor staff member or CIT Director, and keep open communication about any concerns or problems while at camp with their supervising staff.

I understand that if I do not comply with the above rules and CIT expectations I will be released from the Counselor in Training Program and could be sent home.

CIT Signature____________________________________________________________________________________ Date _____________________________

Parent Signature________________________________________________________________________________ Date______________________________

Confidential Reference Form For Storer CITS

Your name has been given as a reference by: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Applicant’s Name The above applicant is applying to become a member of the YMCA Storer Camps’ Counselor in Training program. They have given your name as a reference. It is important that participants in the program be a good role model, work well with others, have a good work ethic, and an excellent attitude. The task of selecting the right participant is critical to the quality of the experience for our guests as well as the quality of our programs. Your statements are confidential, so sincerity is appreciated and essential. Thank you for contributing to the success of our summer programs. Please call (517-536-8607) if you have any questions/concerns regarding the applicant’s reference. Thank you Please comment on the following:

1. In what relationship and for how long have you known the applicant? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. Do you have any concerns of questions about the applicant’s behavior or attitude toward children? Please explain: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3. Please circle the appropriate number: Poor Fair Good Excellent

A. Personal Appearance 1 2 3 4 B. Attitude 1 2 3 4 C. Work Habits 1 2 3 4 D. Relationships with co-workers or peers 1 2 3 4 E. Ability to learn new skills 1 2 3 4 F. Honesty/Dependability 1 2 3 4

4. Under each general heading, please check the phrase, which most accurately describes the applicant’s behavior with

regard to the specific trait. Ability to work with others for the good of the group: _____ Gives limited cooperation, neglects common good

for own interest _____ Cooperates fully and actively regardless of self

benefit _____ Exceptionally successful in working with others Ability to carry out or adhere to rules/policies: _____ Fails to follow rules/policies _____ Acts according to rules/policies under normal

circumstances _____ Carries out rules/policies constantly even in the

face of obstacles

Ability to control emotions: _____ Easily irritated, depressed or elated _____ Tends to be even-tempered _____ Well balanced, in control Ability to work with a authority figure/supervisor: _____ Resents authority, makes little or not attempt to

communicate with authority figure/supervisor _____ Displays some difficulty with authority at times,

refuses to follow directions when not in an agreement with rule or policy

_____ Communicates with authority figure/supervisor, works well with authority

_____________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ Signature Please Print Name

Phone: (______)_____________________ Please select the best time to Contact: Day Evening

Please return this form to: YMCA Storer Camps Senior Program Director at 6941 Stony Lake Rd, Jackson, MI 49201

YMCA Storer Camps Storer CIT Transportation Permission Form

My child (please print)______________________________________ has permission to be transported in a YMCA vehicle, driven by a YMCA employee, during the designated stay at YMCA Storer Camps for purposes associated with the Counselor in Training Program. I absolve YMCA Storer Camps and the YMCA of Greater Toledo and all its employees of any and all liability arising from this transportation agreement. Parent/Guardian Signature:_______________________________________________ Date:__________________________________________________________________________

Please Return -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Counselor in Training, Summer 2016

We are glad you are applying to be a part of the Counselor in Training (CIT) program this summer. Part of the training involves making sure we follow the standards for dressing and appearance.

Please read the following stated below, sign and return.

Thank You!

Abimbola Fajobi DuJuan Copeland

Program Executive CIT Director

Here are some of the important elements of the “Storer Camp Look”:

Clothing

Clothes should be clean, neat and without holes. No tank tops or spaghetti string tops are allowed while on duty except when lifeguarding. Gym style sweatpants, leggings and pajama bottoms are not acceptable. Undergarments should not be visible. Clothing should be free of advertising that is offensive, illegal or promotes inappropriate habits/behaviors to children. As a condition of your continued training with YMCA Storer Camps, you are responsible for maintaining a clean and orderly appearance.

Hair

A neat, natural hair cut is essential. Any extreme look is unacceptable. The “Storer Look” does not permit extremes in dyeing, bleaching, or tinting.

Moustaches, Sideburns, and Beards

Men must be neatly shaved daily. Moustaches, sideburns, and beards that are neatly groomed and trimmed are permitted.

Jewelry

Earrings are permissible for females only and only in the lower lobe of the ear. Ear piercings of any kind are not allowed for males. Body piercing ornaments are not allowed in any other part of the body that would be visible to our guests.

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Jewelry is permitted unless it is representative of offensive, illegal or inappropriate habits/behaviors to children or is a safety issue of the program being run.

Shoes

Appropriate footwear must be worn at all times other than in the water. Shoes should be kept in good repair. Closed toed shoes in the barn and animal pen area are required.

Head Coverings

Hats, sun visors and bandanas will not be worn in the dining hall at mealtimes. Hats and sun visors should be free of advertisements that are representative of offensive, illegal or inappropriate habits/behaviors to children. “Du-rags” are not acceptable.

Skirt, Shirt and Short Lengths

Skirt, shirt, and short lengths should be appropriate for your work environment. Mini-shorts and “boy shorts” are not acceptable. Tops should be long enough so that it does not show any bare midriffs.

Tattoos

All tattoos must be covered when on duty and working with our guests.

Swimsuits

In order to meet safety standards and provide appropriate role modeling, a one-piece swimsuit is required for females and boxer style swimsuits for males.

I have read the YMCA Storer Camps “Storer Look” and I understand that if my actions or behaviors are not consistent with the written guidelines that my training may be terminated.

Participant Signature:_________________________________________________ Date: _______________

Parent/Guardian Signature:___________________________________________ Date: _______________