Summer Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Mentor (Orange, Wake)

Summer ushers in a 12-week whirlwind of summer camps with laughter and songs echoing through the trees. 

A Summer Counselor-in-Training Mentor is an important member of our field team. They help create magical and impactful leadership training experiences for teens ages 13-17. A CIT Mentor works closely with the program team to successfully implement our leadership training program for all summer CITs during our summer camp season which runs May through August.

As a CIT Mentor, you’ll be spending your time:

  • Mentoring and coaching Junior Counselors and CITs to grow and practice leadership and communication skills;
  • Assisting CITs in creating and implementing personal leadership goals and providing feedback and weekly performance evaluations;
  • Creating and delivering feedback, establishing personal goals with each CIT, and delivering weekly performance evaluations to assess progress against CIT goals; 
  • Communicating with CITs, Schoolhouse staff, and camp families to support CITS and their growth;
  • Partnering with other field staff and supervisor to ensure success and quality of the leadership training program;
  • Modeling Schoolhouse values;
  • Ensuring the physical and emotional safety of participants.

This position begins May 21st and runs through August 26th. 

A CIT Mentor is a role model worth remembering and emulating

A CIT Mentor takes pride and joy in mentoring teens through training, coaching, and delivering feedback. These individuals can partner energy with patience and responsibility with fun. 

General Responsibilities 

CIT Mentors are expected to:

    • Safeguard the physical, emotional, and intellectual safety of CITs and campers.  Model Schoolhouse values like kindness, curiosity, and empathy. Engage all participants (in their group). Deliver consistent and exceptional supervision of teens. Patiently process conflict and disagreements.
    • Participate in all aspects of programs using Schoolhouse methodologies. Actively engage participants and deliver consistent and exceptional supervision of CITs. Be a good example and role model at all times. Play the games, sing the songs, wade in the river, hide in the leaves, build forts, and enthusiastically join in on all aspects of our programs.
    • Communicate with participants, their families, and other Schoolhouse staff. Create established lines of communication built on trust and empathy.
    • Provide exemplary adherence to Schoolhouse’s values, policies, and procedures.
    • Create and deliver activities. Partner with Camp Leads to create and run high-quality, exciting, nature-based activities and schedules.
    • Prepare for programs. Take part in training and staff meetings, set up and break down programs, and clean and maintain program spaces.
    • Set an excellent example in teaching and behavior management methods, work ethic, and attitude.
    • Serve as a resource to other Schoolhouse staff in areas of special knowledge or interest.
    • Mentor staff and Counselors-in-Training through giving and receiving feedback, modeling behavior, and creating a culture of growth. 
    • Be a leader. Run the games, tell the stories, and manage the group. Use and model behavior management techniques. Stay on schedule and manage your time. Create a culture of physical and emotional safety.
    • Participate in marketing and promotional strategies and Schoolhouse events as requested.
    • Professional Development. Work with your supervisor to create a professional development plan. This includes continuing education and familiarity with best practices.
    • Elsewhere as needed. This list highlights major parts of a CIT Mentor’s responsibilities, but there are plenty of other parts to the job!

 

 

 

 

You can find a description of the physical activities common in our field staff positions here.

Please Apply If You…

  • Are a high school graduate or equivalent, and are at least 18 years of age by your first day of work
  • Are kind, curious, and confident with a “can-do” attitude
  • Have exceptional mentoring skills, including effective communication, enthusiasm, resourcefulness, sense of humor, self-control, and patience
  • Have great verbal, interpersonal, and listening communication skills
  • Desire a cooperative, team-oriented work atmosphere
  • Have experience working with children or teens and want to mentor them to find and be their best selves
  • Are able and willing to accept and effectively act on feedback and guidance
  • Have a passion for the outdoors and are comfortable working in the outdoors in all kinds of weather
  • Are committed to Schoolhouse’s mission and values
  • Are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, or are able to provide documentation of exemption
  • Take your work seriously but yourself, not so much
We require current pediatric and adult CPR and First Aid certification by the first day of work. We accept certifications from the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI).

Bonus points (or at least a high-five) if you have…

  • A college degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience in a relevant field (e.g. child development, youth leadership)
  • Teaching experience, especially with teens
  • Summer camp experience, especially with teens
  • Knowledge and interest in plants, animals, geology, ecology, or cultural history
  • Experience with experiential and inquiry-based learning techniques
  • Skill-based training or certifications (Lifeguarding, EMT, etc.)
  • English/Spanish bilingual fluency

Evaluation

The CIT Mentor will report to the Site Manager in Orange or Wake County.

A formal review will be conducted by the supervisor to establish and assess progress against employee goals.  Ongoing feedback provided through regular supervision and work plan development/review sessions.

Office Location, Hours, Travel

The work of the Orange CIT Mentor is typically performed at our Orange County location. The work of the Wake CIT Mentor is typically performed at our Wake County location. Travel to off-site locations is occasionally required.

  • Our Orange County location is at Brumley Forest, 3223 New Hope Church Rd, Chapel Hill, NC.
  • Our Durham County location is at West Point on the Eno City Park, 5101 North Roxboro St, Durham, NC 27704.
  • Our Wake County location is at Umstead State Park (Reedy Creek entrance) at 2100 Harrison Ave, Cary, NC 27513.

Hours are dependent on organizational needs. Hours typically total between 40 hours and 50 hours per week and range from 7:30a – 6p Monday through Friday. Any hours worked beyond 45 during any single week will be classified as overtime. Occasional weekends and/or evenings may be required.

 

Compensation

The wages for this position are $15.00 per hour.

Benefits include professional development opportunities, unlimited vitamin D, and a steady stream of (mostly funny) stories.

Application Instructions

 

This CIT Mentor position is open until filled, so we encourage you to apply as early as possible. Only complete applications will be reviewed.

Step 1

Complete the Applicant Info Form: 

Applicant Information Form

Step 2

Email the following to Schoolhouse of Wonder at jointheteam@schoolhouseofwonder.org:

  • A cover letter that explains your interest in working as a CIT Mentor at Schoolhouse of Wonder (maximum one page)
  • Your resume (maximum one page)
  • Please include your cover letter and resume as one document

Current certification in CPR and First Aid and a successful background check are required before work can begin. Schoolhouse will pursue both indicated and non-indicated references.

This is an “at will” seasonal, non-exempt, hourly position that reports directly to the Site Manager of Durham, Wake, or Orange County.

Qualified women, minorities, and bilingual candidates (English/Spanish) are encouraged to apply. We are fully invested in creating a supportive environment for all marginalized groups including women, people of color, and LGBT+ people by promoting community collaboration within our organization.

 Schoolhouse of Wonder is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, disability, national or ethnic origin, or sexual orientation.

About Schoolhouse of Wonder

Founded in 1989, Schoolhouse of Wonder’s mission is to create kind, curious, and confident kids through nature-based outdoor adventures. We seek to achieve this mission through year-round, outdoor day camps, curriculum-aligned field trips, and leadership training for teenagers.

These core values guide our behavior and help us make decisions:

  • We model and teach self-awareness and empathy
  • We celebrate individuality; Different is just different
  • Everyone deserves to be witnessed, heard and respected
  • In nature, we’re all students
  • Life should be filled with adventures and a sense of wonder
  • We send every kid home dirty, tired and happy

Revenues: Approximately $1,000,000