Counselors-in-Training (CITs) are campers ages 12–13 who play an important role on our Farmer Camp team. They assist counselors, help with daily activities, and encourage younger campers to explore and learn.
CITs gain leadership experience, build confidence, and spend their days outdoors discovering farm life, caring for animals, and learning about agriculture and farm practices.
They get a full, hands-on camp experience while developing skills that prepare them for future farm opportunities.

We expect CITs to be a part of making positive, memorable, and safe experiences for campers while also supporting our mission.
Camp conduct and rules that apply to campers also apply to you—always.

This includes expectations that you will:

• Maintain the physical and emotional safety of campers, staff, and volunteers.
• Be patient, kind, and compassionate. Demonstrate fairness and never play favorites.
• Respectfully communicate at all times.
• Be professional and socialize appropriately with other CITs. 
• Cultivate a sense of wonder and fun!
• Take initiative
• Support your Farm Camp Counselor’s efforts and decisions

Things you will NOT do:

• Do not touch people or livestock in anger. 
• Do not pick up children and do not allow lap sitting.
• Do not photograph or record campers.
• No cell phone or other devices should be used during camp hours. This includes text messaging.

If any of these scenarios happen, you risk removal from our CIT program.

You will receive one Farm Camp Counselor in Training t-shirts, which you are expected to wear every day you attend as a CIT. Otherwise, please wear comfortable, appropriate clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty. Keep in mind that this is a working farm and you’re working with children.

For your safety: Closed-toe shoes are required at all times.

Do not wear: Clothing with branding or reference to alcohol, drugs, sex, or other matters that would be deemed inappropriate for working with young children. In addition, do not wear revealing or impractical clothing, such as spaghetti strap shirts, low cut shirts, belly shirts, or short shorts.

Counselors in Training will lead activities for their campers, participate in projects of their own, and help plan and lead games on the final day of the camp session. At the end of each day, Counselors in Training will meet with the Counselors as a group and review the day. 

Below is a progression through the typical activities that happen every day at Farmer Camp.

8:30-8:45 AM - CIT Opening Circle

8:45-9:00 AM - Camper Arrival

9:15-11:00 AM - Hands-on Farm Activities

11:15-11:45 AM - Lunch Break

11:45 - 12:45  PM - Farm Exploration, Crafts & Farmyard Play

12:45-1:00 PM - Camper Wrap-Up and Departure

1:00-1:15 PM - CIT Debrief

No. The Counselor-in-Training program is a paid camp experience where CITs gain hands-on learning, leadership skills, and a full camp day of farm activities. It's designed to prepare campers for potential summer work at 14, but participants do not receive a paycheck.

Participating in the CIT program does not guarantee a job at 14, but it gives campers a head start.
CITs gain hands-on experience, learn about farm operations, and build leadership skills that help when applying for future roles.
Managers also get to know CITs’ work ethic and skills, which can give them an advantage in the hiring process for summer positions.
It’s a valuable experience that prepares campers to be confident, capable, and ready for future opportunities.  

Absolutely! Completing the CIT program gives campers valuable hands-on experience, leadership skills, and teamwork opportunities.
You can include your CIT experience on your resume, college applications, and honors programs like the National Junior Honor Society or National Honor Society.
It’s a great way to show initiative, responsibility, and real-world skills.