Volunteer
Counselors In Training
The Counselor in Training (CIT) program gives youth 13-18 the opportunity to develop leadership skills during Metroparks Summer Camp program and other educational outreach events. CIT applicants should be at least 13 by June 1, 2025, and should not have graduated from high school prior to 2025.
Being a CIT is an excellent way to earn service hours, gain valuable experience and build friendships with other teens.
Time Commitment: The 2025 program involves a commitment to attend 2 training sessions and the availability to complete at least two full weeks of camp. Camps run from June 9 through August 8. All camps run Monday through Friday, beginning no earlier than 8:15 a.m. and running no later than 3 p.m.
Variety of fun activities: CITs help with a variety of activities including archery, canoeing, outdoor exploration, wilderness survival, tree climbing, geocaching, fishing, arts & crafts, nature education, and more!
Training: Metroparks provides training for CITs in leadership, interpersonal skills and environmental education.
Application Information: Only 30 CITs will be accepted for the 2025 season. The selection process includes filling out a volunteer application, providing two non-related references, and an interview. Application and references are due by February 28.
Application process
New CIT Applicants
Read the New CIT Information, below, to apply, get your reference forms, and sign up for your CIT interview.
Returning CIT Applicants
Contact Hannah Gillen at 419-407-9840 or Hannah.Gillen@MetroparksToledo.com to let her know that you want to return as a CIT for this summer. Once you have notified Hannah you will receive an email with the next steps in the process.
Important dates for NEW 2025 CIT Applicants:
February 28: Deadline for applications and reference forms
March 10 & 12: CIT Interviews in 15-minute timeslots between 4 to 6 p.m.; Wildwood Manor House
March 13: Acceptance date
New CIT Applicant Information
To complete the application process, please follow these steps:
- Complete Volunteer Application
Fill out a Volunteer Application by February 28. Indicate in the Volunteer Assignment section that you'd like to be a CIT. The general volunteer orientation listed on the application is only recommended but not a requirement to volunteer. There will be a required orientation specific to the CIT program. - Provide References
Identify two potential references who have known you for at least one year and are not related to you. The references should be able to speak about your leadership goals and abilities. This could be a teacher, coach, religious leader, neighbor, a family friend, etc.
Personally ask the two people if they will be a reference for you. Be sure to give them an explanation of the CIT program.
Send the reference form link to your two references by email. Instruct your references to complete their reference form no later than February 28 for consideration. - Schedule an Interview
Learn how to log in and schedule yourself for an interview using VicNet. Interviews are on either March 10 or March 12 and are being held at Wildwood Preserve in the Manor House. Interviews are each 15 minutes long, and run between 4 and 6 p.m. Sign up for your CIT interview.
ACCEPTANCE AS A CIT
CIT Applicants acceptance into the CIT program will receive an acceptance email by March 13. If accepted, mark your calendar for training sessions:
Orientation & Workshop A: March 31, 6 to 7:30 p.m. and April 12 10 to 11:30 a.m. choose either day; Wildwood Preserve, Metroparks Hall. An adult is required to stay with CIT for the 1 15 minutes. All CITs required to attend.
Workshop B: June 6: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Side Cut Metropark Rotary Pavilion; Bring a water bottle and change of clothes, lunch is provided. Prepare to be outside, and to learn and participate in canoeing, archery, fishing, crafts, nature walks and other outdoor skills. New CITs required; optional for returning CITs.
Instructions on how to schedule yourself online for these CIT training sessions will be included in the acceptance email.
SIGN UP FOR CAMP
Starting April 28, sign up for camp shifts on a first come, first-served basis. Each camp has a specific number of needed CITs.
Questions? Contact Hannah Gillen, Volunteer Engagement Specialist, at Hannah.Gillen@MetroparksToledo.com or 419-407-9840.
AVAILABILITY
CITs need to complete at least two full weeks of camp. The two weeks do not need to be consecutive. Check your summer schedule and talk with your family regarding your available weeks this summer for camp. Factor in which parks are convenient for you to get to.
Thank you for volunteering! We look forward to receiving your application, references, and to meeting you during your interview.