The Counselor in Training (CIT) program gives youth 14-18 the opportunity to develop leadership skills during Metroparks Summer Camp program and other educational outreach events. CIT applicants should be at least 14 by June 1, 2023, and should not have graduated from high school prior to 2023.
Being a CIT is an excellent way to earn service hours, gain valuable experience and build friendships with other teens.
Time Commitment: The 2023 program involves a commitment to attend 3 training sessions and the availability to complete at least two full weeks of camp or the equivalent in hours. Camps run from June 5 through August 4. All camps run Monday through Friday, beginning no earlier than 8:15 a.m. and running no later than 4:30 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 2023 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 Calandra at 419-407-9840 or Hannah.Calandra@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 2023 CIT Applicants:
February 28: Deadline for applications and reference forms
March 1 & 2: CIT Interviews in 15-minute timeslots between 4 and 7 p.m.; Wildwood Manor House
March 3: Acceptance date
New CIT Applicant Information
To complete the application process, please follow these steps:
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 24, sign up for camp shifts on a first come, first-served basis. Each camp has a specific number of needed CITs.
Questions? Contact Hannah Calandra, Volunteer Coordinator, at Hannah.Calandra@metroparkstoledo.com or 419-407-9840.
AVAILABILITY
CITs need to complete at least two full weeks of camp or the equivalent in hours. 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.