Counselor-In-Training Programs

Summer 2016 (June 13-August 19)

Thank you for your interest in the Camp Funtastic CIT (Counselor-In-Training) program. This unique program has been developed for future counselors ages 12-15. This program provides significant experiences that build leadership, team work and supervisory skills while providing staff support at Camp Funtastic. Participants will gain knowledge of child development principles, basic customer service skills and knowledge about other subjects that will be valuable enhancements to college applications, resumes and subsequent employment or volunteer pursuits. Participants will always be under Camp Staff member supervision and will be required to help with daily camp tasks (i.e opening circle, crafts, games, and camper management).

CIT Application Guidelines:

· Complete CIT Application and return it to the District Office. Application will be voided if missing documents.

o Applicants must submit a typed or handwritten essay not to exceed more than 300 words on one of the following topics.

§ Leadership: Provide an example of a leadership role that you have filled and elaborate. How did it make you feel? Was this experience important to you? What qualities do you believe a leader possesses?

§ Choosing Camp Funtastic: With so many places to volunteer in Camarillo, why did you choose Camp Funtastic? What does the CIT program mean to you? What goals would you hope to achieve by the end of the CIT experience?

§ Working with Others: Teen volunteers at Camp Funtastic are required to work with campers, parents, staff, and other CIT participants. Tell us about the experiences you have had that demonstrate your skills working with these groups: children, adults, and peers.

o Complete and Submit BOTH CIT and Parent/Guardian portions of Application

· CIT will register on a weekly basis and will be assessed a $75 fee for each week they participate as a CIT at Camp Funtastic. This fee is to cover costs incurred for field trips, supplies, and other special events where a cost may be associated.

· $100 one-time fee for registration, training, and CIT uniform polo. The CIT will be required to wear this shirt every day. Additional shirts may be purchased for $15.

Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Application

Personal Information

Last Name First Name Middle Initial Nickname

Street Address City State Zip

Home Phone Cell Phone E-Mail Address

School (Fall 2016) Grade

Shirt Size (Adult): S M L XL

Date of Birth Age

Areas of Interest – Tell us which areas interest you. Check all that apply.

Activities: CIT participants will assist camp staff in executing daily activities for the campers. The list of interest areas are to help the staff appropriately place CIT participant with staff and/or groups that will complement their interests. When an activity is not in session, CIT participants will assist with breaks and all-camp activities.

Arts & Crafts Dance Field Games/Sports

Poetry/Writing Music/Song leader Nature

Photography/Video Theater/Improv

Other (we are always looking for new ideas!)

List any other special interests, skills, or workshops you are willing to share at camp:

Do you play a musical instrument? If so, what kind and are you willing to play at opening and closing circle

with songs and during the Talent Show?

Experience/Motivation – Please answer each question below

Why do you want to be a volunteer at Camp Funtastic?

List any experiences you have had with children. What did you enjoy most, and least?

You have a camper that is upset and does not want to participate in any of the activities that the rest of camp is participating in, how would you deal with the situation?

At the end of Summer Camp what would you like to you have accomplished?

At Camp Funtastic we are always on the move you have to be willing to help and engage campers. Please give an example of how you will help keep campers engaged.

CIT Code of Conduct - The following activities are PROHIBITED at camp:

§ Aggressive behavior toward campers, counselor, peers or parents (hitting, pulling, shoving.)

§ Swearing or abusive language (name calling, teasing.)

§ Sexual contact with campers, CIT peers, or staff.

§ Conversations of a sexual nature.

§ All Electronic Devices (with the exception of cell phones which may be kept in a backpack and used only for emergencies)

§ Being alone with a camper.

§ Possessing a weapon or anything that can be perceived as a weapon.

§ Having illegal drugs or alcohol at camp or on District Property.

§ Cigarette smoking.

§ Leaving camp without written permission from a parent or guardian.

§ Not following the rules, policies and procedures of Camp Funtastic and the Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District.

Any person exhibiting behavior that the Recreation Coordinator or Camp Director deems as inappropriate or unsafe will be a violation of the Code of Conduct. If the Recreation Coordinator or Camp Director feel that the Code of Conduct has been violated, CIT participant will be disciplined based on the Behavior Code listed below.

Behavior Code - Good behavior is expected at all times. Behavior problems constituting actions harmful to others or disruptive to camp will be dealt with as follows:

§ First Incident-Verbal warning to the CIT with a reflection session.

§ Second Incident-Parents will be notified.

§ Third Incident-CIT will be suspended from participation in camp or field trip. Camp Funtastic and the Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District reserves the right to expel a CIT immediately for behavior harmful to other campers or staff.

Unacceptable behavior and/or abusive language by parent or guardian may also result in a CIT being expelled. No refunds will be issued for missed excursions, activities or expulsion from camp. I, the undersigned, have read these rules and agree to the terms of Camp Funtastic’s behavior code.

By signing below, I certify that all information on this form is complete and correct. I also agree to immediately update this application in writing if and when any of the information becomes inaccurate or incomplete. I hereby authorize the Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District to conduct a background check and to contact any references listed on this application form. I understand that the falsification, misrepresentation, or omission of information requested is grounds for refusal to accept the CIT application, or terminate my participation in the program. If I accept the CIT position, I agree to abide by the standards of Camp Funtastic and the Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District and to fulfill my volunteer responsibilities to the best of my abilities.

CIT Signature Date:

CIT Availability Sheet

I will be present at the following weeks of camp:

o Week 1: June 13 - 17

o Week 2: June 20 - 24

o Week 3: June 27 – July 1

o Week 4: July 4 – 8 ( No Camp July 4th)

o Week 5: July 11 - 15

o Week 6: July 18 - 22

o Week 7: July 25 – 29

o Week 8: August 1 - 5

o Week 9: August 8 - 12

o Week 10: August 15 – 19

Parent/Guardian Information
Thank you for supporting your child’s interest in the Camp Funtastic CIT (Counselor-In-Training) program. This unique program has been developed for future counselors ages 12-15. This program provides significant experiences that build leadership, team work and supervisory skills while providing staff support at Camp Funtastic. Participants will gain knowledge of child development principles, basic customer service skills and knowledge about other subjects that will be valuable enhancements to college applications, resumes and subsequent employment or volunteer pursuits. Participants will always be under Camp Staff member supervision and will be required to help with daily camp tasks (i.e opening circle, crafts, games, and camper management).

CIT Application Guidelines:

· Complete CIT Application and return it to the District Office. Application will be voided if missing documents.

o Applicants must submit a typed or handwritten essay not to exceed more than 300 words on one of the following topics.

§ Leadership

§ Choosing Camp Funtastic

§ Working with Others.

o Provide a completed CIT Availability Sheet for the summer.

o Complete and Submit BOTH CIT and Parent portions of Application

· $100 one-time fee for registration, training, and CIT uniform polo. The CIT will be required to wear this shirt every day. Additional shirts may be purchased for $15.

CIT Code of Conduct - The following activities are PROHIBITED at camp:

§ Aggressive behavior toward campers, counselor, peers or parents (hitting, pulling, shoving.)

§ Swearing or abusive language (name calling, teasing.)

§ Sexual contact with campers, CIT peers, or staff.

§ Conversations of a sexual nature.

§ All Electronic Devices (with the exception of cell phones which may be kept in a backpack and used only for emergencies)

§ Being alone with a camper.

§ Possessing a weapon or anything that can be perceived as a weapon.

§ Having illegal drugs or alcohol at camp or on District Property.

§ Cigarette smoking.

§ Leaving camp without written permission from a parent or guardian.

§ Not following the rules, policies and procedures of Camp Funtastic and the Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District.

Any person exhibiting behavior that the Recreation Supervisor or Camp Director deems as inappropriate or unsafe will be a violation of the Code of Conduct. If the Recreation Supervisor or Camp Director feel that the Code of Conduct has been violated, CIT participant will be disciplined based on the Behavior Code listed below.

Behavior Code - Good behavior is expected at all times. Behavior problems constituting actions harmful to others or disruptive to camp will be dealt with as follows:

§ First Incident-Verbal warning to the CIT with a reflection session.

§ Second Incident-Parents will be notified.

Informed Consent and Release - I, the undersigned, voluntarily participating in the referenced activity, understand that such participation does not establish or imply an employer-employee or an agency relationship with the Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District. I acknowledge and agree that some

activities may be of a hazardous nature and/or include physical and/or strenuous exercise or activity and understanding this I state that I have no knowledge of any conditions that would prohibit my child from safely participating. Please note: The Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District does not provide any insurance coverage of any kind for your participation. The Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District strongly recommends that appropriate insurance be obtained by each participant. I, the undersigned, and in the event that the undersigned is under 18 years of age, the undersigned’s parents or guardian, in consideration of the request and permission to participate in the referenced activity, hereby assume full responsibility for all risk of injury or loss which may result from my participation in this activity and hereby AGREE TO DEFEND, INDEMNIFY, HOLD HARMLESS, RELEASE AND FOREVER DISCHARGE the Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District respective officers, employees, independent contractors and other agents and representatives (“the District”), past and present, from any and all acts of negligence and all claims and demands whatsoever, which the undersigned, any third person, or any persons acting under their behalf, have or may have against the District by reason of any accident, illness, injury to or death of any person(s), or damage to or loss or destruction of any property arising or resulting directly or indirectly from participation in the referenced activity and occurring during said participation, or any time subsequent thereto. The terms of this release will serve as a release and assumption of risk for my heirs, executors and administrators and for all of my family members.

Permission for Medical Treatment and Transportation - I, the undersigned, hereby grant the Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District and agents thereof, permission to summon 911 in the event that I or my child(ren) require advanced first aid or medical treatment. I further grant permission to transport myself or my child(ren) to another center of advanced care. I grant permission to any and all physicians, surgeons, medical personnel, and emergency medical technicians or paramedics to treat myself or my child(ren) if such treatment is reasonably required.

Permission for Trip and Activity – I, the undersigned, grant permission to my child(ren)to attend all Camp Funtastic Excursions and trips. I, the undersigned, hereby grant permission to my child(ren) to participate in Camp Funtastic activities including but not limited to sports, crafts, games, field days, and special events.

Camp Hours and Extended Care Policy - Camp Funtastic hours are from 9:00am-4:30pm Monday through Friday. Extended care hours are from 7:30am-9:00am and 4:30pm-6:00pm Monday through Friday. CIT may be dropped off no earlier than 7:30am. CIT must be picked up no later than 6:00pm. I understand that there is and agree to pay a $15 for every 15 minutes, or part thereof, that my child(ren) attends camp beyond these hours. Notice: Under no circumstance may any child be left at the camp facility unattended. Parents MUST sign children in and out of camp. I, the undersigned, have read, understand, and agree to abide by the Camp Hours and Extended Care Policy.

Photographic Release - I grant the Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District at its discretion and free of charge, permission to use still photography of myself or my child(ren) participating in District sponsored recreation programs for the purpose of publicizing said programs.