CIT Program
Thank you for your interest in Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Program!
Please see the letter below for more details for Summer 2026.
Applicants must currently be enrolled in grades 6-10 for the 2025-2026 school year.
Group Interview Sign Up is live November 3rd-December 31st, 2026. Please click a link below to sign up for you group interview session!
- Friday, January 9th, 2026, 6:00p-8:00pm at Scott Key Center - Register HERE
- Monday, January 12th, 2026, 6:00p-8:00pm at Rock Creek Recreation Center - Register HERE
- Thursday, January 15th, 2026, 6:00p-8:00pm at Rock Creek Recreation Center - Register HERE
Applicants will be contacted regarding decisions by January 30th, 2026.
- Counselor-In Training Program Overview
- The Selection Process
- Interview Sign Up Information
- Acceptance Notification
- Mandatory CIT Training
- Locations, Sessions, & Hours
- Fees & Cancellations
The Counselor-In-Training (CIT) Program is a hands-on, educational program designed to develop the skills necessary to be an effective future camp counselor. The program focuses on developing leadership and communication skills, team building, goal setting, and fostering positive relationships with children. Typically, a CIT is not yet old enough to acquire a paid position with the Recreation Department but wants the opportunity and structure of having a summer job. Our number one goal in providing this program is to help the older youth of our community develop transferable professional and leadership skills through a meaningful summer experience.
Camp counselors are the primary caregivers for children during summer programs. The role of a CIT is to support camp counselors by providing a positive recreation experience for each and every camper. CITs assist in:
- Light planning and activity preparation
- Guiding campers through daily activities
- Modeling leadership and life skills
- Ensuring a sake and supportive atmosphere at all times
CITs always work alongside a camp counselor and will receive mentorship from a camp director and the CIT program coordinator. CITs may receive Student Service Learning (SSL) hours for time spent assisting with the supervision of campers and are responsible for their completion of all required paperwork with their school.
In order to be considered for a CIT position, all returning and new candidates must:
- Attend a group interview session. Here you will showcase your talent(s) by leading a group game, activity, song, or craft.
- Complete a written application. This will take place in-person, at the time of the group interview.
- Provide accurate availability. As part of the written application, you will be asked to commit to required CIT training dates in early June, as well as provide accurate availability for the summer camp weeks.
The Frederick County Parks and Recreation CIT program is competitive and selective. Decisions are made based on:
- Group interview performance
- Completed written application
- Availability and the needs of our summer camp programs
We are looking for young people who are committed to the program, have given thought to their application, and come prepared for the group interview process. All CIT applicants should be interested in working with children and posses maturity, flexibility, a strong work ethic, and the ability to have fun!
Registration for group interviews will open the first week of November and close on the last day of December. Applicants must currently be enrolled in grades 6-10. Please see the top of this web page for current year registration links, dates and times.
CIT applicants will be notified of their acceptance by the end of January via email. Applicants that are accepted will receive registration information at that time. Applicants that have not been selected will be provided feedback and suggestions for development and programs that are available to assist with further skill development; they will be encouraged to apply again next year!
Program Registration
If a CIT receives their acceptance letter, a parent or guardian must then register them to secure their spot. The program fee of $249 cover training, t-shirts, CIT-only functions, and administrative costs. The program fee is only due after the selection process. Financial assistance funds may be available for the CIT Program and can be inquired through our administration office at 301-600-2936.
Please note that the CIT program is a training program. CITs are not paid and successful completion of the CIT program does not guarantee they will be hired in the future as a camp counselor.
Accepted CITs will be expected to attend a pre-camp training in early June. Training will consist of activity planning, safety, leadership development, CIT expectations and much more. Exact training dates will be shared after acceptance notifications have been sent.
Camp Locations
Applicants may apply to participate in the CIT program at one of the camp locations listed below:
- Brunswick Rec Center
- Middletown Rec Center
- Oakdale Rec Center
- Sugarloaf Rec Center
- Walkersville Rec Center
- Catoctin Creek Nature Center
- Fountain Rock Nature Center
- Rose Hill Park
CIT positions are limited for each camp location and are filled in accordance with applicant qualifications and availability.
An important aspect of summer camps is consistency. The Recreation Department is looking for CITs who are willing to make a commitment to work a minimum of 2 consecutive weeks out of the 7 weeks of summer for 2026. Please note that there will be no camps on July 3rd for summer 2026. Due to the large number of CIT applicants, not all requests for camp locations, days, and times can be guaranteed.
2026 Summer Camp Weeks
- June 22-26
- June 29-July 2 (no camp July 3rd)
- July 6-10
- July 13-17
- July 20-24
- July 27-31
- August 3-7
Daily Camp Hours
CIT report times are variable, based on location; but will be between 8am-5pm.
The CIT Program Registration fee is $249.00. Payment is due at time of registration, after acceptance notifications have been received.
Our refund policy encourages early decisions, to not affect other customers or our ability to deliver efficient programs. All requests for refunds must be made at least 10 business days prior to the start of the program. A 20% administrative fee will be charged per refund transaction. There are no refunds for missed sessions.
Please review our full program refund and transfer policies.
Contact Us!
Victoria Anderson
Recreation Specialist - Teen Programs
VAnderson1@FrederickCountyMD.gov
240-931-8252