COUNSELOR-IN-TRAINING DIRECTOR Since its founding in 1877, The Fresh Air Fund, a not-for-profit youth development organization, has provided free life-changing summer experiences in the outdoors to more than 1.8 million children from New York City's underserved communities. Young people also participate in year-round leadership, career exploration, and educational programs. For more information, visit www.FreshAir.org. Position Summary The Counselor in Training (CIT) Director provides leadership and guidance to the group of approximately 6-12 CIT campers under their charge as they prepare to become future Camp staff. The CIT Director, together with CIT Counselors, helps plan, organize, and execute the summer CIT schedule and provides a key conduit of information for the Summer Director. Duties include planning and facilitating the daily CIT training period, communicating with parents, overseeing the CIT evaluation process, meeting regularly with leadership team members, supervising activities, and managing any difficulties that may arise. The CIT Director will report to the Camp Director. Responsibilities
Oversee 6 to 16 Counselors-In-Training (CITs), ages 16 to 17, who live at camp for the entire summer. Provide supervision to counselors assigned to the CIT program. Responsible for supervising CITs in their daily activities as well as working with camp staff to develop and implement leadership curriculum, workshops and other learning experiences such as community service projects. Assume responsibility for the safety and well-being of CIT campers. Assist the Camp Director in setting goals, programming, etc., for the CIT program. Explain and enforce the policies, traditions, and rules of the camp. Be an active member of the camp community by participating in camp programming including camp-wide events, overnights, hikes, swimming, activities, and village meetings. At times, lifting heavy objects may be necessary. Coordinate with the Sharpe team to plan and facilitate the multi-day hike. Lead the multi-day hike with CITs and other camp staff. Address stressful situations appropriately in a fast-paced, interactive environment. Understand that the position involves living in cabins with little to no privacy and eating all meals with campers in a large, noisy dining room. Time off each encampment will be arranged by a supervisor. Maintain proper records on each CIT to help evaluate their goals and progress throughout the summer. Understand that campers come first, and decisions should be made in the best interest of the campers. Demonstrate a caring, supportive, and professional demeanor, including avoiding fraternizing with general staff while on/off duty. Strive to work cooperatively with fellow staff to achieve the goals of the program. Invest time with campers and staff to meet their needs, challenge their capabilities, and serve as a role model. Assume responsibility for using and caring for camp equipment and facilities. Be familiar with emergency procedures and follow them when necessary. Additional responsibilities as needed and assigned. Qualifications
Must be at least 18 years old by the start of camp. At least three years of college or equivalent is preferred. College graduates are strongly preferred. Should have extensive experience as a general counselor or staff member in a residential camp setting. Some administrative and/or supervisory experience is preferred. Must have prior experience working with teenagers and be able to provide leadership during a backpacking trip. Must have, or obtain during orientation, a current Responding to Emergencies or Wildlife First Aid and Professional CPR certification. Must be able to supervise fairly and diplomatically. Passionate about working with children. Interested in working and living in the outdoors for the summer. Emotionally mature with a willingness to work as a team player. Flexible and willing to accept challenges and step outside comfort zone. Able to maintain a positive attitude. Driver's license preferred. Available for the entire duration of the summer program. Employment Period: June 8, 2025 - August 16, 2025 Compensation: $3,300 - $3,800, commensurate with experience Benefits: None Application Instructions To apply, please submit a CIT Director application. We are hiring on a rolling basis and encourage interested applicants to apply as early as possible. No calls or recruiters, please. The Fresh Air Fund is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to inclusive hiring, and dedicated to diversity in its work and on its staff. We strongly encourage candidates of all identities, experiences, orientations, and communities to apply.
