Counsellor in Training

Program (CIT)

Grow Into a Leader

The Wildflower Nature Camp Counsellor-in-Training (CIT) Program is designed for youth ages 13–17 who are interested in leadership, working with children, and spending their summer outdoors.

CITs become valuable members of the Wildflower team while developing confidence, responsibility, communication skills, and hands-on experience working with children. This program serves as a stepping stone toward future summer employment opportunities with Wildflower Nature Camp.

Program Overview

Before participating, all CITs attend a mandatory Training & Orientation Day.

CIT Responsibilities

Under staff supervision, CITs may:

  • Assist with outdoor games

  • Help prepare and lead crafts

  • Support nature exploration activities

  • Help organize camp equipment

  • Model positive behaviour

  • Assist younger campers

  • Lead songs and circle activities

Benefits

Participants will:

  • Build confidence and leadership skills

  • Gain experience working with children

  • Learn communication and teamwork skills

  • Spend their summer outdoors

  • Receive mentorship from experienced camp leaders

  • Develop workplace readiness skills

  • Explore future career pathways in education, recreation, childcare, outdoor leadership, and environmental education

  • Work toward future employment opportunities with Wildflower Nature Camp

Orientation Day Schedule

8:10 AM – Welcome to Wildflower

  • Learn Wildflower values and expectations

  • Camp safety and risk management

  • Child supervision basics

  • Positive role modelling

  • Communication skills

8:30 AM - 3:30 PM – Shadow Placement

  • Join a Wildflower camp group

  • Assist with activities

  • Practice leadership skills

Volunteer Hours

Following successful completion of Orientation Day, participants may complete volunteer placement hours at Wildflower Nature Camp. Let us know what days work within camp weeks July 13th to August 14th.

Volunteer hours may be used toward British Columbia secondary school graduation requirements.

Employment Opportunities

Outstanding CITs may be invited to return as Senior CITs and may be considered for future employment opportunities as camp staff.

At Wildflower Nature Camp, today's CITs become tomorrow's leaders.

A Day in the Life of a CIT

CITs spend their day alongside our campers and counsellors, actively participating in all aspects of camp from 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM. Through hands-on experience, CITs learn by doing—supporting games, crafts, nature exploration, outdoor adventures, storytelling, and camp-wide activities.

If you are interested in becoming a Wildflower CIT, we would love to hear from you! Send us a message and we will connect with you to discuss the program, volunteer opportunities, training day details, and whether the CIT program is the right fit for you.

Why I Created the Wildflower CIT Program

Hi! I'm Elizabeth Higgins, and working with children has been one of the greatest joys of my life for over 10 years.

My own journey began as a teenager in a summer camp leadership program, where I completed my high school volunteer hours as a Junior Leader. I gained confidence, developed leadership skills, discovered a love for working with children and spent my summers being active. From there, I became a Senior Leader and then worked as a Camp Counsellor for several summers.

While attending university, I continued working with children through community recreation programs, and after graduating, I had the opportunity to design and lead a Counsellor-in-Training program, mentoring youth as they developed their own leadership skills and prepared for future employment.

Looking back, that first CIT experience had a huge impact on my life. It taught me responsibility, teamwork, communication, and confidence. It also opened the door to fun and meaningful summer jobs that eventually helped guide me toward a career in education.

I created the Wildflower CIT Program because I want to give young people the same opportunity that was given to me. Whether you are hoping to earn volunteer hours, build confidence, develop leadership skills, gain experience working with children, or explore future employment opportunities, this program is designed to help you grow. You'll work alongside experienced leaders, gain hands-on experience with children, spend your days outdoors, and become part of a supportive camp community.

The CIT program is more than volunteer hours—it's a chance to discover your strengths, build lifelong skills, and take your first steps toward becoming a leader.