COUNSELORS IN TRAINING
Rising Grades 9-12
Fee: $125.00 per week
BlackRock's Counselor in Training (CIT) Program is returning this summer! Accepted applicants will serve as leaders and mentors in our Summer Youth Art Academy. This is the perfect opportunity for youth to build their professional skill set and earn SSL hours.
BlackRock will be accepting applications for a limited number of positions for the Counselor in Training role. This is an incredible leadership opportunity to assist in BlackRock’s Performing Arts Camp or Arts Journeys camp in addition to providing support in before and after care. Experience working with and/or mentoring children and an interest in visual art, drama, music, dance is preferred. You must apply and be accepted to this program. Part of the process will be an interview with our Education Manager before you can be accepted.
Applications include two recommendation form submissions and a letter of interest expressing goals of the experience and qualifying young leadership skills.
All CITs must be available to attend a mandatory training in June. CITs must be 14 years of age by the start of their camp session and must be able to attend the entire session of the selected weeks they are applying to serve. BlackRock is a pre-approved MCPS SSL organization. CITs should take note there is a daily limit to the number of SSLs that a CIT can earn. Applications will be available on the BlackRock website in February and are due by April 29th. Rolling submissions will be considered on an as-needed basis.
APPLICATION & PROCESS
APPLY TO
CIT PROGRAM
Complete the CIT Program application. Application open now! Apply below.
REQUEST & SUBMIT
REFERENCES
Canidates must collect & submit two (2) references from adults (non-family members) with their application.
INTERVIEW WITH
EDUCATION DEPT.
Qualified candidates will be asked to attend an in-person or video interview with BlackRock's Education .
COMPLETE REQUIRED
FORMS & TRAINING
Selected candidates will have to complete required paperwork and attend a half-day, in-person training.
SPECIAL NOTES:
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The number of CITs selected for each week reflects the total number of campers enrolled. Spaces are limited.
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Applicants should indicate which weeks and how many hours per week they are able to participate. All other items being equal, preference will be given to applicants with the most availability.
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The cost per week per CIT is $125. However, BlackRock never wants finances to be a barrier to the arts. If your camper is in need of financial assistance, please apply to our Sonie Mathew Scholarship, which covers 75% of total camp tuition cost.
ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES
The BlackRock CIT Program is perfect for any young adults looking to grow their professional and leadership skills. A CIT's role in our Summer Youth Art Academy may include, but are not limited to, the following responsibilities:
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Implement and assist in adminstrative, project, and performance duties as needed.
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Maintain heightened awareness of participants and environment.
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Assist in the supervision of students at the beginning, end, and transitions throughout.
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Engage enthusiastically in all activities, modeling, and assisting camp participants.
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Model and promote a positive attitude and teamwork.
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Use appropriate language, conversations and behavior.
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Model, promote, and ensure safety protocals are being followed by all campers.
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Build relationships to engage and ensure all campers are included in activities.
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Collaborate with staff to answer questions and improve overall experience for campers.
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Engage in weekly reflection, team building and young leadership modules.
Please note that this is an unpaid position. However, students can use hours worked towards Montgomery County Public Schools Student Service Learning (SSL) requirements.
"This experience helped my child build social and creativity skills. Also helped to build courage on the stage."
— Parent, Counselor in Training 2021
"Javen learned how to be accountable and flexible in a fun and fast-moving environment."
— Parent, Counselor in Training 2021
“This was an incredible experience which helped me to improve my communications skills and leadership skills while being able to work with others.”
— Counselor in Training, 2021
“My son made friends and felt good about being productive, helping kids, and learning more about art.”
— Parent, Counselor in Training 2021
The new BlackRock CIT Program is closely aligned with the National Youth Leadership Council’s K-12 Service-Learning Standards for Quality Practice. By using this approach as our guide, we can ensure that participants in our CIT program gain academic knowledge and skills needed to address geniune community needs.
MEANINGFUL
SERVICE
Engages participants in meaningful and personally relevant service activities.
PERSONAL
REFLECTION
Prompts deep thinking and analysis about oneself and one’s relationship to society.
LINKAGE TO
CURRICULUM
Intentionally used as an instructional strategy to meet learning goals and/or content standards
DIVERSITY &
INCLUSION
Promotes understanding of diversity and mutual respect among all participants.
YOUTH
VOICE
Provides youth with a strong voice in planning, implementing, and evaluating experiences with guidance from adults.
PROGRESS
MONITORING
Engages participants in an ongoing process to assess the quality of implementation and progress towards meeting specified goals.
PARTNERSHIPS &
COLLABERATION
Creates partnerships that are collaborative, mutually beneficial, and address community needs.
DURATION &
INTENSITY
Lasts a sufficient duration and intensity to address community needs and meet specified outcomes.