NECYSC Counselor-In-Training Application

Camp Overview

The New England Chinese Youth Summer Camp (NECYSC) started in 1986. NECYSC is a non-profit organization whose goal is to bring together youth interested in Chinese culture and foster a sense of community. We are looking for dedicated, responsible, and passionate Counselors-In-Training to lead campers in daily activities. CITs interact extensively, cooperatively, and creatively with each other, with counselors, and with other camp staff to hone their leadership and communication skills.

General Information

Camp Location:           Brandeis University, Waltham, MA

Age Requirement:                           Entering 11th  or 12thgrade by camp week

Timeline:        

December 4th        Application Opens

January 31st        Google Form Application (see below) due at 11:59 pm

• Answer Supplemental Questions (see Appendix 1)

• AFTER ACCEPTANCE into the CIT program, individuals must submit within 2 weeks:

• Online Registration
• Health / Medical Release Forms within 13 months of camp
• Online Payment - $1100 (ACH), $1130 (Check/Card)
• CORI Form
• SORI Form
• Photo ID

mid-March (Sat./Sun.)

CAMP WEEK DATES IN FORM

Interviews (tentative dates + accommodations available)

Fee:  $1100 (for room/board) – Check must be postmarked by the two-week deadline (from the date of acceptance) and will only be deposited upon acceptance to the CIT program.

*There is a $50 non-refundable handling fee for withdrawal before May 1st. No refunds will be made after May 1st.

**Financial Aid is available based solely on need – visit www.necysc.org/financial_aid for more information. Please state you are applying for financial aid when completing your online registration and submit a check for 50% of the program cost with your application.

Counselor-In-Training Job Description

As a Counselor-In-Training (CIT), you will:

• Lead a group in either the Day or Overnight program with a Counselor and co-CIT. Day staff works with campers of ages 6-10, and overnight staff works with campers ages 10-14.  Along with a Counselor and a co-CIT, you will lead a group of around fifteen campers through activities and classes during the day and build a sense of community within the group. Day campers leave at 5:30 pm, and Overnight campers attend camp-wide activities during the night.
• Develop a community within your residential hall group. You will get to know your hall group with icebreakers and hold nightly hall group meetings with campers.
• Help organize and coordinate activities. You’ll work with Counselors and other CITs to plan for and execute evening activities, Counselor Time for your group, and other camp activities.
• Improve your leadership skills. During camp, you’ll have to think on your feet, take charge of tough situations, and work with other staff members. As a role model to both campers and other staff, you’ll have several opportunities to improve your leadership skills. You’ll also have nightly meetings with your group staff and have a chance to give and receive feedback.
• Form valuable relationships. You will join a flourishing community of campers and other staff members alike and develop relations with teachers, TAs, parents, and many others.
• See Appendix 2 for more information on the day-to-day activities of a NECYSC CIT.

Important Reminders

Acceptance is contingent on a CORI/SORI check. CITs must stay on campus all week.

High school applicants are eligible to apply for both the CIT position and the ExplorAsian program but may only attend one*.

*For those who would like to register for ExplorAsian if not accepted as CIT:

1. Email registration@necysc.org as soon as you know your status. Your program will not be changed automatically unless you notify registration.
2. Send in the tuition check for EA program and CORI/SORI/ID for the parent who will perform POD duty to NECYSC, P. O. Box 615, Weston, MA, 02493.
3. CIT applicants have priority to be accepted to EA program.

Please be prepared to schedule an interview in mid-March

Based on your application, we will contact you if we would like to proceed with an interview. If contacted, the interview is required to be considered. Interviews will most likely be conducted in-person, with online interviews provided for extenuating circumstances. If there is a conflict with the interview date, please email headcounselors@necysc.org a minimum of two weeks in advance.

APPENDIX 1: SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS

For new CITs: Please apply through this form.

For returning CITs: Please apply through this form.

Applicant Information: -

Name

Preferred Pronouns

Address

Current School (and year of graduation)

Date of Birth

Telephone (most easily reached)

Personal E-mail

Please answer the following questions:

1. What qualities make you a strong leader and how do you embody these qualities? What makes you qualified for this position?
2. What do you seek to gain from this experience?
3. What age group and program (Day/Overnight) would you prefer to work with and why? (*All CITs will be staying overnight, regardless of program)

New CITs

4. Why do you want to be a CIT for NECYSC?

5.   What about this role will challenge you and how will you handle those challenges?

Returning CITs

4.   Evaluate your previous experiences as a CIT. What did you learn, and what do you hope to improve on?

5.   What are the most important qualities for a counselor to have? Where do you fall in terms of reaching these  

qualities?

APPENDIX 2: SAMPLE CIT SCHEDULE

General Expectations

• Work appropriately with children ages 6 - 15
• Be prepared to work longer hours (~18-20 per day), BUT they are fun together :)
• Be active/on your feet throughout the day
• Bring the hype!
• Meet the best friends of your life <3