teen counselor - 1
If your child loves to interact with children and is seeking to enhance their social skills or leadership abilities, not to worry! Training is part of the package with counselor-in-training (CIT) programs. The programs provide an opportunity for hands-on experience before making the commitment to serve as a staff member.
We contacted two dozen local camp programs to find out which are offering leadership opportunities for teens this year.
Below are three that might be a good match for your teen.
California State Parks Monterey Junior Lifeguard Assistant
This opportunity is non-paid, free to participate, and includes tryouts and an interview. It also meets the requirements of community service hours for high school students. Volunteer Assistants work under the close supervision of the Junior Lifeguard instructor staff to help safeguard the participants in the Junior Lifeguard Program area during all aquatic beach activities. Assistants also help daily with the setup, distribution, and break down of program equipment gear, and they serve as mentors to younger program participants. Each assistant’s work hours will be tracked and logged to provide proof of community service hours, if needed, to meet high school requirements. Tryouts will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 15 at Monterey State Beach near the Roberts parking lot at the South end of Sand Dunes Drive.
For more information, www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=26995.
City of Monterey has a Teen Work Experience program.
The cost to participate is a program registration fee of $115 for non-residents and $103.50 for city of Monterey residents. Teens will gain mentorship and guidance in how to be an effective leader, and experience with setting up activities and leading games for campers and supervising them.
To apply, go to montereysportscenter.org
Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History Naturalist in Training
A paid, year-long Naturalist in Training Program is open to current students in 9th through 12th grades. Participants are considered interns and paid $250 at the conclusion of summer and $250 at the end of the school year. As interns, they receive two full days of training, 1 week of summer camp, 4 volunteer shifts throughout the school year, and participation in monthly enrichments during the school year. Naturalists in Training participate in training on natural history, conservation, science education, and use their knowledge and skills to work with museum visitors.
To apply, complete the form at pgmuseum.org/nit by March 31.