Counselor In Training (CIT) ProgRamS
An internship in Nature Education & Mentoring for Youth
Ages 13-16 • Fairfax, San Rafael or TRUCKEE
Do you love spending time outdoors and enjoy working with younger children? Are you curious to learn more about nature education, wilderness skills, animal tracking, kayaking, and other outdoor adventures? Younger campers look up to older tweens and teens, and your presence can make a meaningful difference in their camp experience.
As a CIT, you’ll get to show up as your true self while helping younger campers play, explore, learn, and connect with the natural world. Our staff will guide you every step of the way, supporting you in safety practices, conflict resolution, inclusive leadership, and communication skills. Throughout the program, you’ll have the chance to develop your strengths, grow your confidence, and build real leadership experience in a fun and supportive outdoor setting.
Benefits
In addition to the satisfaction and fun you receive in giving back to your community, as a CIT, you will receive:
Experience in nature connection practices and mentoring skills for self and youth
Internship credits to volunteers pursuing careers in youth education
AVAILABLE CIT PROGRAMS:
CIT with Ages 4-6 (Truckee)
CIT Tracks & Tides (San Rafael)
CIT with Ages 4-6 (Fairfax)
Who: Ages 13-16
Where: China Camp State Park, Fairfax, or Truckee
How it works: We encourage you to sign up for the CIT Camp listed below to help you prepare for your role, though it’s not required. If you choose to attend, we will waive your CIT tuition and apply it toward the camp cost. If you prefer not to attend, we will provide a CIT training packet for you to review before your session begins.
You may request weeks to CIT at Tracks and Tides Camp, any of our Bay Area 4.5–6.5 camps, or our Truckee 4.5–6.5 camps. Scheduling will be coordinated with our office after we review and accept your CIT application.
For very strong CITs, we may invite you to participate in additional weeks of camp free of charge or even with a small stipend.
Tuition
$100
We will reply to applications within 2 weeks of receipt.
Earth Skills and Leadership - CIT Certification
Ages: Ages 13-16
Location: Various locations 20 mins from downtown San Rafael
Times: 9am - 3pm Daily / Jun 16 - Jun 19, 2026
Description:
This intensive week for ages 13-16 will develop knowledge of the skills we teach as well as the ability to help younger students learn them. While it is not required to CIT with us, we highly recommend it. For those hoping to work with us as staff in the future, it is essential.
What we will cover:
Hazards and safety
Routines and practices of nature connection
Local Plant and Animal ID
Games and filler activities
Practices of positive leadership and role modeling
This week long experience is a great way for CITs to enhance their skills while spending time with like minded peers. All participants who successfully complete the course will receive a certificate.
The regular CIT fee is waived for your CIT weeks if you have completed this program. Please reach out should finances be a reason you can not register. We want all CITs to be able to do this course regardless of finances.
Tuition Per Session - Early Bird Discount Thru Mar 19 - Sign Up Today!
(Discounted price will automatically apply at checkout)
Rate A: $834 $759
Rate B: $710 $646
Rate C: $603 $549
Click HERE for an explanation of our pricing tiers
With our very varied economical situations in the Bay Area, families have differing abilities to pay. We want our programs to serve as many children as possible regardless of financial situation.
Rate A - represents the actual cost of running a program in this area and is comparable with the rates of several local specialty camps. It funds our long-term goals and work.
Rate B - covers our basic costs for running this particular program, but it does not cover our organizational costs.
Rate C - does not cover the cost of program and is subsidized by Rate A and donations.
Scholarships are available. Contact us for more information. Find answers to common questions.
If your child is neuro-divergent or may need additional attention for any emotional, social or health related reason please contact us before signing up.
Previous experience in Vilda camps recommended, but not required.