Summer Youth Activity Program

Counselors-in-Training

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a CIT?

• A CIT (Counselor-In-Training) is a young teenager who is partnered with Senior Counselors to lead groups of children aged 6 to 11 through their experiences of the Rice University Summer Youth Activity Program (SYAP).
  
  The SYAP is a broad and varied physical activity program that exposes participants to a variety of sport and recreational activities, develops recreational skills, and promotes social growth. On a daily basis, CITs shadow counselors and interact closely with program participants. Being a CIT is a unique experience - teens learn and grow as leaders while having fun.

Who can be a CIT?

• Any teenager aged 13 to 16 years.

What do CITs do?

• CITs are partnered with college-age counselors and professional instructors and assist in planning, organizing, and leading group activities. CITs also act as role models for younger program participants. For more information, see the CIT program description.

Do CITs have to pay registration fees?

• An update to the program from past years: We now charge for CITs. It is $100 for the four week session, per CIT.

What are the benefits of becoming a CIT?

• In addition to being able to partake in a wide array of SYAP activities, becoming a CIT is an excellent opportunity for teens to gain leaderships skills and practical experience. By interacting with both counselors and participants, CITs develop communication skills, build self-confidence, enhance their sense of personal responsibility, and have fun. CITs also attend a training session to become CPR and First Aid certified.

How long is the CIT program?

• The session is four weeks long.
  
  Session: June 18-July 20. You must be able to work days within the session, except for July 4.
  We do not operate the Summer Youth Activity Program during the week of July 4, 2008.

What are the program hours?

• CITs participate in program activities from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

How many CITs are selected for the Summer Youth Activity Program?

• At least four CITs are selected to participate at one time (at least one for each group of SYAP participants).

What sort of training do CITs receive?

• The training will include time to meet with program directors and lead counselors, generate personal goals, participate in ice breakers with other CITs, and run-through a mock day. CITs must also pass a short swim evaluation that will consist of a 25-yard swim and two minutes of treading water.

How do I become a CIT?

• Download and submit a CIT application. Qualified individuals will be selected to participate in an in-person interview.

When is the CIT application due?

• Applications are due March 28, 2008 and should be submitted to:
  
  Evan Stein, Assistant Director, Summer Youth Activity Program
  Recreation Center-MS 523
  Rice University
  6100 Main St
  Houston, TX 77008

CONTACT US

Questions about any of this? Don't hesitate to ask us!

• Liza Sambrano, Office Assistant
  (713) 348-4058
• Teresa Tucker, Program Administrator
  (713) 348-4058
• Tina Villard, Director
  (713) 348-5398
• Evan Stein, Assistant Director
  (713) 348-2739
• Justin Stafford, Assistant Director
  (713) 348-8810