Discover the leader within you

CIT Program

The Fessenden Counselor In Training (CIT) program is a two-year program designed to develop campers entering Grades 9 and 10 into confident, compassionate leaders. Our Counselors-in-Training (CITs) learn how to harness their own innate leadership qualities as well as new skills that will help them take on meaningful roles at camp, at home, at school, and in their communities.

Fessenden Summer Camps CIT Application Process:

There is an application process for the Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Program that is outside of our online registration. Admission to the CIT Program is limited and acceptance is not guaranteed. Applicants must be entering 9th grade. Applicants must attend for a minimum of 4 weeks each year. We encourage attending additional weeks. Those who can make a longer commitment may receive priority in acceptance to the program.
To view the CIT application, please click the link below.  All potential CITs must complete the application process prior to February 15th, 2024.

CIT Graduate Program

This program is available only for second year CITs who will be at least 15 years of age during the camp season.  Second year CITs who register for the full 8 week season, may be invited to join the staff as a Junior Counselor after 4 weeks.  These CITs must display maturity, a strong work ethic and the ability to be role models for our campers.  CITs who meet these criteria and are interested in becoming a counselor for the second half of the season will be paid the hourly Junior Counselor rate and must complete all employment paperwork and background checks successfully. The CIT Director will discuss this process with all eligible CITs and their parents during the CIT interview process

CITs:

Learn valuable leadership skills by observing and shadowing camp counselors and specialists

Get hands-on, childcare experience aiding staff in their duties

Gain an understanding of leadership by attending meetings and training sessions

Make new friendships with other CITs during CIT team building events and trips

Meet Our CIT Director

Fessenden Summer Camps cit program

Gerard Wilson 21 Years at Fessenden

This will be Gerard’s 21st summer at Fessenden. He has been a senior counselor in both the middle camp and upper camps. He was the woodworking specialist for four years and will be starting his eighth year as the CIT Director in 2024. Gerard has been a teacher at St John’s Preparatory School in Danvers for over 30 years. He also works part-time at the Countryside Children’s Center (K-6 program) in Newton Upper Falls. He has been a teacher there for over fifteen years.

My family…

His two sons have been campers and counselors at Fessy. Currently his wife MaryAnn is a senior counselor in the half-day program and his daughter Becca is the camp program director.

My favorite thing about camp…

Sports, Sports and more Sports. I love playing, running, coaching and refereeing sports at camp. My favorite sports activity is running and participating in the upper camp floor hockey tournament.

My favorite camp memory…

My favorite camp memory is building and painting an Adirondack bench with the Teen Trippers. Many of whom were my CITs a few summers ago.