Counselor In Training (CIT) Program

Fessenden Summer Camps

Discover the leader within you

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.

CITs:

  • Learn valuable leadership skills by observing and shadowing camp counselors and specialists.
  • Get hands-on experience aiding staff in their duties.
  • Take on responsibility by assisting staff at late nights, overnights, and special events.
  • Gain an understanding of leadership by attending meetings and training sessions.

 

All potential CITs must complete the application process prior to January 1, 2023.

To view the CIT application, please click the link below.

 

CIT

A valuable part of the program is learning how to work together and lead a group. CITs meet regularly with the CIT Director to discuss aspects of leadership, to review their progress and share their experiences.

Please contact the Camp Office at 617-630-2373 or at summer@fessenden.org with questions or for more information about the CIT program and 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 for the first year and a minimum of 6 weeks for the second year. We encourage attending additional weeks. Those who can make a longer commitment may receive priority in acceptance to the program.

Meet our CIT Director!

Gerard Wilson
CIT Director
This will be Gerard’s 20th summer at Fessenden. He has been a senior counselor in both the middle camp and upper camps. He was the wood working specialist for four years and will be starting his seventh year as the CIT Director in 2023. 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.
His favorite camp memory was building and painting an Adirondack bench with the Teen Trippers. Many of whom were his CITs last summer.