CIT Supervisor

Position Title: Counselor-In-Training (CIT) Supervisor

Position Location: Timber Pointe Outdoor Center, 20 Timber Pointe Lane, Hudson, IL 61748

Position Objective:

The CIT Supervisor serves as the primary mentor for individuals in the 5-week Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program, applying youth development principles to empower youth, embrace diversity, aid in skill development, and build connections between CITs and campers/other staff.

The CIT Supervisor will guide CITs ages 15-17 of all gender identities and abilities, and will be responsible for their health, safety, and welfare while here at camp. This position will work in conjunction with the Program Manager and/or Camp Director to assist in the planning and implementation of the CIT process and an effective, intentional and safe training program consistent with CIT Program goals (see below), understanding that the “training program” applies to the entire duration of a CIT’s time at camp.

The CIT Supervisor will coordinate and facilitate ongoing training sessions/debriefs/teambuilding for CITs that will teach them the skills necessary to be positive role models, intentional helping hands, and future camp/youth leaders. The CIT supervisor is also responsible for providing coaching and feedback, strategizing with CITs on methods to improve their skills and performance as well as working with Counselors and Program Staff to ensure collaboration, communication, and cooperation when they are assigned CITs. Additional responsibilities may include helping supervise or assist other camp staff/volunteers and facilitating activities as needed.

Goals of the CIT Program:

• Provide intentional extra hands to assist Counselors and Program Staff in supporting campers in the development of life skills, self-esteem, and independence in areas including but not limited to behavior, social interaction, and emotional regulation.
• Develop young leaders who emerge from the program with new passions and perspectives, with the confidence they’ve made definitive steps forwards on their journey to find their own identity and direction in life.
• Increase participants’ ability to connect with people who have diverse backgrounds and experiences, especially individuals with disabilities and/or life-altering illnesses.
• Equip participants with the knowledge and hands-on experience of critical personal and professional skills that improve functioning and independence in all aspects of life (problem-solving, time-management, decision-making, empathy, conflict resolution, etc.).

Staff members are required to live on-site during the season but may leave during off-times. CIT Supervisor will receive at least one day off per week and additional times off depending on which programs are running that week (Partner Camps, TPOC Overnight/Day Camps). Meals will be provided throughout each camp session (we are inclusive and accommodating of any dietary restrictions), and a refrigerator/microwave will be available for use. Cabins are climate-controlled, and laundry facilities are available on-site. In addition, camp staff may use watercrafts (canoes, kayaks, etc.) and the pool during off-times if there is no programming running and all camp policies regarding the use of these areas are followed.

Employment Dates:

The CIT Supervisor’s employment dates run May 17th - June 27th, 2025. Camp Season runs June 1st - August 9th, 2025. The CIT Supervisor has the option to extend the contract as a camp staff member (Counselor/Program Staff) from June 28th - August 9th, 2025

The CIT Supervisor is required to attend mandatory training: Support Staff Development held on May 17th, 2025, Program Staff Development Week held on May 18th - 23rd, and All Staff Development Week held on May 25th - 30th. The CIT Supervisor must begin on the training start date and be available for the entirety of the dates listed. If there is a prior commitment (wedding, family gathering, etc.), please state it during your interview, and we will try our best to accommodate.

Position Pay:

The CIT Supervisor will be paid a weekly stipend of $465. There is a possibility remote work prior to on-site arrival. This remote work will be paid at an hourly rate of $15.00.

Should the CIT Supervisor choose to extend their contract as a camp staff member (Counselor/Program Staff), the CIT Supervisor will be paid a weekly stipend of $400-$450/week depending on years of experience at TPOC. Returning Staff will receive increased compensation, dependent on the number of summers on staff, as recognition of their valuable experience and contributions.

Job Functions:

• Serve as a mentor/coach to CITs, helping them navigate challenges and providing check-ins, encouragement, motivation, and feedback. Apply youth development principles to empower youth, embrace diversity, aid in skill development, and build connections. Monitor the “pulse” of team dynamics and communicate conflicts, performance issues, and potential improvements/solutions to supervisors to plan and enact effective interventions.
• Mentor CITs as they learn to supervise, manage, and support campers. Act as a resource, providing assistance and tools/tips in areas of camper care, including feeding, transferring, toileting, dressing, and other activities of daily living.
• Mentor CITs as they learn to assist with and facilitate activities. Act as a resource, providing assistance and tools/tips in areas of activity adaptation, organization, and facilitation techniques.
• Work in partnership with Counselors and Program Staff that are assigned CITs to increase collaboration, cooperation, and communication, focusing on ongoing learning and the scaffolding of skills.
• Facilitate ongoing education and skill development for CITs that builds both their professional and personal skills. Submit an outline of any trainings/skill sessions for supervisors to review.
• Step in as necessary to provide additional behavioral support for campers with higher support needs, and to provide breaks for CITs/staff to process/decompress after challenging behaviors/situations. Know the location of campers at all times if/when under your responsibility.
• Communicate orally and in writing with campers, CITs, staff, and supervisors, and complete paperwork as needed. Ensure all CIT Program paperwork is completed by CITs and staff (weekly coaching cards, etc.).
• Identify and respond to environmental hazards at camp; respond to written emergency plans and verbally issued instructions; assist campers safely and effectively during potential emergencies.

Marginal Responsibilities:

• Attend and participate fully in mandatory training (“Staff Development”) at the beginning of summer, learns and retains information presented in a variety of learning environments (including role-play scenarios), and utilizes this knowledge to provide the best possible experience for campers/guests.
• Maintain records and prepare reports as requested.
• Assist with set-up, decorating, clean-up, and other tasks assigned to best ensure the success of camp.

General Expectations:

• Live with campers, CITs, and staff of all ages and abilities in a cabin, with a specific focus on helping CITs adjust to camp life and grow in understanding of other campers/staff and the dynamics of community living.
• Provide a physically and emotionally safe environment for CITS, as well as campers and other staff members, where they feel comfortable trying new things and communicating concerns. Actively support and promote Timber Pointe’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and belonging.
• Maintain camper, CIT, and staff confidentiality at all times, and respect the confidentiality of support team discussions/responsibilities.
• Support Timber Pointe programs and summer team members in the delivery of intentional programs, seeking to maximize fun while increasing connection, autonomy, resilience, and positive self-image for each camper participating.
• Nurture campers’ development, self-esteem, and independence in areas including but not limited to behavior, social interaction, and emotional regulation. Utilize knowledge and experience to introduce/suggest advanced strategies in these areas to CITs and staff, aiding them in the growth of their own skillset and “toolbox.”
• Participate fully in the camp program, including leading or assisting with activities, managing behavior, following the daily schedule, engaging with campers during “down times,” and putting an enthusiastic effort into camp traditions, dress-up days, songs/cheers, etc. (the goofy parts of camp that make it truly magical!)
• As needed, facilitate activities in primary program areas (Rock Wall/Zip Line, Arts & Crafts, Giant Swing, Sports & Games, Cooking, etc.), specialty theme activities, and all-camp activities/evening programming.
• As needed, provide supervision of campers with limited breaks; sleep subject to the understanding of being woken up during the night to assist campers/CITs/staff if necessary.

Education/Experience Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED, required.
• College experience in Therapeutic Recreation, Education, Special Education, Youth Development, or related field. Preferred, but not required.
• Current CPR/First Aid Certification. Preferred, but not required (We will fund a course if not certified).
• Minimum of one year experience working with individuals with disabilities.
• Minimum of two years of experience working in a camp environment, preferably as a Counselor.
• Proven experience in providing behavioral support for youth and/or individuals with disabilities.

Competency Requirements

• Ability to provide direct, effective, and respectful feedback to others.
• Ability to build community and camaraderie defined by love, mutual respect, dedication to growth, and playful interactions.
• Emotional and physical stamina to engage with a community of campers, CITs and staff joyfully and enthusiastically for 6 weeks in a camp environment.
• Patience, willingness to learn, integrity, adaptability, flexibility, enthusiasm, and self-control
• Ability to understand, role model and follow policies and procedures, and to utilize strategies/tools taught during training for professional development and interactions; ability to seek/accept supervision and guidance.
• Accepting of differences in ability/religion/ethnicity/culture/race/gender/sexual orientation and/or other diversities. Willingness and ability to treat all campers and staff fairly, regardless of background/preferences.
• Perform all essential functions listed while demonstrating the emotional resiliency to handle extended, repeated stressful situations appropriately and be capable of “self-management” of his/her/their own conditions with reasonable accommodations which can be made without altering the requirements of this role.

Physical Requirements:

Due to the fast-paced schedule, stimulating sensory experience of large-group living and dining, and emotionally/physically demanding role of a staff member, all team members must have the physical, cognitive, and mental ability, as well as strength and endurance to perform all job functions and expectations listed. Additional physical requirements include:

• Ability to independently navigate, participate in and provide supervision to active/outdoor activities spread out over Timber Pointe’s 170-acre facility, which may include without limitation walking long distances, running, paddling, crouching, reaching, pulling, and lifting 50 pounds or more.
• Emotional and physical stamina to engage with a community of campers, CITs, and staff for 6 or more weeks joyfully and enthusiastically in a summer camp environment.

Work Environment

• Outdoor camp environment with exposure to all types of weather and conditions, including extreme heat, cold, snow, rain, and specific environmental realities (humidity, wind, bugs, lake water, etc.)
• Reside in camp cabins in a bunkbed with limited privacy and infrequent, minimal access to technology (internet, cell phone, etc.).

Prior to applying to Timber Pointe Outdoor Center’s 2025 Summer Team, please be ready to commit to providing the safest camp environment possible. As a camp who serves immunocompromised populations, 2025 Timber Pointe Summer Team members will be required to practice intentional COVID safety and consciousness for the entirety of their summer agreement. All staff will be required to be tested weekly and practice safe hygiene protocols. Masks may be a requirement (for our current weekend camps, all campers/staff/volunteers mask when going through the meal line and when participating in cooking class). While vaccination is not currently required, it is highly recommended.

Easterseals Central Illinois is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Easterseals is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, call 309.686.1177.