Ages
13 – 17
2026 Dates
June – August
Time
8:00am – 4:00pm
Location for Camp
Roy Guerrero Park
in East Austin
Tuition
First Year: $250
Second Year: $125
Third Year: Free
Natureversity Outdoor School: Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Leadership Program
Program Philosophy The Natureversity Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program is designed to mentor and empower the next generation of outdoor leaders and educators. This is more than a volunteer opportunity; it is a structured leadership development course for teens who are passionate about nature and wish to gain hands-on experience in outdoor education. Our goal is to provide CITs with the skills, confidence, and experience necessary to become exceptional mentors and future leaders, both at camp and in their communities.
Eligibility & Application To be considered for the CIT Leadership Program, applicants must:
- Be between the ages of 13-17.
- Have attended Natureversity as a paid camper for at least two full camp sessions within the past three years.
- Demonstrate a genuine interest in working with children and a passion for the outdoors.
- Complete the online application and participate in a brief, informal interview with the Camp Director on the phone.
- Be willing to commit to the schedule training day for the summer.
Our Tiered CIT System
Our program is structured into tiers to allow for progressive skill development and increasing responsibility.
Tier 1: CIT I (First-Year Participant)
This is the foundational year, focused on learning the fundamentals of camp counseling through direct mentorship, observation, and guided practice.
- Focus: Skill-Building, Observation, and Simple Assisting.
- Responsibilities:
- Actively assist a Senior Counselor with a specific group of campers.
- Learn and co-lead camp songs, games, and transition activities.
- Help with the setup and cleanup of activities and camp spaces.
- Model enthusiastic and positive behavior for all campers.
- Participate in daily check-ins and weekly feedback sessions with the CIT Coordinator.
- Program Fee: 50% of the standard weekly camp tuition.
- $250 each week
- This fee covers the cost of intensive training, mentorship, a CIT t-shirt, and all program materials.
Tier 2: CIT II (Second-Year Leader)
Returning CITs are given greater responsibility and are expected to apply the skills they learned in their first year. This tier focuses on developing leadership and initiative.
- Prerequisites: Successful completion of the CIT I program and a positive evaluation from the previous summer.
- Focus: Leadership Application, Initiative, and Mentorship.
- Responsibilities:
- All duties of a CIT I.
- Independently lead at least one nature-based activity or game per day.
- Act as a “buddy” or mentor to a first-year CIT I.
- Be given a specific area of responsibility, such as managing the craft station or organizing the end-of-day cleanup.
- Assist the CIT Coordinator with planning special camp-wide events.
- Program Fee: A reduced fee of 25% of the standard weekly camp tuition.
- $125 each week
- This significant discount reflects their valuable experience, reduced need for intensive training, and their increased contribution to the camp community.
Tier 3: Junior Counselor (Invitation Only)
This position is the final step before becoming eligible for paid staff. It is reserved for exemplary CIT II graduates who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, reliability, and dedication.
- Prerequisites: Successful completion of the CIT II program and a formal invitation from the Camp Director based on exceptional performance.
- Focus: Program Assistance and Pre-Staff Experience.
- Responsibilities:
- Function as a vital support for Senior Counselors, often acting as a co-leader for a camper group.
- May be asked to lead major components of the camp day.
- Assist with parent communication during drop-off and pickup.
- Serve as the primary role models for all CITs.
- Program Fee: This is a volunteer position with no fee.
- Select Junior Counselors who are 15+ and can commit to multiple weeks may be eligible for a weekly stipend of $150/week. This position is the primary pipeline for hiring future camp staff.
Mandatory Pre-Camp Training All accepted CITs (Tiers 1 and 2) are required to attend a mandatory training day before the start of camp. This session will cover camp policies, safety procedures, age-appropriate behavior management, and strategies for leading activities effectively in an outdoor setting. This training ensures our CITs are confident and prepared on the first day of camp.