Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Program
Step into a leadership role, build real-world skills, and spend your summer outdoors! Tenafly Nature Center’s Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Program offers teens a unique opportunity to work alongside our professional Environmental Educators and inspire the next generation of nature lovers.
CITs gain hands-on experience assisting with school break and summer Nature Day Camp sessions, helping prepare, lead, and clean up activities while ensuring campers stay engaged, safe, and excited to explore the natural world. It’s a rewarding way to develop communication, teamwork, and leadership skills, all while having fun in the fresh air.
Who Can Apply
The program is open to students ages 14–18 (entering grades 9–12) who enjoy being outdoors, working with children, and taking on responsibility.
Program Requirements
CITs must be available for:
- Mandatory Training Days: June 18–19, 1:00–4:00 pm
Training covers natural history, teaching techniques, camp support, and completing a leadership project. - Minimum Summer Commitment: 2 weeks (you tell us your availability; we build the schedule from there)
Additional opportunities may be available throughout the year. - Summer Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 am–4:00 pm
Program Benefits
- Earn community service credit
- Bond with other teens who share your interests
- Gain valuable leadership and communication skills
- Be a positive role model to younger campers
Space is limited—apply early!
New CITs
-
Complete and submit an application through Bergen Volunteers for Tenafly Nature Center.Complete and submit an application through Bergen Volunteers for Tenafly Nature Center.
-
Teen applicants should complete the application themselves.
-
Wait for email instructions from TNC (please do not call).
-
If accepted, you will receive a confirmation email that includes:
-
An acceptance letter
-
CIT Responsibilities and ExpectationsCIT Responsibilities and Expectations
-
Instructions for submitting the Summer Mandatory Health FormInstructions for submitting the Summer Mandatory Health Form
-
This form must be completed by a physician.This form must be completed by a physician.
Application Deadline: June 1
However, admission is rolling. Once spots are filled, we can no longer accept new applicants, so applying early is strongly encouraged.
Returning CITs
-
Submit a letter of intent to the Camp Director that includes your preferred dates for at least two camp weeks.
-
Wait for confirmation from TNC.
-
Accepted returning CITs will receive an email with:
-
An acceptance letter
-
CIT Responsibilities and ExpectationsCIT Responsibilities and Expectations
-
Instructions for submitting the Summer Mandatory Health FormInstructions for submitting the Summer Mandatory Health Form
-
This form must be completed by a physician.This form must be completed by a physician.
Deadline: June 1 (rolling admission applies, space may fill before the deadline).