Counselor-in-Training Program 2020
(Ages 12 - 15)

 

This program has been suspended for the summer of 2020.
Registered participants have been personally contacted and fees refunded.
We hope to see you back next year!

Do you have a passion for nature, gardening, and creative play? Enjoy being a role model for younger children and like to get your hands in the dirt? The Arboretum's Counselor-In-Training program may be the perfect fit for you! Share your skills and bring your imagination and creativity to the Arboretum--join the fun as we play, garden, create, explore and learn together!

The Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program is designed to provide opportunities for responsible, positive youth mentors to increase leadership skills by sharing a passion, knowledge and enthusiasm for the natural world with younger campers and gardeners. CITs will assist Day Camp, Children's Garden, and/or PeaPods program staff in providing a safe, supportive, and exciting experience for all participants, as well as helping out with other projects.

Top 10 Benefits of being a Counselor-in-Training (CIT)

1. Gain valuable experience while doing something meaningful this summer
2. Take advantage of resume-building opportunities while serving as a role model, mentor, and teaching assistant in the Arboretum's summer programs
3. Share your passion for science, gardens, and the outdoors, with younger kids
4. Develop useful life skills in leadership and time-management
5. Log volunteer hours and give back to the community 
6. Receive training that can be applied to future job/volunteer opportunities
7. Meet new friends
8. Work with caring adult mentors 
9. Be a valuable part of a fun, supportive, creative team
10. Have FUN!!

Job Descriptions

• Day Camp CIT Description
• Weekly Children's Garden CIT Description
• PeaPods for Preschoolers CIT Description

Step 1	Register for your spot at the free informational meeting on Tuesday, February 25, 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. Parents are strongly encouraged to attend the session as well. (If you are interested, but this date does not work, or has passed, please email education office arbedu@umn.edu.)
	FREE Counselor-in-Training Information Night (Ages 12-15 w/parent) Tuesday, February 25, 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.  Free to attend the no-commitment informational session! Limit 50, Learning Center
Step 2	Fill out an application and sign up for an interview date/time. (Applications and interview information will be provided at the February 25 free training and/or available online after February 25.)
Step 3	Successful applicants will be notified, pay one-time registration fee,* and then be able to select desired summer programs to assist. (There are many volunteer opportunities and a lot of flexibility in creating a schedule that works for you and your family. Come half days or full days, for a week, or the whole summer!) *$75 fee covers orientation, First Aid training, leadership development training, t-shirt, certificate, all project supplies, snacks, and an end-of-summer celebration! (Financial assistance is available to those who are eligible for free or reduced school lunch. Inquire by email arbedu@umn.edu.)
Step 4	SAVE THE DATE!! Attend a mandatory one-day CIT orientation on  Thursday, June 11, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.  Attending this session is a mandatory requirement to become an Arboretum CIT.

Questions?

Call 612-301-1210
or email: ArbEdu@umn.edu