Stratham Parks and Recreation is excited to continue to offer our Counselor in Training (CIT) program this summer at Stratham Rec Summer Camp for children entering 7th & 8th grade in the fall of 2026.
Application Process
The CIT program will be managed with an application and vetting process. A limited number of CITs(12) will be admitted into the program. The selection process will be based on the participants application, a letter of interest, and their previous performance/behavior as a CIT or camper.
CIT candidates must commit to ATLEAST three out of five weeks of summer camp.
The completion of this application DOES NOT guarantee your child a CIT position. Please plan your summer accordingly.
All second year CITs must reapply and are not guaranteed a spot in this year's program.
*Application DUE March 20th, 2026*
*Notification of acceptance or non-acceptance will be sent no later than April 10th, 2026.*
CIT Program Cost: $450.00 (regardless of the number of weeks committed)
Program Outline(2025)
Goals & Objectives
- Develop leadership, communication, and counseling skills in young individuals to prepare them for future counselor roles.
- Implement weekly off-site field trips to provide opportunities for team building, self-growth, and fun!
- Ongoing evaluation of Counselors-in-Training (CIT) to identify and recommend trainees to be considered for counselor positions in the future.
Camp Mission & Values
From the Stratham Rec Summer Camp Staff Handbook:
At Stratham Rec Camp, our mission is to provide a fun and enriching summer camp experience for children in a safe and inclusive environment. Our values include the following:
- Safety: Ensuring the well-being and security of all campers and staff.
- Respect: Treating everyone with kindness, understanding, and empathy.
- Growth: Encouraging personal and skill development for campers and staff.
- Collaboration: Working together as a team to create a positive camp environment.
- Fun: Creating lasting memories through exciting activities and adventures.
Group Formation & Dynamic
- The CIT Program is managed via an application process. A limited number of CITs are admitted into the program. The selection process was based on the participants’ application, letter of interest, and leadership qualities previously observed at Stratham Rec Summer Camp.
- Candidates were chosen by the acting Summer Camp Director and Program Coordinator.
- The group of CITs (12) will attend weekly off-site field trips to various locations stated below via the department’s 15-passenger van.
Off-site Trips Schedule (Tuesdays or Wednesdays)
- Week 1 (July 8th): The Browne Center in Durham, NH
- 9:30am - 2:30pm program time with BYO lunch break
- CIT leadership training at the UNH Browne Center for Innovating Learning
- Professional facilitator led low/high ropes course and team building activities
- Week 2 (July 15th or 16th): Major in Alton Bay, NH
- 9:30am - 2:30pm program time
- 3-mile hike with BYO lunch at the summit
- Week 3 (July 23rd): Seven Rivers Paddling Company in Portsmouth, NH
- 9:30am - 2:30pm program time
- Guided kayaking tour on Sagamore Creek
- Morning snack to a small island for a snack and leadership discussion
- Team building games in kayaks, led by Seven Rivers facilitators
- BYO lunch at Seven Rivers Headquarters post paddle
- Followed by Ice Cream at The Ice House in Rye, NH
- Week 4 (July 29th): New England Team Building in Portsmouth, NH
- 9:30am - 2:30pm program time
- Portsmouth Scavenger Hunt – 10am - 12pm
- Two teams of six CITs, accompanied by an adult, will participate in a scavenger hunt in Downtown Portsmouth.
- Let’s Move Arcade and Silent Disco, Newington Mall – 12:30pm - 2pm
- Week 5 (August 5th or 6th): Wallis Sands State Park, Rye, NH
- 9:30am - 2:30pm program time
- End-of-summer fun day at the beach – games, swimming, etc.
- BBQ lunch provided
