Counselor-in-Training Volunteers
The CIT program at Audubon Nature Institute offers youth ages 14-17 the opportunity to become leaders, role models and fun factories during our various seasonal camps as well as our after hours Nature at Night events.
About the Counselor-in-Training Volunteer Program:
As a CIT, teens will have the opportunity to develop professional skills and experience while having a wild time at Audubon facilities. CIT volunteers will be trained to lead various camp games and activities, interpret Zoo animals and exhibits, and to practice important professionalism skills. After summer camp is completed, individuals in good standing will be eligible to volunteer for our Holiday Camps (Thanksgiving, Winter & Mardi Gras) and Nature at Night events throughout the school year. Volunteers that return will have further opportunities in leadership roles, as they’re available.
To participate in Audubon’s CIT program, you must show proof of COVID vaccination or provide negative COVID test results from within 72 hours prior to each volunteer shift.
Training:
If accepted into the program, Mandatory Orientation will be held on Saturday April 15 at 12:30 p.m. at Audubon Zoo. Grown-ups are encouraged to attend Orientation with their student to learn about the program. Mandatory training will occur on four consecutive Saturdays in April and May. Training will run from 8am to 4 p.m. on April 29, May 6, May 13 and May 20. Lunch is included for each training day. Attendance for all four training days is required for participation in the program.
CIT Shifts for Summer Camp:
Once training is completed, CITs will be required to volunteer for at least one 2 week block during summer camp. Shifts each week are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- June 5 to June 16
- June 19 to June 30
- July 10 to July 21
- July 24 to August 4
CIT Program Application & Interviews:
All youth ages 14-17 are invited to apply to join our team of amazing CIT volunteers. The CIT Program Application is a quick online form that will take 5-10 minutes to complete. All applicants who submit their application by February 28th will be invited to join our group interviews in March.
- Applications are due February 28, 2023
- Interview invitations will be emailed on March 3
- Interviews will be held March 16, 17 and 18
- Acceptance status updates will be sent on March 31
Program Fee & Scholarships:
The tuition for the CIT program is a one time $110 fee. Tuition covers the cost of uniforms, training day lunches, and training materials. Tuition is due on the first day of training, April 29th.
Scholarships that cover the whole tuition fee are available but are limited in number. Any youth who qualifies for free or reduced lunch at school and/or is a recipient of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits is eligible to apply for a CIT Program scholarship. Please complete this brief CIT Scholarship Application if you qualify. The application opens January 11.
Apply to become an Audubon Counselor-in-Training Volunteer today!
If you are excited to join our wild team of volunteers, please complete this application form. We are happy to answer any questions you have about the application process and to assist with any challenges you encounter.
Please contact youth@auduboninstitute.org for more information or for assistance.
