The CIT Program at Camp Parsons is a week long, demanding staff training program designed for Scouts who have achieved the rank of 1st Class or above who are between the ages of 14 and 15. It offers you a chance to see behind-the-scenes and to learn just what it takes to provide quality program summer after summer. You will put into practice the fundamental skills and methods of the Scouts BSA program as you discover if you have what it takes to be a Camp Parsons Staff Member.
During your week, you will form a patrol with the other CITs in attendance. Under the guidance of our CIT Director, you will have hands on training in almost every area of camp; from the Dining Hall to the Beach, from the Climbing Tower to the Rifle Range and everywhere in between. You will have the opportunity to develop your personal and scouting skills during the week through teaching scout skills to younger scouts and assisting staff in campwide programs. Just as importantly, you have the opportunity to demonstrate your talents for the staff and have a leg up in the hiring process for permanent Summer Staff.
Minimum Requirements
- Age 14-15 (16 and above discouraged)
- First Class or above
- Able to work at camp for a full week when your troop is not in camp
- A current BSA registration and complete up to date health form
If you are interested in the CIT Program, please fill out the contact form. You will be contacted by the CIT Director prior to the start of the Summer Season to work out a schedule (late May). We are very flexible and are able to accommodate CITs every week of the summer. Some scouts have done more than one week, though we do not schedule that until after your first week, and only if space is available. Although we have made some exceptions we highly discourage anyone 16 years or older to apply as this position is to train and evaluate potential staff who start at age 16. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at 360-796-4427 or via email. There is no cost for this program. You will come away with an excellent experience that will teach you new skills and make new friends.
For Scoutmasters
The CIT Program at Camp Parsons will provide your scouts with an unparalleled leadership and learning experience. Adult Leaders of Scouts who participate in our CIT Program routinely report that their scouts return to the troop with a revitalized interest in the Scouting program and apply their CIT experience to how they interact with their fellow scouts.
Scouts who come through our program have the chance to test themselves at one of the oldest Scouts BSA camps in the United States. CITs receive training and hands-on experience in group management, teaching, song leading, and Scout Skills. If you have an older scout who wants to challenge themselves, refer them to the information on this page. The CIT program will provide that challenge…and then some.