Counsellor in Training Program

“Words don’t even begin to describe how wonderful a time I’ve had.”

“Everything was great! I love you guys. Thank you so much for this experience
Youth Counselors

Being a Counselor in Training (CiT) at Ross Creek is amazing fun and a great way to better your leadership skills. It is hard work that comes with a great sense of fulfillment, reward and satisfaction. This position requires applicants with a high maturity level that will put campers first. We are looking for people that have great attitudes, love the arts and want to spend their summer with kids! Five youth between 14-17 have a chance to learn new skills, work with kids, be full participants in the Summer Academy and mentor with an artist. Ross Creek’s Counselor in Training Leadership Program (CITLP) takes 8 weeks, including student time in the Academy, and is designed to give you amazing new skills, incredible fun and real hands-on leadership training. CiTs are important mentors for younger campers and will also learn from our professional artists and the Counselors, who are generally university level arts students themselves.

Week 1 – Training:

Procedures and Protocols
Child Care Techniques
Procedures and Protocols
Recreation Techniques
Leadership training
Team-building

Weeks 2-5 – Counseling at Summer Arts Camps:

3 weeks working hands-on with children from 5-13 in SummerArts Camps & rec time
1 week as assistant for the organic gardens and in kitchen
Special training once per week in a related area

Weeks 6-7 – Art Academy

The Counselor in Training becomes a participant in one of five Art Academies: Visual Arts, Theatre, Film, Writing and Graphic Novel Academy.

Light duties in the kitchen continue

Week 8 – Mentorship week

Work with a regional artist
CiTs develop their own work at Ross Creek and may assist artists in their own work if applicable

Application Process

There are five CiT positions available. To be accepted and complete the program, CiTs must commit to the whole program. The Program is residential in nature. All CiTs live at Ross Creek for the duration of the program. All applications must be postmarked by February 28. While it is not first come, first served, we do advise early applications, since there are only five spaces.

To apply, please submit the following:

1. A Staff Application Form:
   PDF / WORD

2. A résumé

3. A sample of your art according to the requirements listed on the appropriate Academy section:
   Theatre, Choreography, Writing, Visual Arts or Film

4. A Letter from you stating why you want to participate in the program

5. A letter of reference from a community leader who knows you and can speak to your strengths in a program such as this.

Please send to Mr. Roxy Peterson
Education Director –CiT Program
Ross Creek Centre for the Arts
Box 190, Canning, NS, B0P 1H0