Jobs Companies Camp Phoenix Counselor-in-Training (CIT)

About this Counselor-in-Training (CIT) role at Camp Phoenix

Camp Phoenix · Oakland, Ca

Camp Phoenix is a fun-filled, justice-centered program that is intentional about empowering students from low-income backgrounds and reconnecting them to nature so they can become the leaders our community—and our planet—needs. Our overnight summer camp blends the fun of sleepaway camp with the rigor of exploratory learning to propel middle school students into the next school year and beyond. Throughout the year, we guide teens on weekend trips throughout the Bay Area to expose them even more to what Mother Nature has to offer. 

Camp Phoenix is at an exciting time in its organizational history. Founded in 2012, Camp Phoenix serves about 40-50 campers each summer and strives to bring joy, love and opportunity to everyone who joins the flock. We’ve grown from serving 25 middle-schoolers during the summer of 2013, to now serving over 120 middle and high-schoolers each year through our overnight summer camp, and 50 additional hours of year-round outdoor excursions. 

At Camp Phoenix, we believe all youth deserve access to nature, wonder and exploration and that youth should gain, not lose, learning in the summer. Read more about our beliefs here.

CAMP PHOENIX OVERVIEW

Camp Phoenix is seeking motivated and responsible individuals to join our Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program for our week-long sleep-away camp. This exciting opportunity is designed for young leaders aged 15-17 who are passionate about youth development, outdoor adventures, and gaining valuable leadership skills. The CITs will work closely with experienced camp staff, gaining hands-on experience in camp operations and mentorship.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Leadership Development:
    • Engage in training sessions focused on leadership, communication, and camp operations.
    • Assist in leading and facilitating camp activities under the guidance of experienced staff.
  • Camper Support:
    • Provide support and mentorship to campers, fostering a positive and inclusive camp environment.
    • Assist with camper supervision during various activities.
  • Team Collaboration:
    • Collaborate with fellow CITs and camp staff to create a cohesive and supportive team.
    • Participate in daily debrief sessions to reflect on experiences and share insights.
  • Skill-Building:
    • Develop and refine leadership and teamwork skills through practical application.
    • Participate in skill-building workshops to enhance personal and professional development.
  • Assistance with Program Implementation:
    • Assist in the implementation of camp activities, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.
    • Take on responsibilities related to specific program areas as assigned.
  • Behavior Modeling:
    • Serve as a positive role model for campers, demonstrating enthusiasm, responsibility, and respect.
    • Uphold and promote camp values and expectations.

 

Commitment dates

  • Onboarding, Planning, Staff Training (flexible virtual hours, about 8 hours total): June 26 & 27, 2026
  • Camp Dates: June 28 - July 5, 2026

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Age requirement: 15-17 years old.
  • Interest in gaining leadership experience in a camp setting.
  • Enthusiasm for working with children and creating a positive camp environment.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively within a team.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Interested CIT candidates should submit a resume, a letter of interest, and a letter of recommendation from a teacher, mentor, or community leader to tyfahra@campphoenix.org. Camp Phoenix is an equal-opportunity employer and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply.

>> To Apply

Please apply: https://campphoenix.org/about/jobs/

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until all positions are filled.

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About Camp Phoenix

 

About Us:

Founded in 2012, Camp Phoenix is a two-week residential (overnight) summer camp that serves approximately 80 middle-schoolers each summer. We are a non-profit program that empowers middle school students from low-income communities to overcome the summer learning gap through a three-week academic experience. We want every camper who comes to Camp Phoenix to return to school in the fall a more advanced reader and mathematician, more confident in themselves, and more energized to make a positive impact on their community. Additionally, we do year-round, weekend excursion trips to Bay Area nature spaces and science museums. 

We partner with Oakland schools, such as: Greenleaf Elementary School and Coliseum College Prep Academy. Additionally, some of our campers come from the National Coalition of 100 Black Women in Silicon Valley. All of our students attend Title 1 Schools in Oakland Unified School District, meaning that over 90% of students at these sites receive free and reduced lunch. Campers pay a fee of $60 to attend Camp Phoenix (but the fee is waived or discounted for those who need assistance). In 2015, Camp Phoenix was selected as an Oakland Unified Lead Summer Agency.

Our summer camp has partnered with Sierra Nevada Journeys and is held at Grizzly Creek Ranch in Portola. Tucked away in the breathtaking Sierra Nevada mountains, it offers a true escape into nature!

Learn more about us on our website or check out our video - Summer Adventure!

 

Our Impact:

  • 95% of campers have met their individualized math and reading growth goals (as assessed by Pearson's common-core aligned Group Mathematics and Reading Assessment Diagnostic Exam). 
  • Campers on average grow over 2 months of learning in math and reading (as assessed by Pearson's common-core aligned Group Math and Reading Assessment Diagnostic Exam). 
  • Over 90% of campers report gaining confidence in themselves and their academics by the end of camp.
  • Over 90% of families we serve say that their child tries hard in school and takes more responsibility. 

Abby Friedman, Director of Family & College Resource Center at CCPA, says: “Kids came back more confident, more independent, more self-assured. Camp was transformative for parents and kids alike. One mom was hesitant to let her boys go, but she couldn't stop thanking me after they got back. They had matured and grown so much in just three weeks, and she could feel the difference it made."

 

Who we're looking to hire:

We're hiring for the amazing individuals who will make our summer camp come alive! Our staff will provide discovery based math, science, and reading instruction combined with social-emotional focused and outdoor education activities throughout the day. 

 

Our Camp Phoenix Staff Members:

  • Put kids first.
  • Know how to take initiative.
  • Are excited to be a part of a team.
  • Believe in the incredible potential of our campers and are committed to our mission of providing all kids the opportunity to have a meaningful and joyful summer.
  • Are eager to learn from one another and from our campers.
  • Are empathetic, both towards campers and fellow team members.
  • Work hard and enjoy wearing multiple hats, whether it’s getting silly or serious.

 

Are you interested in multiple roles at Camp Phoenix? Please apply to only the role that seems like the best fit for you and we would be happy to discuss your interest in other roles during the interview process.

 

See all jobs at Camp Phoenix →

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