The Junior Counselor (JC) and Counselor in Training (CIT) Programs are meant to serve as a bridge between life as a camper and life as a staff member! Both programs provide the opportunity for rising high school seniors to experience how rewarding and fun it will be to return as a staff member in future summers.
Junior Counselor (JC) Program (June and Main Sessions)
The JC schedule is different from a traditional camper schedule. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, JCs have leadership sessions that include teambuilding, developmental stages of campers, effective communication techniques, and more! On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, JCs assist in activity areas while growing their teaching abilities. JCs live in a cabin with other JCs and two leaders.
The cost to participate in the June JC program is $2,895 and the cost to participate in the Main JC Program is $3,995. JCs can acquire service hours for their work.
The Junior Counselor Program is only offered during our June and Main Sessions. JCs are rising seniors in high school and must be previous CMW campers. Limited JC spaces are available for each session and applicants need to apply before September 15.
After September 15, those who have applied to be a JC will be sent a follow-up email requesting additional information, including a short essay, that will aid in the selection process for the 2024 JCs. For those not selected as JCs, they will be added to a waitlist and offered a spot in our CIT Program.
The JC application is the same as the camper application. On the application you will be able to indicate that you are applying to be a Junior Counselor.
Apply through the CampInTouch portal and select the JC program for your preferred session.
Counselor In Training (CIT) Program (August Session)
The CIT program provides a fast-tracked experience in learning how to be a camp counselor! This program is perfect for those who want to come back to Merrie-Woode but can only commit for a shorter time period. Anyone who is on the JC waitlist or using their last camper summer to complete a program are also eligible to apply to be CITs.
CITs gain first-hand experiences by living/working with campers in a cabin, alongside a full counselor who serves as a mentor and role model. They also gain teaching experience by assisting in 4 activity periods each day.
Each morning CITs have a leadership session led by Camp’s Staff Director to cover key information covered at Staff Orientation.
There is no cost to participate in the CIT Program, and all CITs are given a $300 stipend for their work. They are also able to receive service hours instead of their stipend.
CITs are rising seniors in high school and must be previous CMW campers.
The CIT program has a rolling application. We will continue to accept application until all spots are full.
2024 CIT Application 2024 Applicant Reference Form