2025 Camp Dates: Coming Soon
(counselors and CITs will arrive on Saturday for orientation and training)
Become a Counselor in Training (CIT)
Thank you for showing interest in our Counselor-in-Training program. Any CIT, 16 to 17 years of age (prior to the start of camp), with heart conditions can attend our five-day, four-night camp upon recommendation from their pediatric cardiologist and approval by Merry Heart Children's Camp CIT and Medical Committees. The executive / camp director and your pediatric cardiologist can help you assess if you should apply to attend camp.
The goal of this program is to provide interested teens an opportunity to:
Develop leadership skills in a comfortable atmosphere,
Provide continued connection with Merry Heart Children’s Camp who have aged out of the camper role but are too young to volunteer at camp in another capacity, and
Provide additional support for campers and staff.
The program is designed to give CIT(s) a base of understanding about youth, leadership, health and safety, and program planning. Led by the CIT Head Counselor, CIT(s) work as a team, in small groups, and individually to learn about aspects of working with young children in a camp environment. CIT(s)( are also provided with opportunities to plan activities and practice skills while interacting directly with younger campers under the supervision of the CIT Head Counselor. Regular goal setting, assessment, and evaluation are essential components throughout the program.
This program promises to be both challenging and fun. To be accepted into the program, we will need the following items:
CIT Online Application (CampDoc).
Photo in Online Application profile (CampDoc).
Two (2) completed reference names submitted in the CIT Online Application form (CampDoc).
Telephone, Skype/Face Time/Zoom or in-person interview.
Complete required pre-camp training.
Counselors and CITs must arrive a day early for a one-day orientation and training AT CAMP on Saturday August 17th before camp begins on Sunday.
Camp life can be very demanding but also rewarding when you see how much you can impact the life of a child. If you believe you are up to the challenge, we look forward to hearing from you. If you have any questions or concerns, please call us at (971) 228-9074, email at director@merryheartchildrenscamp.org.
CIT Acceptance Guidelines
Merry Heart Children Camp is a place specifically for youth with heart conditions. We do not accept or decline any CIT(s) over the phone or via e-mail. These guidelines below are intended to help you and your parent/guardian determine if you need to submit an online application. Please contact us if you have questions prior to applying.
In order to have an application reviewed by our CIT and medical committees, the CIT must meet the following criteria:
Heart conditions must be the primary health concern of the CIT.
The CIT has a basic knowledge of their heart condition.
Be able to walk without any physical limitations.
The CIT must independently manage their daily routine.
Be self-reliant in caring for hygiene, toileting and eating needs.
A pediatric cardiologist on a regular basis must see CIT.
The CIT needs to have been seen by their pediatric cardiologist within twelve (12) months prior to the start of camp but no later than June 30th.
If the CIT is not seen on an annual base, then the primary care physician will need to see the CIT within twelve (12) months prior to the start of camp but no later than June 30th.
All up to date age specific vaccines and immunizations (as defined by the CDC). We are encouraging, but not requiring, COVID-19 vaccines (including all eligible boosters) for all youth attending Merry Heart Children’s Camp in-person, overnight camp.
The CIT has the ability to participate and engage in team-based activities.
The CIT demonstrates nonviolent behavior, follow the rules, i.e. lead the group with the help of the adult counselors.
If the CIT has any other illnesses, disabilities (physical or developmental), or other health problems, Merry Heart Children's Camp will review those files on an individual basis and determine if the CIT will be accepted to camp.
Instructions
We have high expectations for the CIT(s). Please read and consider the following before submitting this application:
We have reserved six slots (3 – males and 3 – females) for CIT(s) who truly show leadership potential and have a desire to excel in the camp setting. This is demonstrated through previous summer experience and performance (if applicable), the application, and a formal interview.
All communications and forms should be the work of the CIT applicant.
If you are unable to find information that is needed on the application, patients/guardians can assist you.
There are a limited number of spots (6 total) in the CIT program.
Submission of an application does not indicate an acceptance into the CIT program.
Application deadline, telephone interview and submission of all required information will need to be completed by June 30.