By The 2012 Machon Unit of URJ Camp Kalsman
Being a CIT (Counselor in training) is all about learning to be the best counselors we can be. As a group, we came up with the ten traits we want to see in ourselves in order to become the “world’s best counselors”.
Trustworthy: Counselors should be trustworthy sources that campers can count on to help them through challenges.
Outgoing: Outgoing counselors are able to help kids move out of their comfort zones and bring groups, especially new campers, together.
Creative: Creativity allows new perspectives to be incorporated into camp, helping camp change and develop.
Open minded: Open minded counselors take campers’ opinions into account so that campers feel welcome and
important to camp.
Relatable: When counselors are relatable, campers feel more comfortable and are able to begin camp feeling like they have a friend.
Optimistic: Campers feed off their counselors’ attitude and a positive energy makes for more fun. If you say you can, you will!
Funny: Camp is for having fun! Funny counselors help diffuse tension and can include everyone in fun jokes, bringing groups together.
Knowledgeable: A counselor’s job is to give campers the tools to help them develop at camp. If a counselor can answer questions campers have, it shows that they respect campers’ curiosity and teaches the value of continued growth and learning.
Jewish: One of Camp Kalsman’s core values is developing a strong Reform Jewish Identity in counselors as well as campers. Counselors are role models and counselors who are in touch with their Judaism help kids become closer to Judaism themselves.
Striving to be the world’s best counselors is a hard job, and while we know we won’t be perfect, we hope to be able to embody these traits and contribute to developing Kalsman as we move into cabins and work with campers as counselors in training!
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