Camp Counsellor-in-Training (CIT) Program (5 weeks) (Ages 15-17)

Want to help kids have an incredible summer? Then join us! Throughout this training, you will become familiar with the different aspects of camp life: the role of camp counsellors, childhood development, activity planning, creativity, security, teamwork, and more. Throughout the weeks, you will progressively be assigned more responsibilities in our regular camp and you will end your CIT program with an internship in different camp groups, all supervised by our counsellors.

In all, you will participate in 150 hours of theory and practical training and a minimum of 50 hours in charge of a group. During your learning, you will also need to complete an eight-hour first aid training.

Supported by the Association des camps du Québec (ACQ), this renowned program includes 19 training blocks, which will allow you to explore and develop your leadership, organizational, creative, and facilitation skills. In addition to discovering group life, you will have an exceptional camp experience with other participants who share the same interests as you.

The Diplôme d’aptitude aux fonctions d’animateur (DAFA) diploma is required by several camps and recreational organizations, including the YMCA. It is therefore a real asset if you want to work in a day camp or summer camp.

Here are three great reasons to sign up for the CIT program this summer:

Enjoy an outing and an overnight stay at Camp YMCA Kanawana to experience summer camp first-hand and participate in outdoor activities.
Get a two-month membership to the YMCA fitness and sports centres in exchange for summer volunteer hours during your training.
The following year, get a priority interview during the Y’s camp counsellor hiring process.

Show of Interest Form for the 2025 Season

Ages: 15 - 17 years-old
Dates: June 23 to July 25, 2025
Camp hours: From Monday to Friday | 9am to 4pm
Price: $1000

Children must be 15 years-old as of September 30 of the current year.

From 8:00 am to 9:00 am: Campers progressively arrive to camp according to each group’s schedule.
From 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Campers progressively leave camp.

We will establish the 4 departure schedule based on the needs expressed in the mandatory pre-camp form and waiver. Arrival at camp Campers will gradually arrive by group. Before camp starts, we will email you a newsletter letting you know which group your child is in.

Throughout camp, participants are trained in all aspects of camp life: the role of the camp counsellor team, childhood development, planning activities, using their creativity, safety, collaborating with colleagues, and more. As the weeks progress, participants will be given more responsibility within regular camp and will finish their PAM-DAFA with a counsellor-supervised internship in the different camp groups.

Each participant will acquire a minimum of 150 hours of theory and practical learning and spend 50 hours being in charge of a group. Additionally, participants will take an eight-hour first-aid course during camp.

PAM camp is also an opportunity to live an exceptional camp experience. The young participants will discover group life, develop leadership skills and creativity, and learn how to lead a group of kids with other participants who share their interests.

Numerous camps require the PAM-DAFA certification, including the YMCA. As such, having this certification is a considerable advantage for anyone who wants to work as a camp counsellor in a day or summer camp.

Do you need to be bilingual to participate in the program?

No, workshops are bilingual. However, participants must be able to communicate and be understood by the entire group during their internship.

Pre-camp meetings:

Three preparatory meetings will be held in June. The schedule will be sent to registered participants in May.

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