A CIT (Counselor-in-Training) is a young teenager who assists the staff of FCPA camps and the summer Rec-PAC program. Rec-PAC is a structured recreation program with an emphasis on leisure skills designed for elementary school children

Any teen aged 14 to 17 for RECenter, park and school-based sites.

Because of the experience gained through working, many CITs return in paid positions when they turn 18 years of age. Others use the CIT program to community service hours.

• Gain valuable work experience
• Develop new skills
• Practice leadership
• Gain work as a team with college-age staff

Because CITs are a part of a team of staff members working with young children, we feel that it is important that there be some age separation between the kids being supervised and the youngest staff members. Fairfax County Park Authority offers a number of summer programs designed for sixth, seventh and eighth graders. For more information, see Parktakes magazine, visit Parktakes Online, or call our customer service reps at 703-222-4664.

No, CITs are part of a leadership program. However, CITs who do well are often hired as Rec-PAC staff once they turn 18 years of age, and experience as a CIT is considered in the Rec-PAC staff hiring process.

Yes, CIT hours worked are volunteer hours. Check with your school or service club for rules regarding the number and type of volunteer hours you can receive. Each CIT receives an evaluation at the end of the summer and a certificate

CITs can choose between working at FCPA camp sites (usually located at RECenters or parks) and at more than 50 school-based Rec-PAC sites located around the county. Sites can change throughout the spring. 2019 Rec-PAC Locations.

Location is determined by the needs of the program. On the application, CITs are asked for their top three choices of locations. We try to work with parents to minimize travel time with other siblings in various camps.

CITs at FCPA camp locations (usually at RECenters or parks) assist with various camp programs, including daily swimming. Each CIT must apply and be selected through an interview process. CITs at the more than 50 school-based sites work with the summer Rec-PAC program. Daily activities include crafts, sports, cooperative games, field trips, and special events. There is no interview for the Rec-PAC CIT Program.

CITs at school-based Rec-PAC sites work from 8:15 a.m. - 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

For Rec-PAC, CITs are encouraged to work at least one week and may work the entire summer. Some CITs may be allowed to work only on certain days of the week (for example, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays).

CITs should list on their application any family vacation dates when they will not be available to work. CITs are expected to work the dates and times that they have committed to work.

For Rec-PAC CITs at the more than 50 school-based, the cost is $160 for the entire summer (regardless of number of weeks worked). All CITs receive a training t-shirt, and manual. New and returning CITs will pay the $160 fee.

All new and returning CITs must attend a 3-hour orientation and training. Prior to the start of the program applicants receive a training manual and learn from experienced staff details in safety, basic work skills, arts and crafts and sports, and policies and procedures. At the completion of the training, CITs must pass a knowledge test and receive an ID card certifying that they have completed the training. The training location is in the application packet

Fairfax County Park Authority is committed to giving all citizens equal access to recreational opportunities. In keeping with that policy, reasonable accommodations and support are provided upon request to individuals with disabilities. Accommodations include sign interpreters, assistive listening devices, program modifications and mainstream assistance. Call 703-222-4664 or TTY 703-803-3354 at least two weeks prior to the application deadline for assistance.

RECenter CITs must contact their site and arrange for an interview. Rec-PAC CITs must complete their applications and return them to the Rec-PAC office no later than June 14th.