Programs

Accepting Applications for Counselors-in-Training at Chester Parks and Rec Summer Camp. CIT's are expected to be entering 7th, 8th, or 9th grade. Please fill out the application in order setup an in person or phone interview with the Camp Director.
There is no fee for completing the application. A $100 per week CIT fee is charged AFTER being accepted into the CIT program. This includes all field trip transportation and fees for the week, lunch daily, and tee shirt.

NOTE: YOU MUST "CHECKOUT" AFTER COMPLETING THE ONLINE APPLICATION, EVEN THOUGH THERE IS NO COST TO APPLY!


Chester Park and Recreation 2026 Summer Camp Counselor-in-Training (CIT) For Rising 7th–9th Graders
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What is the Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program?
The CIT program provides rising 7th–9th graders with supervised, on-the-job experience assisting paid camp counselors. The program is designed to prepare participants to become future counselors.
CITs are not staff members; they are always supervised and are counted as campers for staff-to-child ratios. CITs assist with activities such as sports, crafts, games, and camper engagement under staff guidance.
Who is eligible to apply?
Students entering 7th grade – 9th grade are eligible to apply.
What weeks are available?
CITs may apply for the following weeks:
• June 22 - June 29 -July 6 - July 13 - July 20 - July 27 - August 3
Placement is not guaranteed and depends on availability.
What are the camp hours?
Camp runs Monday through Friday, 8:30am–3:30pm.
How do I contact the camp?
• Park and Recreation: 860-526-0013 ext. 223 or 860-790-0133 parkrec@chesterct.org
• Camp phone during camp hours: 203-848-8534
What is the cost?
The fee is $100 per session once accepted. The fee includes:
• T-shirt (one per summer)
• Field trip fees and transportation
• Lunch*
* “Universal Lunch” is made possible by generous grants and donations from the following organizations:
- The Community Foundation of Middlesex County
-Gilbert & Timme, LLC of Chester
-Middlesex County Camp Foundation
-Anonymous Donations
-People like you!
Where does camp meet?
• Pelletier Park at Cedar Lake: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
• Chester Elementary School: Tuesdays, Thursdays, Field trip days, and severe weather days
Any schedule changes are communicated by email.
What happens during severe weather?
• If severe weather is forecast, camp will meet at Chester Elementary School. Notifications are sent by email by 7:30am.
• If severe weather occurs spontaneously while camp is at Cedar Lake, CITs will be transported to Chester Elementary School by First Student bus. Families will be notified by email.
Can my child arrive early or be picked up late?
No. CITs should not arrive before 8:30am or be picked up after 3:30pm. Early drop-off or late pick-up may result in withdrawal from the program.
How does dismissal work?
A parent or authorized adult must sign out at dismissal.
If a CIT is not picked up by 3:30pm, staff will attempt to contact authorized caregivers. If no contact is made, the State Police will be contacted.
Can my child arrive late or leave early?
Yes. Late arrival or early dismissal is allowed for appointments or other needs with advance notice to the Camp Director.
Can my child walk or bike home?
Yes, with written permission from a parent or guardian. CITs with permission may sign themselves out.
What behavior is expected?
CITs must follow directions from camp staff and lifeguards at all times. Disruptive behavior, refusal to follow rules, bullying, or harassment will result in removal from the program.
What should my child wear?
• Dress for the weather; Cedar Lake can be windy and cool.
• Sandals are allowed only on beach days.
• Closed-toe shoes suitable for hiking and sports are required on all other days.
• Wear clothing that may get wet or stained.
What should my child bring?
Beach Days
• Arrive in a bathing suit - Water bottle -Towel -Sunscreen -Change of clothes
School Days
• Sneakers - Water bottle - Sunscreen
Should my child bring money or valuables?
No. Money and valuables should not be brought to camp. CELL PHONES ARE NOT ALLLOWED AT CAMP.
How are medications handled?
Connecticut State Statutes require a completed medication authorization and emergency action plan for all prescription medications, including inhalers and epinephrine auto-injectors, as well as any oral over-the-counter medications administered by staff.
Is the Chester Park and Rec Day Camp licensed by the State of Connecticut?
Town of Chester Parks and Recreation programs are not licensed by the CT State Office of Early Childhood. However, we follow strict guidelines for health and safety in accordance with our Town of Chester policies and procedures, including:
Staff background checks, CPR & First Aid Certification, Mandated Reporter Training, Red Cross Certified Lifeguards, Social/Emotional staff training, Med Admin/Epi-pen Training, and much more.