Seattle Counselor In Training Program

Join us in Seattle for a summer of camp magic, adventure, and fun! We’re excited to offer Counselor In Training (CIT) opportunities to teens and camp grads aged 13–17. Join day camp as a volunteer this summer to learn the ins and outs of being a camp counselor and hone your leadership and camp skills.  

CITs bring enthusiasm and energy to camp every summer and are an important part of our Mountaineers Camp Community. Annually, CIT’s have the option to join camp in one of two roles: All-Time Belayer or Junior Counselor. Scroll down to learn more about the responsibilities and benefits of each position. 

All-Time Belayer

Ages 13–17

All-Time Belayers (ATBs) eat, work, sleep, and breath climbing! They’re responsible for belaying and coaching campers through routes on our climbing walls, working with camp staff to oversee safety at climbing sites, and developing positive relationships with campers over the course of the week. They also will have opportunities to learn and lead games and team building exercises during the week. 

All-Time Belayers join camp Monday–Friday from 9:00am to noon on weeks that work for their schedule. We request that ATBs volunteer at least 6 days over the course of the summer. As part of the team, they have a chance to develop their technical belaying and climbing skills, as well as becoming a part of the Mountaineers Summer Camp community.

Junior Counselor

Ages 15–17

Junior Counselors are an essential part of each camp group! They work with a mentor counselor each week to belay and help with group management at climbing sites, oversee the safety and overall experience of campers in their group, develop positive relationships with campers, and co-lead games, activities, and curriculum. Junior Counselors who are interested also have the chance to lead all-camp games during the week. 

Junior Counselors join camp Monday–Friday from 8:30am to 4pm on weeks that work for their schedule. We request that Junior Counselors volunteer at least 2 weeks over the course of the summer. As part of the team, they have the chance to develop their technical belaying and climbing skills, receive mentorship in transferable leadership skills, become a part of the Mountaineers Summer Camp community, and have the chance to join one of our Camp Alumni Adventure trips at a highly discounted rate. 

How to Apply 

The CIT application for Summer 2024 is now closed. If you have already applied, you will hear back from by April 19th about scheduling and next steps. Thank you!

Mountaineers Camp and rock climbing experience are not required to join us as a CIT this summer and training will be provided. 

Have a Question?

Visit our Seattle Summer Camp page to learn more about what to expect as part of the Summer Camp team! 

Contact Claire at clairem@mountaineers.org  with questions.