Kulam for CITs/TAs: Session Details

CIT/TA Program Objectives

Participants will . . .

• Feel better prepared to provide guidance, care and mentorship in their role as CIT/TA 
• Develop communication skills including how to speak up, actively listen, and give feedback 
• Increase and practice skills in de-escalating conflict and boundary-setting 
• Understand when to handle a situation and when to ask for help 
• Actively participate and share their thoughts with the group 
• Better understand the social emotional lives of the children with whom they will be working

Curriculum Outline

Session Title	Purpose	Summary	Objectives
Communication 101	Help CITs/TAs to define their role and develop communication skills   * An important first session to introduce the module and manage expectations	Participants begin to explore the expectations of the job, affirm their instincts, and think through how to respond in various scenarios.	— Understand their responsibilities and expectations as a CIT/TA — Develop hopes and goals for their work — Feel assured and prepared to serve as a CIT/TA
Managing Responsibilities	Help CITs/TAs to know what their role is and when to ask for help	Participants reflect on their own experiences as campers delineating how that is different from being a CIT/TA, and evaluate what falls within the scope of their new responsibilities.	— Understand their responsibilities and expectations as a CIT/TA — Recognize as a CIT/TA when to seek support from a counselor staff member or senior staff member
Identifying Stressors	Help CITs/TAs to understand the social and emotional lives of campers	Participants turn their focus to the children with whom they work and the possible motivations for their behavior.	— Understand different factors influencing their own behavior and children’s behaviors — Use strategies for managing their reactions to children’s behaviors through increased self-awareness and self-regulation — Apply a deeper sense of responsibility for children’s well-being
Noticing Yourself and Others	Help CITs/TAs understand group dynamics and think through interventions	Participants learn to pay attention to the situation around them as well as what is going on inside themselves, and then take action.	— Notice group dynamics more effectively — Implement ways to redirect group dynamics as needed — Understand their role as a CIT/TA to lead a group
Personal Boundaries, Communication, and Consent	Help CITs and TAs to take steps to set boundaries and be supportive	Through a series of games, participants experience and reflect on three types of physical interactions: Positive, negative and supportive. They practice boundary setting and appropriate physical interactions.	— Explore the concept of personal space and reflect on what happens to personal space in a group setting — Practice navigating the basic elements of positive, physical connection — Role model clear communication and boundary setting — Learn ways to facilitate positive physical connection and boundary setting for others
Feedback and Accountability	Help CITs and TAs to speak up and take initiative	Participants learn to distinguish between complaining and feedback, and practice how to anticipate problematic situations.	— Develop skills on how and when to offer feedback — Understand their role in proactively addressing issues before they become problems — Explore the new level of accountability that comes with their role
De-Escalating Conflict	Help CITs/TAs to intervene in conflict	Participants learn how to disrupt behavior and redirect energy.	— Understand the different kinds of conflict that may arise in a group of children — Practice when and how to de-escalate conflict between children — Consider their own intervention style as they explore ways to respond to a child’s behavior
Inclusion and Belonging	Help CITs foster an inclusive camp environment by recognizing and responding to campers’ diverse needs	Participants explore how small, intentional interventions can create a more supportive and accessible space for all campers.	— Identify strategies for fostering an inclusive environment for all campers. — Understand how language shapes inclusion and belonging, and practice using language that encourages a sense of community. — Learn a few common accommodations they can offer campers with disabilities or any camper needing support.
Emotional Well-Being & Resiliency	Help CITs understand the factors that promote emotional well-being and resiliency in themselves and their campers	Participants explore strategies to support campers’ emotional resilience and create a positive, supportive environment.	— Learn how one’s well-being impacts the camp experience. — Reflect on emotional “baggage” that campers may be bringing with them. — Gain tools to promote a culture of resilience in their camp communities.
Siyyum Celebration	Help CITs/TAs to reflect on all they have learned and celebrate	This session celebrates successes so far and makes plans for ongoing learning.	— Name some of the skills they have acquired in the CIT/TA program — Discuss ways to continue growing and learning — Mark the moment of stepping into leadership