Teens have two ways to play at Footfire Summer Soccer Camp!

Teen Camper Program

For beginners to advanced
Read more here at Footfire and Footfire FAQs
Sign-up with Online Enrollment . Most weeks filled for CIT enrollment as of May 23. Please call for more information.

Counselor in Training Program

The Footfire Soccer CIT program is for previous Footfire campers aged 13 and older. It is a 4-year program progressing through levels 1-4 over consecutive Footfire Summer Camp seasons, a minimum 2 week requirement per season. The CIT program is leadership training where soccer instruction and the wide spectrum of activities involved in the life of a summer camp serve as the curriculum core.

The CITs receive an introduction to the program, learning about procedures and expectations, and take part in brief daily CIT leadership instructional meetings. As the CITs progress through the various levels they learn skills and techniques applicable to maintaining a safe and effective soccer instruction envirionment. They also continue to receive a high level of individual coaching and evaluation, with time for teen/CIT scrimmages throughout the camp week. First and second level CITs accept small responsibilities around the camp, shadowing coaches and higher level CITs. Advanced level 3-4 CITs assume greater leadership roles, such as the planning, organization and execution of a soccer training session.

CITs grow in a well-rounded way, not only in soccer, but in terms of multi-generational social interaction, effective and appropriate communication, and problem resolution. Practical skills addressed by the program include, but are not limited to, promptness, project follow-through, maintaining good health, physical awareness and balance, sound first aid practices, with an emphasis on appropriate conditioning and nutrition for athletic minds and bodies at various levels of experience. CITs complete the program with a sense of purpose founded on a connection to others and the satisfaction of having contributed meaningfully to something greater than themselves.

After completion, CITs may apply for a Footfire coaching position. Many of our CIT graduates use the program experiences as support for application to college and for employment. Many return to us for summer jobs and/or continue to coach in other community organizations.

The program is most successful when both prospective CIT and his/her parents/guardians are in agreement about participation. We strongly urge you to review the requirements and objectives together as you decide whether the Footfire CIT Program is a good fit.

Read the latest from Alison Gopnik, professor of psychology at Cal, on why teenagers need apprenticeships like our CIT program for healthy development.

Requirements:

Minimum age – 13 (by end of current Footfire Camp season).
Previous Footfire Camper.
Minimum 2-week (10 day, 2 full weeks) participation each camp season for 4 years.
Advancement based on final evaluation.
Level 3-4: CIT camp day may begin before 9:00 am and/or extend to 5pm, as assigned.

CIT Program Fees:

Level 1: Same as regular camp fee; waiver of $35 CIT Program registration fee; waiver of Extended Care fee.

Level 2: $35 CIT Program Registration fee required; 50% waiver of regular Camp fee; waiver of Extended Care fees.

Level 3: $35 CIT Program Registration fee required; 100% waiver of regular Camp fee; waiver of Extended Care fees.

Level 4: $35 CIT Program Registration fee required. Stipend dependent on performance and experience; waiver of regular and Extended Care fees.

How to Enroll:

Level 1: Pay online and send the completed CIT Enrollment Form by snail mail OR pay by check and submit CIT Enrollment Form and regular Fee Worksheet by snail mail. Send forms to 1645 4th Street, Berkeley, 94710.

Levels 2, 3 and 4: Payment by snail mail only. Submit completed CIT Enrollment Form and CIT Fee Worksheet with payment to 1645 4th Street, Berkeley, 94710.

Enrollment Limited:

Level 1 and 2 applications prioritized based on date received.
Level 3 and 4 application acceptance and assignment based on date received and experience/past performance.

CIT Program FAQs

Why is the program open only to previous campers?

Footfire Campers, Parents and Footfire Staff build trust based on the Footfire Camp experience, getting to know each other over the course of Camp weeks and seasons. This is the basis for a smooth transition from Camper to CIT status. Also, previous Campers are better prepared to take on the new CIT role because there is a lot to learn about Footfire!

Why is a fee required for CIT levels 1 and 2?

It is important that parents and prospective CITs understand that the CIT program is not employment. The CIT Program is leadership training in which participants receive instruction as soccer players and soccer camp leaders. CITs are also included in camp activities. Consider the CIT years as similar to an advanced level of Footfire Camp. The CIT Program is formulated to be affordable for families. In 3 years the CIT fee value can be recouped through participation. For example: Level 1: 2 week enrollment = $600; Level 2: 2 week enrollment = $300; Level 3: no camp fees required – by enrolling in 3-Level 3 weeks ($900) the value of the fees from the previous 2 years will be regained. Additionally, Level 4 comes with a small stipend to support the student as he/she prepares for high school gradutation and college. We are happy to offer a higher level of continuity and commitment to our Footfire Campers through the CIT Program.