Young Judaea
Our Madrichim in Training (MIT) program is available to entering 12th graders. Participants will explore activities designed just for you and never solely be responsible for other children. At the same time, you’ll get a hearty introduction to the life of being a counselor, apprenticing with seasoned pros to see what the madrich/a life is all about!
MITs start the summer as a group, training and experiencing camp. As you’re ready, you will join a counselor team in a cabin with another aidah (age group). In this fully immersive setting, you get more than hands-on training in every aspect of bunk life; you also begin developing the incredible “soft” skills that hiring managers look for in every job setting—communication, teamwork, leadership, and more.
You’re not “on the job” all the time though. MITs get time off every day and opportunities to see each other and enjoy camp life. (And did we mention that MITs not only have a better chance of being hired by CYJ in the future, but they also receive a higher salary in the future to recognize their superior training?)
The MIT training program runs from June 6-July 5 and coincides with Young Judaea’s Gesher program. You will come to camp during staff week and stay for first session. Those who are participating in the Gesher program will then leave for Israel. Read more about the Gesher program by clicking here.
If you are not going on the trip and have successfully completed the first track, you may be offered the opportunity to join the staff as a paid counselor with second session campers.
So if you’re looking for a summer that’s both rewarding and fun, if you want to return to the joy of a season at CYJ, then sign up to be a MIT today! You don’t want to miss this unforgettable program!
The MIT program at CYJ Midwest is open to all entering 12th graders, including those that did not attend CYJ Midwest as campers.
The cost of the program is a $100 participation fee plus travel expenses to/from Chicago. We will provide transportation between camp and Chicago. Upon completion of the MIT training program, participants will receive a $600 stipend.
During the program every day looks a little different. Most days will include leadership training and professional development, assisting CYJ Tzevet to run Chuggim (electives), and hanging out with our campers! Throughout the summer there will also be opportunities to participate in your favorite camp activities!
MIT’s receive training in child development, communication skills, program planning, team building, public speaking, leadership skills, and more. In addition, your group of MIT’s will have opportunities to decide in what areas you receive training.
MIT’s will receive time off daily in addition to times where all of the MITs will leave camp together (if possible).
As an MIT, you are allowed to use your phones during off times and evenings before going to bed. Lockers will be provided in which you will put your cell phone during times that you are working. Campers at CYJ are not permitted cell phones, and as a rule of thumb, we don’t use our phones while working with the campers.
Yes, although you will be permitted to hang out in the evenings to relax, call home, talk to friends, etc., there is a nightly curfew to make sure you are rested and ready for the day ahead.
To learn more email Camp Director, Dan Ravitch at dan@cyjmid.org or call 224.235.4665