About Austin Sunshine Camps (ASC):

The mission of ASC is to provide the magic of overnight camp without the barrier of cost. We envision a world where all children have a place to grow, connect and explore. Since 1928, ASC has provided free, fun-filled overnight summer camp programs for children by partnering with families who face barriers to accessing such programs.

ASC’s Overnight Summer Camp is our flagship program and is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA), which represents the industry’s highest standard. Each summer, we provide four sessions of overnight summer camp to 500-600 children ages eight to 15. Our eight to 11-year-olds attend our Zilker Camp in Zilker Park and our 12 to 15-year-olds attend our Lake Travis Camp in Marble Falls. For 10 days and nine nights, they swim, canoe, hike, learn new skills, create crafts, make music, and much more.

During the school year, we engage with our camper families, providing a variety of programming and events that allow them to feel a part of the larger ASC family as well. By deepening the relationship with our campers’ families throughout the year, we significantly increase the likelihood that campers will return year-after-year, increasing the opportunity to create lasting impact on the child’s life, education, and future career.

Are you ready to transition from camper to leader? Counselors-in-Training (CITs) are the heartbeat of Austin Sunshine Camps. You bring the energy, set the tone, and create a space where every single camper feels like they belong.

As a CIT, you bridge the gap between camper and staff. You will master the delicate balance of being a fun mentor and a responsible role model, building effortless relationships with campers aged 8–15 while maintaining healthy boundaries. You’ll work alongside our cabin counselors (supporting a tight 1:5 ratio) to care for the well-being of campers throughout our overnight  sessions.

Another critical part of the CIT job includes serving meals, washing dishes, taking out trash, setting up for all-camp activities, leading songs, and completing many other day-to-day tasks that make camp run. These duties are critical in understanding the behind-the-scenes work and responsibilities it takes to become a camp counselor.

New This Year: The CIT Leadership Labs

Austin Sunshine Camps is expanding our Counselor in Training (CIT) program to invest directly in your future. Through a new partnership with Step Outside, we’re integrating hands-on Leadership Labs into the CIT experience. These dedicated workshops give CITs the opportunity to build real-world professional skills, strengthen core character traits, and step into high-impact leadership roles both at camp and beyond. 

Schedule: You must commit to working two camp sessions, a full day of Summer Staff Training, and at least 4 of our Leadership Lab (see dates below)

• Sunday, October 25th  
• Sunday, November 15th
• Sunday, January 10th
• Sunday, February 7th
• Sunday, April 25th
• Saturday, May 15th* Attendance Required 

We’re Excited About You Because:

• You believe deeply in the mission of Austin Sunshine Camps and genuinely want to make a positive, lifelong impact on a child's life.
• You are 16 or 17 years old during the 2027 summer season.
• You want to develop elite communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
• You want hands-on experience in youth development, mentorship, and outdoor programming.
• Preferred but not required: You have previously attended Austin Sunshine Camps as a camper!

You’re Excited About Us Because:

• Compensation for camp:
• • New CITs: $45.00 per day stipend (pre-tax)
  • Returning CITs: $52.50 per day stipend (pre-tax)
• Compensation for Completing our Leadership Lab: $200 (pre-tax)
• Full Room & Board: Meals and snacks are completely provided while camp is in session.
• Unrivaled Experience: You won’t find another summer job that offers this level of diversity, professional growth, and pure fun.

2026-2027 CIT Timeline:

• Application Deadline: Friday, September 25
• Interview Window: Saturday, September 19 – Thursday, October 15
• Offers Sent Out By: Friday, October 16
• Start Date / First Leadership Lab: Sunday, October 25