Program for Developing Teen Leaders
The Counselor in Training (CIT) program has been helping teens use their God given talents for decades. While the programmatic focus is on the skills that make a person a good counselor, those same skills apply to leadership outside of the camp setting as well. Some of the skills that we help CITs to develop are adaptability, effective communication between peers, effective communication with children, risk assessment, decision making, conflict management and mediation, crisis management, and more.
An additional benefit of the Counselor in Training program is that it prepares campers who would like to be on staff for such a position. While one is not required to be a CIT to be employed as a Junior Staff nor does being a CIT guarantee employment, it certainly helps. We know our CITs have developed some of the skills which are critical to being a good counselor.
3 Part Program
“I learned how to take a role of authority and how to step out of my comfort zones... The amazing opportunities given to me at camp and church, broadened my point of view of what camp is really all about; having fun and sharing Jesus with others.”
The Counselor in Training program is comprised of three parts. After each part of the program the CIT will receive an evaluation and feedback celebrations and challenges. While one applies for the weekend retreat (part 1), the CIT Training Week and CIT Return Week are by invitation only.
Part 1 - Weekend Retreat
The first part is a weekend retreat in the spring. At this retreat, potential CITs will receive critical training in risk management, program leadership, and shifting from a camper mindset to one of responsibility and authority. Like everything at camp, this training is also a ton of fun. Skills are taught through experience and action rather than sitting and talking. CITs often build friendships at this weekend that end up lasting the rest of their lives!
DATES & COST: April 12-14, 2024, $135
Part 2 - Training Week
Upon successful completion of the weekend retreat, Counselors in Training may be invited to return for the CIT Training Week. In this part of the program hands on experience is combined with daily lessons and discussions. CITs will placed with an event and will have opportunities to lead songs, games, and more. They will also have the opportunity to watch and be mentored by our paid staff, many of whom have experience as CITs and are happy to help their younger peers develop their leadership skills and talents. This combination of mentoring, discussion, and experience creates a learning environment that helps the leadership lessons stick!
DATES & COST: June 9-14, 2024, $250
Part 3 - Return Week
Upon completion of the Training Week a CIT may be invited to return for a week of functioning entirely in the full CIT role. During this week a CIT will be assigned to an event and will function as part of the staff team in leading that event. While CITs continue to receive feedback and mentoring, there is no classroom time for this return week. This week is often the highlight of the program for our CITs as they are more fully involved in the leadership of a camp.
Dates & Costs: Scheduled after completion of training week with consultation between the CIT, Training leadership, and Program Director; no cost.