Leadership at CR: The CIT Program

 

Enroll Now!

Download More Info

 

This leadership development experience is designed for graduated campers and rising high school juniors ready to step into leadership roles while cultivating essential skills for working with children. As a CIT, you’ll embark on a journey of personal growth, gaining valuable certifications, which will empower you to contribute to the safety and well-being of our campers.

Throughout the summer, you’ll receive hands-on training and mentorship from experienced counselors and camp leaders, allowing you to develop your confidence and communication skills in a supportive environment. Engaging in interactive workshops and collaborative activities, you’ll learn the art of creating inclusive, fun, and safe experiences for campers of all ages. The CIT program not only prepares you for future employment as a Junior Counselor (17) or Counselors (18+) but also fosters lifelong friendships and unforgettable memories.

The Counselor-in-Training Experience at Runoia includes:

  • Event planning and programming experience
  • Teaching experience and teaching skill development
  • Focused activity time in selected activities
  • Volunteer experience and verified service hours
  • Certification options for archery and other camp activities
    • JMG and Lifeguard courses may be available dependent on enrollment and interest
  • Time off experiences as a group out of camp
  • Work projects around camp
  • “Listen and Learn” training sessions with camp professionals
    • Including topics like: navigating difficult conversations and conflict resolution, receiving and giving feedback, child development, teaching skills, homesickness, leadership styles, and more

 

A Sample Day as a CIT


7:30 am wake-up bell
8:00 am Breakfast: CITs assist counselors with table management, practice 'footing' or 'heading' tables
9:10 am CITs attend assembly with camp and lead songs and distribute lost-and-found items
9:30 am 1st Period: "Listen and Learn" session with a director or camp leader
10:30 am Snack: CITs help manage snack for campers
10:50 am 2nd Period: CIT period for training opportunities, event planning, or 'give back project' work
11:50 am AM Rec Swim: CITs spend quality time with their 'sister shacks' or as a group for free time
12:30 pm Lunch: CITs assist counselors with table management, practice 'footing' or 'heading' tables
1:30 pm Rest Hour
2:30 pm 3rd Period: Activity training - CITs spend time at one of their chosen activity areas shadowing and assisting counselors and practicing instruction
3:30 pm Snack: CITs help manage snack for campers
3:50 pm 4th Period: Activity training - CITs spend time at one of their chosen activity areas shadowing and assisting counselors and practicing instruction
4:50 pm PM Rec Swim: CITs spend quality time with their 'sister shacks' or as a group for free time
6:00 pm Dinner: CITs may help serve dinner and dessert and will sit with their sister shacks or one another
7:00 pm Evening Program: CITs may participate or help with EP, or may have quality time as a group
7:45 pm Milk and Crackers: CITs serve all campers our camp bedtime snack, graham crackers and milk
8:15 pm Circle Time: CITs may join their sister shack for bedtime routines and reading
8:45 pm Down time