CIT Counselor-in-Training
Description
Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Program Outline

Eligibility:

Age 16 with at least two summers of experience as a Camp Turner camper, or

Age 17 with no prior camp experience required.
All participants must be 16 before the summer begins, possess valid working papers, and complete a CIT application.

The Counselor-in-Training Program is designed for young men and women who wish to gain meaningful work experience at Camp Turner. CITs who excel may be invited to apply and interview during the session for a paid staff position for the remainder of the summer (dependent on staffing needs).

Program Components

The CIT curriculum includes training and development in:

Outdoor education

Leadership development

Service learning

Journaling

Spiritual reflection

Discernment

Team building

Staff training fundamentals

Program Structure

Week 1: Staff Training
CITs participate in full staff training alongside the regular summer staff.

Week 2: Service-Based Learning
Participants engage in service learning, with structured opportunities for debriefing, reflection, and discernment. During this week, CITs assist with a variety of camp operations, which may include:

Supporting activities and camper programs

Cleaning and dishwashing

Light maintenance tasks

Taking photos

Serving food

Assisting other departments as needed

CITs also participate in our StrengthsFinder program, learning about their own strengths and those of the staff team. Camp leadership uses these assessments to place staff where they are most effective. CITs are expected to use their strengths and collaborate with others whose strengths complement their own.

Certifications and Training

CITs may earn the following certifications at no cost:

Wilderness First Aid

CPR

AED

Bloodborne Pathogens

Additional training topics may include:
Program Planning • Supervision • Camper Care • Bullying Identification and Intervention • Personnel Policies • Behavior Management • Supporting Campers with Special Needs • and more.

Daily Expectations

CITs participate in a one-hour evening group discussion with their supervisor each night. These sessions provide guided reflection on:

Leadership development

Personal vocation

Individual and team strengths

Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Additional Notes

Many of our senior staff and administrators began their camp careers in this program. Prior camper experience—especially participation in the Explorers session—is helpful but not required.

Enrollment is limited to 6 male and 6 female participants per session. This is a learning-focused program; no backpacking trip is required.
Location:
Camp Turner
Dates:
6/28/2026 12:00 PM - 7/10/2026
Ages:
Ages 16 - 17
Cost:
$499.00
Availability:
Registration opens on Friday, December 5 at 6:00 AM