The CIT program is a leadership program for high school students going in to the 11th or 12th grade in the fall. CITs attend Camp Sweyolakan overnight camp and gain leadership skills and gather team building experience while working with camp counselors. Essentially, it’s a training program where graduates can eventually qualify to become a paid camp counselor.
The CIT program is a 7-week program completed over 2 summers.
The program will accommodate up to 18 amazing CITs.
The Jr. CIT program is for individuals going into the 11th grade; the Sr. CIT program is for individuals going into the 12th grade.
No SAT or GPA requirements here! Caring, enthusiastic, motivated, camp-loving applicants simply fill out an online application in late winter.
You will never want to leave, but you will get to go home overnight between sessions. Trust us, you’ll want to do some laundry.
CITs are not paid; in fact, there is a reduced session fee to participate in the program. The fee covers program supplies, training, curriculum, meals and accommodations.
Following successful completion of the Sr. CIT program, participants may be invited to intern at the end of the summer. The following summer participants may apply for a camp staff position. Successful completion of the program, however, does not guarantee a future paid position. All potential staff must show they will be a good fit for delivering camp programming.
YES, all CIT participants will partner with a camp counselor for 1 week each summer to bring the magic of camp to a group of excited campers.
For the majority of the camp stay, CITs will sleep in assigned cabins (“A” frame cabins with 6 beds) in the CIT Unit. Accommodations will be made for transitioning, transgender, and/or non-binary campers; please call Miss Poppy in the Camp Fire office.
Yes, but squirrels love snacks! CITs can bring snacks, we just ask that they be kept away from the wildlife. Empty popcorn tins make awesome critter-proof containers. Please coordinate with the CIT Staff for safe storage.
Free time, what’s free time? Honestly, there is a ton to do, but participants will have a little bit of time here and there.
CITs are not staff yet, they are the pinnacle of campers, with some extra added responsibilities...and privileges.
Of course! We always love the help, and are willing to make sure everyone who wants to come can. For more information, call us at 509-747-6191 or visit our Financial Assistance Page for more information.
During the program, CITs get the opportunity to enhance leadership and teamwork skills, learn how to lead a group of younger children safely through an outdoor adventure, and learn camping skills to teach to others. The list goes on and on, these are just some great examples.
The completion of the Junior CIT program is a prerequisite for the Senior CIT program. Juniors learn the basics of leading groups, planning, and outdoor skills. Seniors delve deeper into those skills and get the opportunity to learn about camp operation, how to teach positive values to children, and the responsibilities of a camp administrator and staff member.
