8th AND 9th GRADE PROGRAMS
Our CIT (Counselor in Training) programs are the final steps for our campers before becoming eligible to join the staff as Junior Counselors. This program provides a tremendous learning situation for young teens as they assist and share experiences with our Senior Counselors. There are options for participation in regular camp activities and experience some off-campus trips. This program is open to campers who are entering 8th and 9th grade. CITs must come to camp with a real interest in taking on additional responsibility and being an integral part of the counselor team.
PART-TIME CIT (ENTERING 8th GRADE ONLY)
This program is designed for the camper who is beginning to learn how to work with children. Part-time CITs will spend half their time assigned to assist with a group or at a specialty, and half their time following a camper-style schedule.
PT CITs will alternate weeks between following a camper schedule and being assigned to a Group or Specialty. During their Camp schedule weeks, they will take part in camp activities. During their assigned weeks, they will help in either a group or a specialist activity. These placements will be based upon the CIT’s requests. All PT CITs will have training opportunities as a whole group. Counselor staff will provide support and training to facilitate their transition from a camper to staff mentality.
In order to give the CIT a variety of experiences, their assignment will change throughout the summer. CITs will be formally evaluated by the Senior Staff with whom they are working, as well as the CIT staff. The evaluation process will determine whether the CIT has made a commitment to the training program and if they would be recommended to join the Full-time CIT program in their second year (see description below). All part-time CITs are eligible for the Upper Camp day trips and the 3-day CIT trip, but must be enrolled the week of the trip to attend.
FULL-TIME CIT (ENTERING 9th GRADE ONLY)
This program is designed for the camper who has shown a high level of maturity and judgment, together with a strong interest in working with children. Although still considered a staff “in training”, this CIT will be permanently assigned to assist all day throughout the season with a group or at a specialty. This program is a tremendous learning experience for the camper who may wish to work at Elbow Lane in the future. All full-time CITs are eligible for the Upper Camp day trips and the 3-day CIT trip, but must be enrolled the week of the trip to attend.
Full-time CITs will receive a 1/3 tuition discount. In addition, they will receive a $200 stipend for an 8-week commitment, as a thank you for their hard work! Those enrolled less than 8 weeks will receive a stipend pro-rated for the number of weeks enrolled. Full-time CITs are invited to attend a staff orientation Saturday morning, June 8th. Details will follow.
TRIPS
The Upper Camp & CIT trips listed on the Camp Calendar are included in the CIT program. CITs must be enrolled the week of any given trip to attend. Directors reserve the right to remove from eligibility any CIT who does not demonstrate the ability to be a responsible member of the group and show good judgment when working independently.
Note: CITs participating in the 3-day CIT Trip must be enrolled for a minimum of 24 days, otherwise a Trip Fee will apply.