The CILT Program is for campers, age 16 and/or and rising high school juniors, who have potential leadership skills and who seek to be future counselors at Camp. The program is designed to provide opportunities to develop and sharpen leadership skills and acquire the knowledge that will help prepare the camper to become an effective counselor.
CILT positions are only available to those who have conscientious respect for organization and support the need for compliance to rules and regulations that place the welfare of the younger campers ahead of personal interest. A CILT must have a sincere interest in working with children and a willingness to be a positive role model in the camp community.
CILTs have responsibilities throughout the summer at Camp from working with campers and counselors to being on activities.
Cabin Responsibility
A CILT is assigned to a cabin of younger campers to receive training from the counselors in all aspects of cabin life. However, at no time is a CILT left in charge of a cabin.
Activity Responsibility
A CILT is assigned to an activity of their choice. A CILT becomes as skilled as possible in this specialized segment of the camp program and is taught effective teaching techniques. The normal week consists of seven activity periods on the activity. The remainder of the CILT's activity time is open to pursuing activities and goals or assisting campers on activities.
Lifeguard Training
We recommend that CILTs selecting Aquatics or Paddle Sports be certified in Lifeguard Training. If the CILT is not certified before camp, it will be an expectation that the CILT takes the course offered by our Aquatics Staff during the summer.
Leadership Training Classes
A varied classroom program is offered. Sessions will be led on the following topics:
- Developing Leadership Skills
- Developing Communication Skills
- Problem Solving
- Counselor Development
- Age Group Characteristics
- Understanding the Camper
- Intentional Programming
- Developing Self Esteem
Service Component
The service component of the CILT program aims to develop tolerant, selfless individuals who understand others, appreciate their needs and find service work personally satisfying.
Through cabin and activity responsibilities and the class requirements, along with other camp-wide projects, the CILT can develop leadership skills and self-confidence. The CILT is challenged to be the best example through word and deed and must set a good example of behavior and personal appearance at all times. They are also expected to be cooperative, dependable, considerate of others and to be loyal to the camp ideals and administration. A CILT should always strive to have a record of “well done” written by their name. Community Service hours are issued upon successful completion of the program.
Before You Start Your Application
References
Your 2023 Senior in Charge (or your SIC from your most recent summer of you weren't at Camp in 2023), another former counselor who knows you well and a family member are required references. Another three references and their emails are recommended, such as teachers, religious leaders, an employer, or someone else who knows you well. Be prepared to enter email addresses for each of your references.
Personal Essay
Please draft an essay explaining why you would like to be a CILT. Include why you would be an effective CILT, give examples of your ability and willingness to put others before yourself, your ability to problem-solve and your ability to live up to and meet high standards and expectations. Please add what you see as your CILT responsibilities as a CILT and your greatest challenge by adding CILT responsibilities to your camper role. You can cut and paste your essay into the application.
Be Prepared
Once you begin your CILT application, you cannot save it and return to finish it later. Be prepared with your essay drafted and all the names and emails of your references.