The Camp Howard Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Program is a specialty camp offered for teens aged 15-16 years. The program is designed to encourage and promote development in both leadership and communication skills. Skills that are necessary for future camp staff members; as well as, the many other areas of life in general. The overall objective of our CIT program is to provide the participants with tools and opportunities for growth and confidence.

Highlights of the Camp Howard CIT Experience:

Gain valuable skills working with youth      Make friends with your fellow CITs
Earn Service Hours            Enhance your resume
Learn Leadership and Communication Skills

The CIT program is a four (4) week program known as CIT 1 & CIT 2. While it is recommended to schedule both week-long sessions (A & B) back-to-back, it is not necessary, as long as they are taken in order. Typically the program is spread over two summers: 2 weeks each summer. Parents please note that CITs return home the weekend between their sessions. 

 CIT 1 (Year 1) 

This portion of the CIT program is comprised of two (2) week-long camp sessions referred to as, CIT 1A & CIT 1B. The primary goal of this first year (CIT 1) is to prepare participants to transition from being a camper to a potential staff member within the camp setting. CIT 1s attend daily group meetings with the CIT Director to go over curriculum-specific training, focusing on leadership and communication skills, engage in group exercises, and explore camp staffing initiatives through Q & A sessions. In conjunction with this instructional component, CITs may be assigned to a cabin/unit, in order to shadow Unit staff. Shadowing is an essential part of the CIT program, as it allows the CITs to experience camp from the staff perspective, which is key to initiating the transition from camper to a staff member. 

CIT 2 (Year 2) 

This portion of the CIT program is also comprised of two (2) week-long camp sessions referred to as, CIT 2A & CIT 2B. The primary goal of this second year (CIT 2) is for the participants to continue their transition from camper to potential staff member within the camp setting. CIT 2s still attend daily group meetings with the CIT Director to go over curriculum-specific training, focusing on additional leadership and communication skills. Similar to the previous year, CIT 2s are once again paired with a summer staff member as a job shadow. Focusing on continuing the transition from camper to a staff member; as well as, learning more about the duties and responsibilities of the camp staff. Week 2, the final week of the CIT program, CIT 2s are given the opportunity to take a more active role in assisting with various camp programs. Available to teens who completed the CIT 1 program.

Summer 2024 Counselor in Training Dates

Camp Howard's Counselor in Training program is 4 weeks long over 2 summers. The program is open to teens ages 15 & 16 years of age.

First time Counselor in Training participants should sign up for CIT 1A and CIT 1B sessions.
(The sessions do not have to be consecutive.)

Second year CIT participants will sign up for CIT 1B & CIT 2B.
(The sessions do not have to be consecutive.)

Note to parents: CIT participants come home on the Friday night between sessions and return
to camp on the Sunday of the second session.

CIT 1A & 2A SESSIONS

Session 1 - July 7-12
Session 3 - July 21-26
Session 5 - August 4-9

CIT 1B & 2B SESSIONS

Session 2 - July 14-19
Session 4 - July 28 - August 2
Session 6 - August 11-16

Scholarships are available to participants. Please visit our SCHOLARSHIP webpage to learn more details and apply.

STEPS TO BECOMING A C.I.T. 

1. Register and pay online (each session is a separate registration).  $520/per week
Session 1 (July 7-12)
Session 2 (July 14-19)
Session 3 (July 21-26)
Session 4 (July 28-August 2)
Session 5 (August 4-9) 
Session 6 (August 11-16)

 2. Complete and submit the C.I.T. online application. A member of the camp staff will reach out to you after we receive it.   

3. Secure and submit two personal references. References can be Youth ministers, coaches, teachers, scout leaders, people you babysit for, or a neighbor are a few examples. Please do not have relatives or friends complete the form.