Our Counselor-in-Training (CIT) leadership programs are for motivated 16 and 17 years olds who want to learn new skills and work with children. CITs train to become outdoor leaders and positive role models in a once-in-a-lifetime wilderness summer camp experience.
Our CIT Leadership Training Programs are mandatory in order to become a CIT. They focus on learning, and being able to demonstrate, wilderness and outdoor living skills. These skills include map and compass, back-country cooking, wilderness first aid, emergency and safety procedures and more. CITs are not only taught these skills, but are required to put them to use when required to be the leaders of their group. In addition, discussion groups and hands-on assignments are used to teach CITs leadership skills. CITs learn about group dynamics, develop their observational and listening skills, practice communication techniques and begin to understand the obligations of leadership.
Base Camp CIT training is structured like our Base Camp programs with two backpack trips throughout the session. CITs not only get the chance to learn wilderness backpacking leadership skills, but also focus on leading daily activities and facilitating other classic camp pastimes like group games and campfire. CITs get the opportunity to work with younger campers and test their skills both in the basin and on the trail. No previous backpacking experience required for Base Camp CIT programs.
The CITs on Trail program functions similarly to one of the traditional trail programs. CITs will spend 9-11 days backpacking and building their wilderness skills and the other 4-6 days at Base Camp preparing, leading an activity and debriefing their trip at the end. This program is ideal for those interested in learning how to plan and lead their own backpacking trips. This training will have an additional focus on navigation, map and compass, contour theory, cross country route finding, knots & tarps, fire building, camping stove use and maintenance, back-country cooking, and wilderness first aid. This program is recommended for teens with previous backpacking experience.
After successfully completing one of our CIT Leadership Training Programs, participants can enroll in future sessions as an experienced CIT (and get 50% off enrollment!)*. Under the supervision of our experienced staff, CITs assume a more active, responsible role in running camp programs and activities. Similar to student teaching, experienced CITs use feedback from supervisors and focused discussion groups to build their skills and confidence working with children in outdoor settings.Unalayee’s CIT Program is rich in personal experience and development. Over the decades it has proven itself by creating generations of successful, safe outdoor leaders. It is designed for young people who want to challenge themselves and become responsible community members. For this year’s CIT Leadership Training Program dates, see the schedule below.
“Camp Unalayee has been a life-changing experience for our daughter. There, in the Trinity Alps, she found herself. She has made life-long friends from all over the United States. Having the opportunity to serve as a CIT has been incredibly fulfilling for her – she has grown so much by nurturing others. We could not imagine her life without Unalayee. She’s learned more at camp than all four years at high school – and she attends a very good high school!”
2024 CIT Leadership Training Program Dates:
Session 1 |
June 29 – July 13 |
Base Camp CIT Training
CITs on Trail
Experienced CITs/CIT2**
|
Session 2 |
July 17 – July 31 |
Base Camp CIT Training
CITs on Trail
Experienced CITs/CIT2**
|
* Please note that CITs returning as experienced CITs after completing the Leadership Training or CITs on Trail Program must leave camp during the intersession between sessions.
**Must have previously completed our CIT Leadership Training Program or CITs on Trail Program.
Enroll in CIT Leadership Training
Leadership Training Awards: After completing our CIT Leadership Training or CITs on Trail Program, all experienced CITs enroll for 50% off all session fees. 17-year olds who completed CIT training at age 16 can attend any (or all!) sessions at half-price. Be at camp all summer while learning to become a camp counselor!