Counselor In Training

the CIT program IS BACK!

Formerly known as LITs, we’re bringing back the “Counselor in Training” name as the first step in our leadership track, followed by Junior Counselor and then Counselor.

So, what’s the difference between a CIT and an LIT? Not much — just better.

CITs will still attend leadership seminars, support camp programs, and enjoy exclusive perks like nights off and out-of-camp trips. Meal service, phones, and mailroom duties are now optional and volunteer-based. Each CIT will also be paired with a “little sibling” to help younger campers feel supported and included.

One of the most exciting additions? CITs will produce a weekly recap show or video to share with the whole camp in the coliseum — capturing and celebrating the best of each week.

CITs may bring phones, but usage is limited to off-duty hours only. Let’s keep our summer screen-free and focused on each other.

CIT tuition remains 25% off standard camper tuition.

Our CIT program is for rising Juniors and Seniors in high school. Our program focuses on leadership and management skills as well as activity and social time that allows them the opportunity to make the most of their summer at camp.

Purpose:

The Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program at Camp Med-o-lark is intended to provide:

  • The privilege to help create, guide, and contribute to a welcoming, artistic, and inclusive community

  • An opportunity to develop and practice leadership skills

  • The skills necessary to work and live in a cabin with younger campers

  • The freedom to take activities of interest to continue developing a camper’s creative talents

  • A possible pathway to working on staff in a few years

  • This will be your opportunity to be part of a new class of CITs at Camp Med-o-lark

CIT Cabins:

CITs will live in designated cabins. CITs must model appropriate behavior and language within and outside the cabin.

Cell Phones:

CITs may use their cell phones while ‘off duty’ at the Leadership Center. Camp will provide lockers. CITs may also use phones on trips. We understand being away from our phones is hard, and we’re committed to a (mostly) screen-free summer! Camp will confiscate phones if CITs are unable to limit use to off duty times.

Duties:

  • CITs (if they choose) can be scheduled to serve in the dining hall, mailroom, and camper phones

  • CITs will prepare a video each week and host an on-stage “week in review” to be performed on Discovery Day evenings

The Daily Schedule of a CIT:

  • One activity period in a seminar on the development of leadership skills

  • One activity period where the CIT will join an activity with their Little Sibling

  • One activity period where the CIT will assistant teach an activity

  • Three activity periods where the CIT may select and participate in activities as a camper

Connections:

CITs will engage in a multi-level mentoring program.

  • First, they will serve as a Big Sibling for a younger camper, joining them for some meals and activities. This is intended to be a one-on-one opportunity to guide and welcome someone new to the community, with the CIT representing the very best of Med-o-lark’s culture.

  • Second, they will be assigned a teaching mentor in the program area where the CIT will assistant teach. This will develop the CIT’s ability to contribute meaningfully to the instruction in a particular program area. CITs will receive specific feedback from their staff mentor.

Off Time:

CITs will enjoy time off with the JCs, including a few supervised trips out of camp. Med-o-lark will provide the transportation for these excursions, but CITs will be responsible for any meals, activities, or other items purchased.

Community Service/Service-Learning Hours:

  • CITs will earn a minimum of 50 hours of CS/SL during a four-week session at Med-o-lark and 100 hours of CS/SL during an eight-week summer at Med-o-lark

  • Med-o-lark will provide the necessary documentation or certification

Expectations of Behavior:

CITs are legally campers. They are not employees. That means the Camper Agreement applies to all CITs in full, especially the camp rules about smoking, drugs, alcohol, inappropriate behavior, and/or verbal/physical abuse of any sort. If an issue arises, CITs will be seen legally as older campers by parents, by the insurance carrier, and by the camp administration. A higher standard of behavior is expected of CITs than regular campers, and CITs are expected to emulate and demonstrate the very best of the Med-o-lark community and its values.

Next Steps:

Acceptance to the CIT program at Med-o-lark is not guaranteed. If you are interested in becoming a CIT for the Summer of 2025 at Camp Med-o-lark, please first consider the following questions:

  • Do I have a sincere desire to work with young people?

  • Would I like the opportunity to develop and improve my leadership ability?

  • Do I enjoy learning in a hands-on environment?

  • Am I ready to become a role model for younger campers?

  • Am I ready to put the needs of campers ahead of my own?

  • What can I contribute to creating a welcoming and artistic community?

  • Am I ready to commit to screen-free summer, limiting cell phone usage to designated times and areas?

Then, please complete a CIT application! We are excited to take this next step with you!