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Leadership / CIT

Leadership / CIT Program - Summer 2008

The CIT Program (CIT is short for Campers In Training) gives older campers the opportunity to gain leadership skills that will benefit them both in and out of camp.

Please write or email the camp to further information.  Applications are due by October 15th each fall.
 

QUALIFICATIONS

Campers interested in applying for CIT must have:

  • Completed at least the 10th grade in school or be 16-years-old by August 31st, 2008.
  •                Click here for details about eligibility by age and grade level.

  • Evaluations from your past leaders and interview with full time Coniston staff member
           upon request.
  • Former campers are given first priority over those who have not attended camp, but
           must still have good evaluations in order to be accepted.
  • Three letters of reference MUST accompany your application. These letters should
           come from someone other than a family member who can provide us with information
           regarding your leadership potential.
     
  • GENERAL INFORMATION

  • The CIT program runs three four (4) week sessions every summer.
             East Coast Sessions 1 & 2 - June 26 to July 19, 2008
             West Coast Sessions 2 & 3 - July 6 to August 2, 2008
             East Coast Sessions 3 & 4 - July 20 to August 16, 2008
  • Capacity: Limited to 12 girls and 8-10 boys each 4-week session.
  •  

    FEES, PAYMENTS & CANCELLATIONS

  • $1910 TOTAL COST OF CIT PROGRAM – DUE by MAY 1st, 2008
  • After the payment deadline a $25.00 late fee will be applied to the balance.
  • After you receive notification of acceptance, complete and return the enrollment form
           with your $200 nonrefundable deposit.
  • Balance is due in full no later than May 1st.  After May 1st a $25.00 late fee will be
           applied. Partial payments or payments in full are welcome anytime prior to the
           deadline.
  • Cancellations must be made prior to May 1st. Cancellations after May 1st still
           require $1910 in full.
  •  

    CIT TRAINING ASPECTS

  • Regular discussion and training group sessions in which the theory and philosophy
           of YMCA camp counseling is discussed under the leadership of the CIT Directors
           and Leadership Director.
  • Evaluation and instruction from the CIT Directors and Leadership Director.
  • Short and long term assignments to cabin groups and different age units under the
           direction of the program leaders and instructors.
  • Assignment to camp improvements projects to learn the total operation of the camp.
  • Outpost camping experiences to learn the skills necessary for leadership
           development and the value of group efforts in living in the out-of-doors.
  • Three day hiking and camping experience to Mt. Washington.
  • American Red Cross certification in water safety and/or life guarding, first aid and
           CPR.
  •  

    PRIVILEGES

  • CITs are campers in a special leadership program. Like a camper, there is no phone
           access, and no visitors.
  • You will have staff lounge privileges as announced by the CIT Director.
  • You may leave camp on changeover Saturday with your parents, returning no later
           than 3:00 PM on Sunday.
  • You will not be allowed to leave camp with anyone other then your parents or
           guardians on change over unless written permission is given by your parents to the
           Camp Director on check-in day, or prior to changeover. No verbal permission will be
           accepted.
  • If you remain in camp on changeover weekend all visitors must leave by Noon.
     
  • MOUNT WASHINGTON TRIP

    (East Coast CITs)

    Each CIT group takes a special 3-day, 2-night hiking trip into the White Mountains of New Hampshire. The trip generally includes a stay at an AMC Hut and an accent up Mt. Washington.

    Many campers ask, “What do I pack?”

    • 1 pair of comfortable waterproof hiking boots with firm sole and support,
         at least ankle height (sneakers are not okay)
    • 1 pair of comfortable shoes to wear after hiking (sandals or light sneakers)
    • 4 pairs of thick socks (preferably wool)
    • 2 pairs of athletic shorts
    • 2 pairs of pants (no jeans)
    • 3 T-shirts
    • 2 long sleeve shirts
    • Wool sweater or polarfleece jacket
    • Rain jacket
    • Wind pants (preferably waterproof)
    • Hat/bandana
    • Warm hat
    • Mittens or gloves
    • Flashlight
    • Toothbrush, feminine hygiene products
    • Share toothpaste, share deodorant
    • Camera
    • Bug repellent
    • 2 water bottles
    • Sleeping bag – small if possible, it is easier to stuff into a pack and
         weighs less
    • Camp provides hiking backpacks, but if you have your own, you may
         feel more comfortable bringing it.
    • Please do not bring any cotton clothes! Cotton gets wet and takes a
         long time to dry, and can be very heavy. Prolypropolene and/or polarfleece
         dry quickly and are a lot more comfortable! If you don’t have these items,
         don’t hesitate to ask leaders on staff. People get excited when their things
         go up Mt. Washington!
    • Laundry sign-up will be offered during the session changeover (before Mt. Washington), with the same camper fee as other month campers.

     

    WEST COAST CIT PACKING LIST
    Remember this is not a cold Mt. Washington trip. Think southwest in July....

    Pack in soft duffle bag (no hard luggage- inexpensive bags are at Wal-Mart, etc). This will be your flight bag & storage in the van, you only take what you need in your pack on day & overnight hikes.

    • Hiking Pack (for 3 day trips), if you want to buy your own
    • Sleeping bag – small, it is easier to stuff into a pack and weighs less
    • 1 pair of comfortable hiking boots/shoes with firm sole and support
    • 1 pair of comfortable shoes to wear after hiking (sandals or light sneakers)
    • 7 pairs of socks (for long walking days)
    • 2 pairs of comfortable, loose-fitting shorts
    • 1 long sleeve shirt (for on the town)
    • 1 long sleeve t-shirt for colder nights
    • 1 pair of light pants (for on the town)
    • 1pair of jeans/sweats for travel/hiking/working
    • 7 t-shirts
    • Light fleece jacket/sweatshirt
    • Light Rain jacket (breathable-not rubber/plastic)
    • Hat/bandana – think sun protection!
    • Stocking hat if you get cold easily - optional
    • Underwear, sports bras
    • Flashlight
    • Toothbrush, feminine hygiene products
    • Toothpaste, deodorant
    • Sunscreen – 15 SPF
    • Lip Balm – with SPF
    • 1 piece swimsuit
    • 2 towels, bring hand towel - optional
    • 2 water bottles

     

    CIT DIRECTORS

    Staff placement happens throughout the spring. You will receive letters from your CIT leaders in May/June. Any questions prior to that time may be directed to the year-round staff in the main office.
     

    Adventure Camp

    Adventure Camp is available to all interested teens and features trips throughout Canada and New England. Click here for more information.

    Site last updated

    December 03, 2007

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