CIT Program

A Leadership Opportunity for Future Counselors

The Counselor in Training Program teaches youth, ages 14-16, about a Counselor's day at camp.

CITs make a positive difference. Trainees are invited to experience the fun, stress, and rewards in a camp day as they assist their Counselor with a cabin of campers and participate in the overall planning and implementation of the active daytime program.

Why be a Sprucelands CIT?

Discover Counselor responsibilities before accepting a Counselor job at Sprucelands or anywhere.
Earn money off each week's camp tuition.
Establish job and character references.
Explore group dynamics in a close living situation, psychology of stages of development, and practical communication skills.
Experience team approach to supervising campers, planning programs, and solving difficult situations as they arise.
Practice teaching and leadership in daytime and all-camp evening programs.
Enjoy fun, long lasting friendship, and enjoy personal growth and expanded self esteem.
Learn to work with horses and people.

General Expectations

Age of a CIT: 14-16. Stay at camp: 4 week minimum.

As a CIT, you must adjust personal habits to the policy and customs of Sprucelands: no smoking, no alcoholic beverages, no inappropriate sexual conduct, no non-prescription drugs, no inappropriate language, no Tara Cards, no Ouija boards, no Dungeons and Dragons, no Magic Cards, etc.

CITs are assigned to work in an area of the daily program: barn/riding program, waterfront, art room, sports, kitchen. Assignment is based upon special interests and talents of CIT.

Each CIT in the first four week session is expected at pre-camp Orientation to prepare camp equipment, program areas, and buildings for the opening Sunday of camp.

Every CIT earns one 24 hour period each week. This is a break from program duties. CITs may leave camp at 7:00 p.m. on their given day and must return by 7:00 p.m. the following day. Those needing to stay in camp may make arrangements for time out of camp, but must give the Camp Director a completed Out of Camp Permission Form. Days off are arranged during Orientation.

CITs in the last four week session are expected to assist Counselors and Senior Staff with the closing of camp on the last Saturday.

For CITs assigned to the barn/riding program, there will be opportunities to teach under the supervision of a CHA Certified Instructor.

Qualities of a Counselor in Training

CITs are enthusiastic individuals who understand the Sprucelands motto: 'Anything is possible.'

CITs honor Sprucelands rules and policies.

CITs accept responsibility, offer an appropriate role model to campers, and cooperatively assist the Counselor to which they are assigned.

CITs have a positive attitude.

CITs think and act safely.

CITs share talents, creative ideas, fun, thoughts, insights, a sense of humor, hobbies, and friendships.

CITs accept feedback and learn from it.

CITs communicate from a caring position with the campers and Counselor in their cabin.

CITs have a maturity about them that is reflected in a willingness to grow.

CITs are not afraid of work, and are willing to take initiative to pitch in where help is needed.

CITs respect Senior Staff and value what they learn from them.

Riding Lessons

CITs participate in the full horsemanship program, and are guaranteed riding once each day.

CITs do not participate in the Accelerated Horsemaster program.

Extra Riding

CITs in the barn/riding program are taught to act as drag rider on daily trail rides and will share that role with fellow CITs.

Note: CITs are required to have CPR training in order to be a flank or drag rider on a trail ride.

Drill Team is open to Counselors and Counselors in Training. Any CIT may elect to assist in working with problem horses on a training level, and under the direct supervision and guidance of the Head Riding Instructor.

Cost: Counselor in Training Program

Weeks	Dates	Regular Cost	CIT Cost
8 wks	June 29 - August 23	$685/wk	$570/wk
6 wks	June 29 - August 9	$690/wk	$570/wk
6 wks	July 13 - August 23	$690/wk	$570/wk
4 wks	June 29 - July 26	$695/wk	$570/wk
4 wks	July 27 - August 23	$695/wk	$570/wk

Please note: Tuition 'sales' on the website do not apply to the CIT tuition.