For children entering 8th and 9th grade
A leadership bridge between camper and counselor
The SRV Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Program is a leadership-focused experience for middle-school students who are ready to take on more responsibility while still enjoying the fun, connection, and spirit of camp. CITs are not staff—but they are also no longer campers in the traditional sense. Instead, the program blends guided leadership training, hands-on practice, mentorship, and play in a developmentally thoughtful way.
Who Is the CIT Program For?
- Children entering 8th and 9th grade
- Campers who are curious about leadership, working with younger children, and being part of the camp community in a new way
How Registration Works
Is the CIT program part of regular camp registration?
Yes. CIT enrollment happens through the same camp registration process as campers during early access and public registration. Families simply select “CIT” instead of a camper group when registering for a given week.
Is there a separate application or letter?
CITs participate in a brief pre-camp interview or check-in so staff can get to know them, explain expectations, and answer questions. Students may also be asked to complete a short written reflection or letter. This is not a competitive application—it is designed to support readiness, placement, and learning. These steps intentionally mirror real-world résumé and interview experiences, which are part of the program’s leadership focus. Details are communicated clearly each spring if required.
Families with one child enrolling as a camper and another as a CIT are welcome to synchronize weeks across programs. The CIT program is designed to be flexible and family-friendly while still encouraging continuity for growth.
Weekly Structure & Experience
- CITs attend camp by the week, just like campers
- A minimum of four weeks is required
- We strongly recommend attending Weeks 1 and/or 2, especially for new CITs, as these weeks include orientation and core skill-building (accommodations can be made if needed)
- We are happy to work with families to create a schedule that fits their needs
A Typical CIT Week Includes:
- Supporting counselors in camp rooms with younger children
- Learning how to lead age-appropriate activities and games
- Practicing communication, teamwork, flexibility, and responsibility
- Dedicated CIT Time for group meetings, skill-building, and reflection
- Mentorship from experienced SRV counselors
- Plenty of time to still be kids—swimming, playing, laughing, and bonding with peers
CITs rotate through different rooms and responsibilities to gain a broad understanding of camp life and build confidence across a variety of settings.
Financial Structure
- CITs enroll by the week, just like campers
- Tuition for CITs is the same as camper tuition
- CITs are not paid staff
- Weekly pricing is listed alongside camp options during registration
- Families may apply for financial aid, as with all camp programs
Why the CIT Program Is a Paid Program
The SRV CIT Program is intentionally designed for the unique developmental stage of students entering 8th and 9th grade. At this age, learning, belonging, and guided practice are far more important than productivity or “working.”
Expecting adolescents to function as staff before they are developmentally ready can undermine confidence and joy. The CIT program allows young people to grow into leadership gradually, with support, mentorship, and room to still be kids.
In short: we’re not asking CITs to give to the camp—the camp is investing in them. That investment is what makes the program both meaningful and genuinely fun.
Why Opportunities Like CIT Matter in 8th–9th Grade
The transition into 8th and 9th grade is a powerful—and often overlooked—developmental window. While adolescents may look grown, their brains are still developing, particularly in areas related to emotional regulation, decision-making, identity, and social connection.
At the same time, many opportunities that once supported these skills—unstructured play, mixed-age community, creative leadership, and low-stakes public speaking—begin to quietly disappear.
The SRV CIT Program is designed to meet students right in this moment.
Through consistent community, shared responsibility, and supportive mentorship, CITs practice:
- Social-emotional skills such as empathy, communication, and collaboration
- Leadership without pressure—learning when to step forward and when to support
- Resilience and flexibility, especially when plans change
- Public speaking and self-expression through meetings, activities, and celebrations
- Belonging and identity formation during a critical period of peer connection
Just as importantly, the program offers a place where teens can try new roles, take healthy risks, and discover their strengths in a setting that is safe, warm, and joyful.
We consistently see CITs grow in confidence, self-awareness, and connection over the course of the program. Some go on to become counselors at SRV; others simply carry these skills into school, friendships, and future leadership opportunities.
Either way, the impact matters.
This stage of adolescence is still a time of immense growth—and experiences like the SRV CIT Program help ensure that growth is supported, not rushed or overlooked.
