C.I.T. Counselor in Training. That gray summer where you are technically still a camper, but you are beginning the transition of becoming a staff member. This may be one of the coolest things that happens at Camp. Year after year, I watch some long-time campers and some guys who are new to Camp enter into the Ocky CIT program. Every year I am amazed by the impact that these guys have on Camp. I remember many of these guys when they were Cherokees or Algonquins or Rangers. Some I even knew before they were old enough to come to Overnight Camp. Then, all of a sudden, they are C.I.T.’s. They walk a little taller and begin to realize that Camp doesn’t just happen on its own. It takes a lot of hard work. Fast forward a couple of years and they are Village Chiefs, Activity Directors, or even C.I.T./L.I.T. Directors, themselves (yes Sam and Donny, I’m talking about you now!). Finally, they spend their final summer at Camp as a staff member and head out into the world to make their mark. Fortunately, they are followed by another generation of young men who love Ockanickon and will uphold the traditions that were passed down to them by these very men who are now considered alumni. I am very proud to welcome some of last summer’s C.I.T. class to the rank of Assistant Counselor for the summer of 2011: Shane Hantman, Jack Spirgel, Kris Parker, Nathaniel Cope (and Ben Huber from the L.I.T. class of 2009). Special thanks goes out to their fearless leaders, Justin Backal-Balik, Alex Insel, Mike Johnson, and Shawn Templin for helping these guys reach their potential. I’m sure they are going to make us all proud! It will also be fun to watch this summer’s C.I.T. class come of age and continue their journey towards becoming Counselors!
Brent Birchler
Boys Camp Director