A Unique Opportunity to Build Leadership Skills in a Camp Environment
“Camp provides the opportunity for him to be in a diverse atmosphere and interact with many different personalities. It provides him with opportunities that he may not receive otherwise. Hopefully, he is able to take these skills and incorporate them into his daily life.”
- Parent of Ockanickon camper
CIT, Counselor-In-Training
16 year-olds
A Unique Opportunity to Build Leadership Skills in a Camp Environment
“After eight years at camp, and as a CIT this year, I can say without any exaggeration that Camp Ockanickon has been one of the most defining experiences of my son’s life. It has helped him become the kind, compassionate, caring, confident young leader that he is, and we will be forever grateful.”
- Parent of an Ockanickon CIT
For Campers who are 16 and/or have completed Grade 10.
The Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Program at Camp Ockanickon and Camp Matollionequay is a signature leadership experience for 16-year-olds ready to take the next step in their camp journey.
The foundation of the program is simple: meaningful responsibility leads to meaningful growth. Over four weeks, CITs develop leadership, communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills while learning what it takes to mentor and care for younger campers. Few summer experiences offer the same level of personal responsibility in such a supportive and engaging environment.
Program Overview
Week 1: Team building, leadership development, and counselor best practices.
Week 2: Activity facilitation, teaching techniques, and program leadership.
Week 3: Counselor shadowing and hands-on experience living and working alongside campers in a cabin.
Week 4: A culminating leadership project completed with fellow CITs, along with reflection, feedback, and celebration of their growth.
Throughout the program, CITs meet regularly with their CIT Directors for mentorship, coaching, and group discussions while building lifelong friendships with their CIT class.
What’s Next?
By the end of the program, CITs leave camp with greater confidence, maturity, responsibility, and leadership skills that extend far beyond the summer.
After successfully completing the CIT Program, participants are eligible to apply for a position at our day camp, Lake Stockwell. During this “Red Feather Year,” staff members work at Lake Stockwell during the day and return to Camp Ockanickon in the evenings to continue living in the camp community. This unique experience serves as the bridge to becoming an Assistant Counselor at Camp Ockanickon or Camp Matollionequay the following summer.
2027 Session Information
Sessions 1, 2 & 3
Dates: Sunday, June 20 to Saturday, July 17
Tuition: $3,150
Registration is completed online. After registering, each CIT candidate will receive an email from the Camp Director with the required CIT application and next steps before the summer begins.
