CIT – Counselor in Training Camp

CIT – Counselor in Training Camp at Camp Tuckabatchee

The CIT – Counselor in Training Camp at Camp Tuckabatchee is designed for older campers who are ready to move from “just attending camp” to helping lead it. Set in the same beautiful wooded hills and creeks as our traditional programs, CIT – Counselor in Training Camp gives teens the chance to build real leadership skills, grow their confidence, and see what it’s like to be part of the Camp Tuckabatchee staff team.

Who the CIT – Counselor in Training Camp Is For

CIT – Counselor in Training Camp at Camp Tuckabatchee is ideal for:

• Teens who have loved camp for years and want a bigger role

• Young leaders who are good with kids and want to learn how to be a counselor

• Students looking for meaningful experience to list on job, college, and scholarship applications

• Former campers who aren’t ready to say goodbye, but are ready for the next step

CITs are usually older middle school and high school students who can follow directions, act as good role models, and are excited about giving back to camp.

Leadership Skills at CIT – Counselor in Training Camp

CIT – Counselor in Training Camp at Camp Tuckabatchee focuses on practical leadership skills teens can use at camp and beyond, including:

• How to lead games, songs, and small group activities

• How to communicate clearly with younger campers and peers

• How to handle common camper issues like homesickness or minor conflicts

• How to model positive behavior, attitude, and responsibility

• Basic safety awareness and how to support senior staff

Through hands-on practice, coaching, and feedback, CITs start seeing themselves as leaders, not just participants.

What CITs Do Each Day at Camp Tuckabatchee

A day in CIT – Counselor in Training Camp at Camp Tuckabatchee blends training time with real-life experience. CITs may:

• Meet with a leadership mentor to go over goals and responsibilities for the day

• Shadow a cabin counselor or activity leader

• Help with games, crafts, or outdoor activities for younger campers

• Assist with set-up and clean-up around camp, learning how much teamwork it takes to keep camp running

• Participate in debrief sessions where they talk about what went well and what they can improve

CITs still get to enjoy the fun of camp—campfires, swimming, friends, and outdoor adventures—while taking on more responsibility and ownership.

Benefits of CIT – Counselor in Training Camp for Teens and Parents

CIT – Counselor in Training Camp at Camp Tuckabatchee is a win-win for families. Teens gain:

• Real-world experience working with children

• Stronger communication and leadership skills

• Confidence from being trusted with meaningful roles

• A clear path from camper to potential future staff member

Parents appreciate that their teen is spending time outside, developing job-ready skills, and learning how to be responsible in a supportive, supervised environment instead of just logging more screen time at home.

How to Know Your Teen Is Ready for CIT – Counselor in Training Camp

Your teen is likely ready for CIT – Counselor in Training Camp at Camp Tuckabatchee if they:

• Have attended camp before and loved it

• Show kindness and patience with younger kids

• Can follow rules and accept feedback

• Are ready to put others first and be a role model

For teens who have “aged out” of traditional camper programs but still love camp, CIT – Counselor in Training Camp is the perfect next chapter—keeping them connected to Camp Tuckabatchee while helping them grow into the leaders they’re meant to be.