Tips for First-Time CITs: What We Look for in AMAZING CITs

By Nolan Mayfield, Head Counselor

Hey, future CITs! I’m Nolan, Head Counselor here at camp, and I wanted to give you a little insight into what makes a great CIT (Counselor-in-Training) and what we’ll be looking for during your CIT Week experience.

Becoming a CIT is a big step. It's the transition from being a camper to becoming a leader, mentor, and role model for the younger campers. We evaluate every CIT on four key categories that we believe are essential to developing these leadership skills: Communication, Maturity, Participation, and Engagement. These evaluations play a big role in determining whether you’ll be invited back as a volunteer counselor. So, let’s break down what makes a great CIT in each of these areas.

1. Communication

Being a great communicator is about more than just talking—it's about listening, understanding, and making sure everyone feels heard. At camp, you'll be interacting with campers, fellow CITs, and staff, so being clear and approachable is key. Whether you’re explaining an activity to a camper or working through an issue with a peer, we’re looking for CITs who can express themselves in a respectful, positive, and effective way.

Tip: Don't be afraid to ask questions or speak up when you need help. Leadership starts with learning how to communicate confidently and clearly.

2. Maturity

Being mature isn’t just about age—it’s about showing responsibility, respect, and making good decisions, even when things get tough. As a CIT, you'll be seen as a role model by younger campers, and they’ll look to you for guidance. This means handling conflicts calmly, following camp rules, and showing respect to everyone around you.

A big part of maturity at camp is being able to remove yourself from drama. We pride ourselves on creating a drama-free environment where everyone gets along and feels comfortable. We expect CITs to steer clear of gossip, unnecessary conflict, and any behavior that makes others feel uncomfortable. We’re looking for CITs who help build a positive, supportive atmosphere for all campers and staff.

Tip: Stay calm and collected, even when things don’t go as planned. Being able to adapt, avoid drama, and stay positive shows maturity and sets a great example for the campers.

3. Participation

Camp is all about being involved, and we want to see you fully engage in everything we do. Whether it’s leading a group activity, joining a discussion, or helping with daily tasks, a great CIT jumps in with enthusiasm. We’re looking for those who are eager to take on new challenges and be proactive, even when no one is watching.

We also want to hear your voice. As a CIT, your ideas and opinions matter. We encourage you to speak up and share your thoughts—whether it’s during an activity, brainstorming a new game, or helping to solve a problem. Your perspective can help shape the camp experience, and we value your input.

Tip: Volunteer for everything, and don’t hesitate to speak up! Show that you're ready to take initiative, share your ideas, and be a team player. We notice when you’re stepping up to help and when you contribute your voice to the camp community.

4. Engagement

Engagement is all about being present and showing up—mentally and physically. This means paying attention, staying focused during activities, and showing that you care about the experience of those around you. Campers can tell when you’re invested in their success and having fun, so being fully engaged helps them do the same.

Tip: Put your heart into everything. Your energy and enthusiasm are contagious, and when you’re fully engaged, you’ll help make camp a better place for everyone.

Final Thoughts

Being a CIT is a rewarding experience, but it takes dedication and effort. We want you to succeed, and we’re here to help you grow. So, as you step into this leadership role, remember that we’re looking for CITs who communicate well, show maturity, participate with enthusiasm and share their voice, and engage fully with the camp community. Do that, and you’ll be on your way to being an awesome counselor!

See you at camp!

Nolan Mayfield
Head Counselor