Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Week
Ages 15 to 17
Step Up as a Leader: Welcome to the CIT Program!
Hey Future CITs and Families,
I’m Nolan, your Head Counselor, and I couldn’t be more excited to welcome you to our Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Program at St. Joseph’s Youth Camp! I went through the CIT program myself, and I can honestly say I’ve learned more about who I am at camp than anywhere else. If you’re ready to take on new challenges, grow as a leader, and make a real impact, you’re in the right place.
For our future CITs, this program is the perfect mix of hands-on training, fun camp experiences, and the opportunity to develop valuable leadership skills. And for families, know that your teen will gain confidence, teamwork abilities, and mentorship from seasoned counselors, all while enjoying everything that makes camp so special.
I can’t wait to see how this summer will help shape your growth and leadership journey, just as it did for me!
Looking forward to an amazing summer ahead!
Nolan
Head Counselor
One CIT Week. A Whole Summer of Memories.
The Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program is a one-week (7 days, 6 nights) experience for teens ages 15 to 17. This long-running program allows counselors to participate in personal development activities and discussions to give them skills in communication, leadership, greater good, positivity, and inclusion. With these skills, they will be ready to be leaders at camp and in their day-to-day lives. If selected, counselors will be asked to return for the camper weeks to put their skills into action (and earn community service hours).
Looking for other information?
2025 Season: Rates & Dates
CIT Week: June 1 - 7, 2025 (Ages 15 - 17) | Note: There is no cost to return as a counselor following CIT week.
COST: $225
What’s Included?
All lodging and meals
Personal development training and activities
First Aid/CPR/AED certification, child safety training, and the opportunity to earn community service hours
Transportation from Phoenix to Camp and Camp to Phoenix
Expert, fun, and background-checked staff, with CPR/First Aid/AED training and Camp Nurse, available 24/7
Camp video & pictures
LOTS of fun and memories!
An Overview of CIT Week
Each day of CIT Week has a different theme, which will guide the discussions and activities of that day. These five themes are:
Leadership
Leaders all look different! During this day, counselors will cultivate essential leadership skills by exploring their existing strengths, and how they can become even better at them. Through interactive workshops and team-building activities, counselors will explore different leadership styles, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and collaboration.
Greater Good
This day focuses on the collective impact of our future camp leaders (counselors!). The day is designed to inspire a sense of responsibility for the well-being and happiness of the entire camp community. Aspiring camp counselors engage in collaborative projects, gaining insights into how their actions contribute to the greater good of the camp environment.
Communication
Counselors will delve into the nuances of verbal and non-verbal communication, active listening, and empathy. The day is structured to enhance their ability to express ideas clearly, resolve conflicts, and build meaningful connections with each other, campers, and staff members. Role-playing exercises will reinforce these skills to create a supportive camp community.
Inclusivity
Counselors will discuss how we can create a camp experience where every camper feels valued and accepted. The day focuses on fostering an understanding of different perspectives, promoting empathy, and recognizing, preventing, and addressing bullying behaviors effectively. Together, we can mold an environment where kindness prevails!
Positivity
A positive mindset is transformative! Through engaging activities, counselors focus on cultivating a culture where positive affirmations, encouragement, and gratitude are crucial. Counselors are equipped to radiate positivity, while taking care of their own personal wellbeing, creating a ripple effect all throughout camp!
Counselor Specific FAQs
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No! After CIT Week, there is no additional fee to return and serve as a counselor for additional weeks.
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No, teens participating in CIT Week are not guaranteed to return to serve as counselors. The CIT program is a highly popular program, and as such, our team is able to select an even more excellent crew of counselors each summer.
During CIT Week, our Head Counselor will observe each counselor’s abilities and how they perform during training. The Head Counselor is looking for counselors who participate, are mature, display strong communication skills, and are prepared to give our campers a great camp experience overall. A vast majority of CIT Week participants are invited to return as counselors.
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During registration, you will indicate the weeks you are available to return as a counselor. During CIT Week, our Head Counselor will observe your abilities and how you perform during training. The Head Counselor will carefully weigh the camp’s weekly need for counselors, the weekly availability of all the counselors, and individual abilities to finalize the weeks for each counselor. At the end of CIT Week, each counselor will receive a list of their assigned counselor weeks.
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Yes! Counselors will receive 96 hours of completed community services each week (excluding CIT Week). We are happy to complete forms for schools or other organizations that require proof of service.
100%
of Counselors-in-Training recommend participating in the CIT program.*
*Source: 2024 Counselor-in-Training Surveys
Counselor Julia Pitman shares her experience as a counselor and going through the Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program!