CIT Week Info
& Preparation
We're thrilled to welcome your CIT for a week full of leadership development, new friendships, and unforgettable experiences.
Once your family is registered, this page contains specific information you need to prepare for CIT Week. Please read both this page and our Registered Families page. If you have any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us!
Additional Release Forms
Before camp, you will receive supplementary release forms via email to complete electronically. These forms are necessary for your child to participate in activities such as horseback riding, kayaking, and other experiences provided by external vendors should they return to serve as a counselor after CIT Week.
Letters of Recommendation
After registering for CIT Week, CITs must have three letters of recommendation submitted on their behalf within 30 days of registration.
Please send the following link to those you are requesting a recommendation from: www.sjycaz.com/counselor-rec. The recommender will use this link to enter all the necessary information for your letter of recommendation.
Ideal recommenders include teachers, deacons, priests, spiritual directors, coaches, employers, and youth directors. Choose individuals who know the CIT well and can strongly advocate for their character and abilities.
Counselor Dress Code
During CIT Week, each CIT will receive five SJYC Counselor t-shirts, which must be worn at all times. Counselors are required to adhere to our Dress Code Policy, which includes keeping their t-shirts unaltered—no cutting or rolling up sleeves. Additionally, closed-toed shoes must be worn at all times, except when showering or kayaking. Maintaining this dress code ensures a uniform appearance and safety throughout the camp.
Check-in & Pick-up
Bus Transportation
Most CITs ride the bus to camp for CIT Week. Check-in is at 2:00 PM on Sunday, and pick-up is at 12:30 PM on Saturday. This year’s bus check-in and pick-up location is:
St. James Roman Catholic Parish
19640 N 35th Ave, Glendale, AZ 85308
Direct Drop-off and Pick-up at Camp
If you prefer to drive your CIT directly to camp, check-in at the campsite is between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM on Sunday (please do not arrive earlier, as the camp is not open). Pick-up time on Saturdays is between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM. Timely pick-up is essential to avoid late fees. The camp’s location is:
4860 Mormon Lake Road,
Mormon Lake, AZ 86038
If your CIT is selected to return as a counselor during camp sessions, the locations, check-in, and pick-up times are the same as for CIT Week. Counselors must be signed in and out by a parent, legal guardian, or authorized person. Please note that counselors are not allowed to have a car at the campsite without express written permission. If authorized, car insurance and registration are required, and vehicles are brought at the owner’s risk. Once checked in, counselors are not allowed to use their vehicle, and keys must be turned in to the Camp Director.
Camp Store
St. Joseph’s Youth Camp features a "Camp Store" where CITs can purchase snacks, drinks, and a variety of camp merchandise throughout their week away. Camp store money will be collected at check-in. Please place all money in an envelope with your child’s name on it and leave the envelope unsealed. The average amount spent per CIT in a week is $30. Note that Camp Store money is non-refundable, so plan accordingly. CITs invited to return as counselors can carry their funds over to the weeks they return to serve. The Camp Store offers a great opportunity for CITs to pick up treats and souvenirs to enhance their camp experience.
Sending Mail to Camp
Our CITs love receiving mail while they're at camp! We highly encourage you to pre-write letters and bring them to check-in, as there is often a significant delay in mail delivery. We’ll make sure your CIT receives them throughout their stay. Alternatively, you can mail your letters directly to camp at:
4860 Mormon Lake Road
Mormon Lake, AZ 86038
For tips on writing great letters to camp, check out our blog here.
Pre-writing letters is a wonderful way to ensure your CIT receives regular encouragement and stays connected with home during their camp experience.
During CIT Week
While your CIT is away, we promise to keep you informed and engaged! Look out for email updates throughout the week, and be sure to follow us on social media for real-time posts and photos of camp activities. We're highly active and love sharing the camp experience with you.
Rest assured, if your child has any difficulty adjusting to camp or needs to visit the Camp Nurse for anything more serious than a minor scrape, we will contact you immediately.
For peace of mind and to stay connected with the exciting adventures at camp, make sure to check your email regularly and stay tuned to our social media updates.
At the End of CIT Week
At the end of CIT Week, your child will receive an evaluation form detailing their performance throughout the week. This form will also outline the future weeks they are assigned to return and serve as a counselor.
Counselors are eligible to earn community service hours for each week served beyond CIT Week. If your counselor needs a specific form for external reporting, they should bring it to the Head Counselor during CIT Week. The Head Counselor will be responsible for completing this form.
Additionally, we will provide counselors with a community service verification form at the end of their final service week to acknowledge their contributions.