Introduction to the 4-H Camp CIT Program

What is a CIT?

A CIT, or Counselor-in-Training, is a youth who is at least 13 years old (as of January 1 of the camping year) and is interested in becoming a Teen Leader in the future.  While our CITs are technically still campers, they will have the opportunity to take the CIT class at camp and assist their Teen Leaders in the lodges, classes, and other activities.  It is VERY IMPORTANT to remember that the emphasis is on “learning,” and CITs  do not have sole supervision of younger campers at any time.

Purpose of the CIT Program

The purpose of the CIT program is to allow selected youth to develop and improve their skills and abilities to work with others in a camp setting; to learn responsibility and the importance of following through on commitments and assignments; and to learn camp procedures and program skills. The CIT program is designed to teach potential new counselors how to work with younger children, and to have them return as counselors in the coming years. The CIT program provides opportunities for youth to grow and develop as well as learn leadership skills as they serve in the camping program. 

The goals of the CIT program include:

1. to develop and improve leadership skills,

2. to enhance self-confidence by utilizing new skills,

3. to learn how to make good decisions,

4. to discover and explore positive capabilities and potential talent,

5. to learn to work positively with younger children, peers, and adults,

6. to learn counseling techniques and how to be a friend to others,

7. to assist and lead under the guidance and direction of experienced counselors and staff,

8. to learn and understand camp objectives,

9. to become familiar with and enforce camp policies and procedures,

10. to learn to be a follower as well as a leader, and

11. to value and practice service learning.

Minimum Requirements

a.  Be at least 13 years old as of January 1 of the year in which camp is held

b. Recommended by agents, volunteers, camp staff, counselors, and/or peers in their respective communities;

c. Be a positive role model and display maturity for the position 

d. Be willing to serve as a CIT with the plan to return in the future as a 4-H teen counselor; and

d. Review the information on this website AND participate in the CIT leadership development class at camp