Counselor In Training

New for 2025!

We are happy to announce that the updated CIT program will commence in the summer of 2025!

When the LIT program began, it was called “Counselor in Training.” In the spirit of tradition, we are bringing it back as the first step before a Junior Counselor and then a Counselor. 

What are the differences? Well, not all that much. CITs will still attend the leadership seminar, help out around the camp, and have exclusive perks not afforded to a typical camper, such as nights off and trips out of camp. Serving meals, phones, and mailrooms will no longer be a requirement but on a volunteer basis. CITs will also work with a little sibling to work with younger campers and help guide their camp experience. Most excitingly, CITs will plan, create, and host a week-in-review show (or video) to perform for the camp each week in the coliseum. They will have full reign of the camp to capture all of the magic!

 The CIT tuition remains a 25% discount on the tuition.

Our CIT program is for rising Juniors and Seniors in high school. Our program focuses on leadership and management skills as well as activity and social time that allows them the opportunity to make the most of their summer at camp.

Purpose:

The Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program at Camp Med-o-lark is intended to provide:

  • The privilege to help create, guide, and contribute to a welcoming, artistic, and inclusive community

  • An opportunity to develop and practice leadership skills

  • The skills necessary to work and live in a cabin with younger campers

  • The freedom to take activities of interest to continue developing a camper’s creative talents

  • A possible pathway to working on staff in a few years

  • This will be your opportunity to be part of a new class of CITs at Camp Med-o-lark

CIT Cabins:

CITs will live in designated cabins. CITs must model appropriate behavior and language within and outside the cabin.

Cell Phones:

CITs may not use cell phones outside the LC (lockers will be available) and on trips. They will be taken away if they are used outside of these places.

Duties:

  • CITs (if they choose) can be scheduled to serve in the dining hall, mailroom, and camper phones

  • CITs will prepare a video each week and host an on-stage “week in review” to be performed on Discovery Day evenings

The Daily Schedule of a CIT:

  • One activity period in a seminar on the development of leadership skills

  • One activity period where the CIT will join an activity with their Little Sibling

  • One activity period where the CIT will assistant teach an activity

  • Three activity periods where the CIT may select and participate in activities as a camper

Connections:

CITs will engage in a multi-level mentoring program.

  • First, they will serve as a Big Sibling for a younger camper, joining them for some meals and activities. This is intended to be a one-on-one opportunity to guide and welcome someone new to the community, with the CIT representing the very best of Med-o-lark’s culture.

  • Second, they will be assigned a teaching mentor in the program area where the CIT will assistant teach. This will develop the CIT’s ability to contribute meaningfully to the instruction in a particular program area. CITs will receive specific feedback from their staff mentor.

Off Time:

CITs will enjoy time off with the JCs, including a few supervised trips out of camp. Med-o-lark will provide the transportation for these excursions, but CITs will be responsible for any meals, activities, or other items purchased.

Community Service/Service-Learning Hours:

  • CITs will earn a minimum of 50 hours of CS/SL during a four-week session at Med-o-lark and 100 hours of CS/SL during an eight-week summer at Med-o-lark

  • Med-o-lark will provide the necessary documentation or certification

Expectations of Behavior:

CITs are legally campers. They are not employees. That means the Camper Agreement applies to all CITs in full, especially the camp rules about smoking, drugs, alcohol, inappropriate behavior, and/or verbal/physical abuse of any sort. If an issue arises, CITs will be seen legally as older campers by parents, by the insurance carrier, and by the camp administration. A higher standard of behavior is expected of CITs than regular campers, and CITs are expected to emulate and demonstrate the very best of the Med-o-lark community and its values.

Next Steps:

Acceptance to the CIT program at Med-o-lark is not guaranteed. If you are interested in becoming a CIT for the Summer of 2025 at Camp Med-o-lark, please first consider the following questions:

  • Do I have a sincere desire to work with young people?

  • Would I like the opportunity to develop and improve my leadership ability?

  • Do I enjoy learning in a hands-on environment?

  • Am I ready to become a role model for younger campers?

  • Am I ready to put the needs of campers ahead of my own?

  • What can I contribute to creating a welcoming and artistic community?

Then, please complete a CIT application! We are excited to take this next step with you!