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Leadership Programs

Leadership Programs at Summer Camp

Space is limited for leadership programs.

An application process has been implemented for these programs due to limited space, high demand for our CIT/WIT programs, and our desire to provide the highest quality leadership experience. 

Please complete the online registration form along with your application fee. Please mail into:

Camping Services
20 Washington Avenue
North Haven, CT 06473

Financial aid is available. Your application, two letters of recommendation and an interview with the camps’ director is required to register and participate in this program. Acceptance is not guaranteed. Should you not be accepted into the Leadership program, you can register for the Older Girl Program. 

LEADership Development - Entering Grades 8 and 9 - Two Weeks

This program is designed for those who have a love for camp and have demonstrated a strong desire to develop basic leadership skills: leadership, education, adventure and development.

Leadership Development campers will:

  • spend 1-2 hours per day participating in leadership training and will enjoy the traditional activities camp has to offer for the rest of the day
  • learn about leadership, participating in team builders and adventure based activities as a group
  • identify leadership styles and what it means to be a G.I.R.L.
  • complete a camp service project 
Counselor in Training - Entering Grade 10 - Four Weeks

A separate application, two letters of recommendation and an interview with the camps’ director is required to register and participate in this program. Acceptance is not guaranteed.

Start your camp leadership track with this four-week advanced leadership program. Girls have a chance to shine as younger campers look up to them as a role model. In addition to being a CIT, girls will get to enjoy all of the fun camp has to offer. CITs will focus on building their leadership skills and learn about leadership and being a role model

CIT 1 campers will:

  • learn various leadership styles
  • how to lead songs, games, and activities
  • teamwork and communication
  • planning a camp program 
  • working with younger campers with limited opportunities to shadow counselors
  • spend a portion of each day participating in the traditional fun camp has to offer

Girls registered for CIT 1 will be asked to participate in a pre-training event held in June. Information to follow in the spring.

All CIT resident campers will go home for a short break every two weeks. 

Counselor in Training 2 - Entering Grade 11 - Six Weeks

A separate application, two letters of recommendation and an interview with the camps’ director is required to register and participate in this program. Acceptance is not guaranteed.

Successful completion of CIT 1 is recommended. This program includes elements of the traditional camp experience and opportunities to work directly with younger campers. Our CIT2s grow as they gain confidence and independence.

In CIT 2, campers will:

  • review and build upon their CIT 1 training
  • learn supervision techniques
  • become aware of child and group development
  • plan and lead small camp program
  • shadow and work in the units (this program may also have them living in the units with the younger campers) 

All CIT resident campers will go home for a short break every two weeks. 

Counselor in Training 3 - Entering Grades 11 and Up - Six Weeks

A separate application, two letters of recommendation and an interview with the camps’ director is required to register and participate in this program.

Successful completion of CIT 2 is recommended. Acceptance is not guaranteed.

After a successful completion of the CIT 2 program, girls can apply to this six week, advanced leadership program.  Expand your knowledge of youth development, program design and being role models. CIT 3s gain hands-on experience in working with younger girls and shadowing staff in the living units.

In CIT 3, campers will:

  • review and build upon their CIT 1 and 2 training
  • live and work in younger girl units for the majority of the summer
  • given the opportunity to participate in reflections with other CITs and the leadership director
  • create and lead programs such as CIT Saturdays where the CIT’s develop, design and deliver a Saturday afternoon program for a 2 week program stay over.

All CIT resident campers will go home for a short break every two weeks.

 

Wrangler in Training - Entering Grades 12 - Six Weeks

WIT is an advanced leadership program concentrating on horse handling skills, barn management, child development, and program design. Continue your development as a role model preparing for the next logical step–being a future camp staff member! Successful completion of CIT 2 is recommended. Some riding experience required, but this program offers limited riding time.All resident campers will go home for a short break every two weeks. An additional application, two letters of recommendation, and an interview with the camp director required - application due within two weeks of registering for the program.

Available at:

  • Laurel Resident
Junior Counselor

Junior counselors are those who are 17 years old and have gone through the CIT program, and are recommended by their camp director from previous years. Junior counselors interact with campers and assist couselors and activities. Junior counselors will gain the necessary tools to become a knowledgeable camp staff member in the future. There is no fee to attend camp for junior counselors and there will be no financial compensation. An additional application, two letters of recommendation, and an interview with the camp director is required to participate in this program. 

 

 

Leadership Program Quiz
Leadership Camp Readiness Questions
Write the number of each answer, then tally the number to give you a number which falls in the range below.

Have you attended camp before?
1. Not yet
2. Yes, with a different organization
3. Yes, Girl Scout camp

What is the longest time you’ve been away from home?
1. 1-6 days
2. 1-2 weeks
3. 2-4 weeks or more

Are you ready to spend up to 6 weeks making a difference in other girls lives at camp?
1. I’m not sure
2. I am excited, but I am a little nervous
3. Yes, I can’t wait!

Would you consider yourself an experienced leader?
1. Not yet, but I want to learn
2. I have some experience
3. I have lots of experience

How do you approach group responsibilities like kapers/chores?
1. I will do it if it is required
2. I help when I am asked
3. I seek opportunities to help

Do you like to meet new people and try new activities?
1. Not really
2. Depends on the situation
3. Yes, I love new things!

Do you enjoy outdoor activities and being in nature?
1. I prefer the indoors
2. Sometimes
3. Yes, I am most comfortable in nature

How do you handle group conflict?
1. I shy away from it
2. I prefer guidance
3. I work together to find a resolution

Are you enthusiastic about being a role model for other girls?
1. I am not sure
2. Yes, and I may need some guidance
3. Yes, sign me up!

 

10-16 It might be a good idea for you to wait until next year to try a leadership program. Try a one week overnight session at Camp Laurel or a one week session at any one of our day camps.

17-23 You are ready to try a leadership program! You might want to start with the two-week LEADership program ( Grades 8 to 9 only) so you can explore your leadership skills and style.

24-30 You are ready to be a CIT (Grades 10 and up only) or WIT (Grades 11 and up only).