Counselor In Training (CIT) Week (Ages 15-17)

One Week at Camp. Skills That Last a Lifetime.

The Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Program at St. Joseph’s Youth Camp is a one-week (7 days, 6 nights) overnight summer camp experience for teens ages 15–17 who are ready for something a little more — more responsibility, more connection, and more opportunity to grow.

CIT Week is its own special camp experience. Before working with younger campers, CITs spend a full week building community, strengthening leadership skills, and soaking up everything that makes camp feel like home.

What Happens During CIT Week

CITs participate in some classic camp activities — like group games and campfires — while also taking part in leadership-focused challenges and group discussions designed just for their age group.

But some of the most meaningful moments aren’t scheduled.

They happen while:

• Eating meals together and swapping stories

• Sitting shoulder-to-shoulder around the campfire

• Working through group challenges

• Showing up for one another during the week

These shared experiences help CITs practice communication, teamwork, empathy, and responsibility, all skills they’ll use at camp, at school, and beyond.

Leadership That Feels Real (Because It Is)

Our staff work closely with CITs throughout the week, not just leading activities, but sitting with them at meals, talking through challenges, and modeling what it looks like to care about a community.

Leadership here isn’t about being loud or in charge. It’s about listening. Including others. Taking responsibility. Helping the group succeed. And it’s practiced every single day.

What Parents Love About the CIT Program

• A structured, supervised overnight camp experience designed specifically for teens

• A strong focus on character, leadership, and community-mindedness

• Meaningful mentorship from trained, background-checked staff

• A welcoming environment where teens feel safe, supported, and valued

• Opportunities to earn community service hours and gain leadership experience

CITs who successfully complete the program may be invited to return during camper weeks to put their skills into action by supporting staff and serving as role models for younger campers.

More Than a Camp Week

CIT Week is often the moment when teens realize they’re capable of more than they thought — more leadership, more responsibility, and deeper connections with others.

It’s campy. It’s joyful. It’s challenging in all the right ways. And it’s an experience they’ll carry with them long after summer ends.