Teen Leadership/C.I.T Program

The counselor-in-training (CIT) program exists to help teens learn leadership skills and to prepare them to become counselors after graduation. CITs have a unique role at camp – they’re no longer campers, but not yet staff. We want CITs to enjoy camp, the friendships, and the activities, but we’re relying on them to be role models for our campers and helping hands for our staff.

 

CITs will work with 6-12 year old campers and counselors. During the camp days, they’ll help lead activities like arts & crafts, dance & games, sports, swimming, and more. They’ll also work with homesick campers, help create excitement around camp, assist with basic cleaning and housekeeping and more. The CIT program is dedicated to leadership development and teambuilding as well as child development and programming training.

 

Program Communication:

Communication regarding the application process and the program should be between the applicant and the camp director. The most successful applicants treat the application and hiring process just like any job application. Parents should feel free to help in certain ways, like guiding the applicant in selecting references and helping them learn to professionally apply and interview. At the same time, please remember we seek candidates who are independent, mature and self-motivated. It is our hope that parents help cultivate these traits by allowing their teens to take full responsibility for their CIT application.

Our goals are that all applicants to the Counselor-In-Training program gain valuable experience in the job application and interview process and that all our CITs gain skills that are applicable not only to being a camp counselor but to other aspects of their lives. Parents will receive emails with updates about check in and check out times, packing lists, etc.

 

2026 Summer Camp Program

Requirements to be Considered for Summer Participation:

  • Must be a rising 8th - 12th grader at the time of Summer Camp
  • Must submit an application and be selected - pick up and turn in at the YMCA Front Desk
  • Must submit one letter of reference (Not a relative) *only for first time CITs
  • Must agree to the rules stated in the application packet
  • Must be able to attend 2 consecutive weeks of summer camp
  • Must be able to attend the mandatory CIT Training

Dates and Rates:

Arrival times: 7:00AM to 8:30AM and Pick up times: 4:00PM to 5:30PM
  • (2 week) Session 1: May 26th - June 5th
  • (2 week) Session 2: June 1st - June 12th
  • (2 week) Session 3: June 8th - June 19th
  • (2 week) Session 4: June 15th - June 26th
  • (2 week) Session 5: July 6th - July 17th
  • (2 week) Session 6: July 13th - July 24th

 If participates pass the program after the 2 week session, they no longer need to register to attend additional camp weeks.

(2025-2026 School Year)

School's Out Intersession Camp Program

Requirements to be Considered for Intersession Participation:

  • Must be in 8th - 12th grade at the time of Camp.
  • Must submit an application and be selected - pick up and turn in at the YMCA Front Desk
  • Must submit one letter of reference (Not a relative) *only for first time CITs
  • Must agree to the rules stated in the application packet
  • Must be able to attend 1 week of camp

Dates and Rates:

Arrival times: 7:00AM to 8:30AM and Pick up times: 4:00PM to 5:30PM
  • (1 week) Fall Break Camp Session: (TBD)
  • (1 week) Winter Break Camp Session: (TBD)
  • (1 week) Spring Break Camp Session: April 6th through 10th, 2026

 

QUESTIONS? CONTACT

Nina Tilley, Director of Camps - ntilley@ymcarome.org