CIT Program

A rigorous leadership program that teaches management and leadership skills.

The CIT PROGRAM curriculum is designed to develop the technical expertise necessary to be an effective camp counselor, and to nurture critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity skills vital to social and professional development as a 21st-century leader at Carysbrook and beyond.

2025 CIT PROGRAM HANDBOOK

Campers eligible for the program must be 16 years old or have completed the tenth grade. They attend camp for the entire 7 weeks, spending half of their time in the camper activities of their choice and the other half in an intensive program designed to provide a base in understanding child development, leadership styles, skills and practice, decision-making process, independent thinking, teaching methods and learning styles, and awareness of job responsibilities. The program is supervised and directed by the CIT Counselor who has many years of experience in these areas.

To ensure fit, please complete the CIT Application prior to completing the CIT Registration. If your camper has not completed the above steps by the time you complete her registration, we will wait to process your deposit until she has done so, and we will move her into the session as space allows or add her to the waitlist.

CIT PROGRAM APPLICATION

CIT PROGRAM REGISTRATION

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The CITs are campers, eligible for all camper honors and responsibilities and subject to all camper rules. CITs live in a cabin of their own. They assist in planning some of their own activities and an occasional all-camp activity

Successful completion of the CIT PROGRAM will be determined by the CIT Counselor and will be recognized with a certificate issued by Camp Carysbrook as well as 40 community service hours. Red Cross certificates will be emailed directly to the CIT at the end of the summer at the email provided by the CIT.

PARTIAL LISTING OF TOPICS COVERED

History, Philosophy, Organization of Camp Carysbrook
American Camping Association, its purpose and function
Child development, ages 5 through 16
Goal-setting skills and practice
Communication skills
Organizational skills
Leadership skills
Group dynamics
Decision making skills
Value clarification skills
Specific job descriptions/General job expectations
Teaching methods/Lesson planning
Hands-on teaching experience at activities/cabins under the direct supervision of senior staff
Group games/Evening program planning organization, execution
Red Cross Life Saving including First Aid and CPR

CITs will be evaluated in writing by themselves and the supervising staff. These evaluations will be shared verbally with each CIT.

Successful completion of the CIT PROGRAM can lead to the opportunity to become a WIT (Worker-in -Training) the following summer.

CITs will be required to pack the following items in addition to the standard camper packing list

ADDITIONS TO THE PACKING LIST

Required

Backpack with frame (35-50 liter capacity)
Sleeping Bag
Sleeping Pad
Hiking boots
2 2-liter water bottles / hydration reservoir (e.g. Camelback) with same capacity
Headlamp
Watch (waterproof recommended)
Bandanna

Recommended

Planner/agenda
Moisture-wicking clothing (synthetic, synthetic blend, or wool):
2 pair underwear
1 shirt
1 pair shorts/lightweight pants
2 pair socks (above the ankle)
Rain pants
Camping chair (e.g. Crazy Creek)
Quick-dry camping towel
Rain-cover for backpack

Camp Location

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Memories and Reflections of Camp Carysbrook

“The CIT program gives girls the skills they need to be leaders, organizers, and problem solvers. Taking part in a group setting combines the strengths and weaknesses of all the participants so they help each other to grow and improve.
Not only will what they learn help them become better WITs or eventually camp counselors, but those skills transfer over to the world outside of camp. I believe it helped my daughter get her first job, impressing her employers with her maturity and independent nature.”

Jennifer FreemanCounselor-In-Training Parent

“The CIT program was by far the best summer I have had. We were given countless opportunities to build upon many skills that can apply to many different aspects of our lives and discover more about ourselves along the way. Besides just professional development, I was able to make some of my closest friends and lasting memories that I will truly never forget.”

AnonymousCounselor-In-Training

“Camp Carysbrook is a safe place to try new things without fear of failure. Every summer left me with a fortified sense of confidence.”

Frannie McCorkleFormer Camper and Counselor

“There is a place at Carysbrook for all girls – bold, shy, athletic, musical and those who can’t carry a tune. Camp Carysbrook encourages campers to believe and trust in themselves and discover their unique abilities.”

Toni M. Baughman

“Over the years as a parent of campers, it has become increasingly clear how the Carysbrook experience influences the empowerment of girls and the paths they choose.”

Jean SchlichterParent

“I met my most cherished friends at camp, had experiences that I would have never experienced outside of Carysbrook (riflery, archery, rappelling, caving….) and had an opportunity to be independent in a safe setting.”

Brooks Garris LivelyFormer Camper and Parent

CIT Program

The CIT PROGRAM curriculum is designed to develop the technical expertise necessary to be an effective camp counselor, and to nurture critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity skills vital to social and professional development as a 21st-century leader at Carysbrook and beyond.

The CITs are campers, eligible for all camper honors and responsibilities and subject to all camper rules. CITs live in a cabin of their own. They assist in planning some of their own activities and an occasional all-camp activity

CITs will be required to pack the following items in addition to the standard camper packing list

Camp Location

Memories and Reflections of Camp Carysbrook

“Camp Carysbrook is a safe place to try new things without fear of failure. Every summer left me with a fortified sense of confidence.”

“There is a place at Carysbrook for all girls – bold, shy, athletic, musical and those who can’t carry a tune. Camp Carysbrook encourages campers to believe and trust in themselves and discover their unique abilities.”

“Over the years as a parent of campers, it has become increasingly clear how the Carysbrook experience influences the empowerment of girls and the paths they choose.”

“I met my most cherished friends at camp, had experiences that I would have never experienced outside of Carysbrook (riflery, archery, rappelling, caving….) and had an opportunity to be independent in a safe setting.”

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