Training Future Leaders
The Counselor In Training (CIT) Program at Eden Village West offers rising 11th graders a unique opportunity to develop leadership, group facilitation, and program implementation skills while building lifelong friendships and community.
There is no other program like a Counselor In Training program. In what other program will you eat dinner blindfolded, learn about leadership fundamentals and child development pedagogy, plan a silly evening program for 150 people, and support bunk life and program areas all culminating in a beautiful California wilderness excursion? The program is designed to train, challenge, and nurture emerging adults as they ready themselves to take on more leadership inside and outside of summer camp. During this journey CITs will receive guidance and feedback from experienced staff that will help them grow immensely. Simply put, your CIT summer is a special summer.
Program Apprenticeship
CITs are placed in a camp program area where they will be mentored by experienced staff. Learning to lead meaningful programming for campers is a fun and rewarding endeavor. This hands-on part of the program challenges CITs to be creative, try new things, and work collaboratively in an educational setting.
Wilderness Excursion
The culmination of the CIT experience is a wilderness trip. CITs will leave camp for a few days to explore the beautiful California wilds and immerse themselves in nature. This is an exciting adventure and celebration. CITs will return to camp in time to spend a final Shabbat in community at Eden Village West.
In Depth Training
CITs receive foundational training in a number of areas that will support them as they step into leadership inside and outside of camp. CITs will receive training in group facilitation, conflict resolution, child development, leadership fundamentals, and more. We invest in our CITs and give them new perspectives and experiences.
Dates & Rates
Start Date: Tuesday, June 30
End Date: Sunday, July 26
The CIT Program is a four week experience spread out over two sessions at Eden Village West. Scholarships are available for this program. Once a CIT is accepted, their family can fill out the Financial Aid Application located in your CampInTouch account. Eden Village West strives to make camp financially accessible for every camper and CIT.
How To Apply
CITs are accepted on a rolling basis until the program is filled. The application process is as follows:
- Step 1: A parent / guardian should fill out a Camper Application.
- Step 2: A prospective CIT should fill out a CIT Application.
- Step 3: Video Interview with a camp director.
