Leadership Development at Camp Caliday
Leadership is woven into daily routines and becomes part of the experience.
Counselor in Training Program
Leadership develops daily at Camp Caliday. It is a core part of teamwork and shows up in how campers train, support one another, and take responsibility for their actions. Campers learn leadership by example, guided by coaches and older peers who model effort, respect, and accountability, setting the stage for those ready to Counselor in Training (CIT) program. This structured leadership experience is for older campers who are ready to take on greater responsibility. CITs support daily programming while learning directly from experienced coaches. This opportunity enables them to:
- Assist coaches with drills, practice activities, and skill development
- Support daily transitions and group organization
- Model positive behavior, effort, and sportsmanship
Who Can Be a CIT?
The CIT program is open to those ready to take on a leadership role. They must be at least 16 years old or have completed the 10th grade. Participants should demonstrate maturity and reliability, while showing strong leadership abilities and a willingness to mentor younger campers.
Through this experience, CITs build leadership skills, earn service-learning hours, and gain insight that can prepare them for future roles in camp and beyond camp.
Learn by Leading
The Counselor in Training program is an active leadership role that immerses teens in the day-to-day rhythm of camp. CITs gain real-world experience by working alongside experienced coaches and contributing to practices. They learn how to lead by actually leading. CITs are always guided by adult staff while gaining hands-on exposure to coaching and leadership.
As a CIT, participants learn how to:
Coach
Support drills, practices, and skill development while observing effective coaching techniques in action. CITs learn how to communicate instruction, reinforce fundamentals, and contribute to a positive training environment.
Decide
Develop judgment and accountability by navigating responsibilities, following direction, and understanding how decisions impact a group. CITs gain experience making thoughtful choices, under the guidance of experienced staff.
Mentor
Model effort, respect, and sportsmanship while supporting younger campers through positive examples. CITs learn how leadership shows up in everyday interactions, encouragement, and consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions About the CIT Program
Everything you need to know about Camp Caliday and how to get started.
We Champion Your Growth
CITs work directly with our professional coaching staff at all times. Clear boundaries, regular feedback, and ongoing mentorship keep you grounded and growing.
