The CIT Initiative Cancelled for 2025

Goal of the Counselor in Training Initiative

Retain and engage our older campers through offering a clear pathway to becoming a staff member by equipping them with the tools for success through mentorship and training in leadership, communication, and teamwork.

Who can be a CIT?

  • 16-19 years old (Must be 16 by start of camp)

  • Attended MSBC as a camper for at least 2 years in the last 4 years

  • Recommendation from at least 1 non-familial camp staff

  • Complete and submit the CIT application after nomination.

  • Will be at camp for the full session, Sunday-Friday

Specific Goals for the CITs

  1. Leadership Development

    1. Successfully lead a group activity or game independently. 

    2. Demonstrate Problem-solving skills by resolving minor camper conflicts under supervision

    3. Lead a cabin devo, song at evening singing, or organize an event at camp. 

  2. Communication Skills

    1. Present a short devotional or session to their peers or younger campers. 

    2. Engage younger campers in meaningful conversation during group activities and/or mentoring a young camper.

  3. Spiritual Growth

    1. Share a takeaway from one of the people studied this week and how it impacts you or your life. 

    2. Share how working at camp can have a positive impact on your spiritual life. 

  4. Teamwork Skills

    1. Complete a team-building task designed specifically for CITs (e.g. planning an activity together for post camp)

    2. Demonstrate collaboration during role shadowing by assisting camp staff effectively. 

Schedule for CIT Program

  1. Pre-Camp:

    1. Send Invitations starting around April 16

    2. Confirm Acceptance in to program starting May 1

    3. Pre-Camp Training Day: Date TBD

      1. Safety Procedures

      2. Rules for Campers & CITs

      3. Expectations & program goals

      4. Communication Expectations

      5. Bible Study of the Content being covered at camp this year in preparation for 1st class of each day discussions. 

  2. Camp: 

    1. Camp Sunday assist with check-ins for campers. Arrive by 1130. 

    2. Camp Sunday Introduction at 1600 to 1700.

      1. Reiterate goals

      2. Go over final details of the week

        1. Assign mentors and when

        2. Assign specific tasks

    3. Breakfast with CITs daily at camp M-Thurs. 

    4. Morning Class with CITs

      1. Still focused on same content as the rest of the camp but approaching from the avenue of how they would present or teach this to campers. 

    5. 45 minutes of 1300-1600 shadowing a role at camp: 

      1. Crafter or Snacker

      2. Cook or Medical

      3. Counselor

      4. Safety & Ops Overview

    6. Play a role (on stage or behind the scenes) in Bible Hour each day. 

  3. After Camp:

    1. Capstone Project Presentation

    2. Survey and Feedback

This is a first draft of a new initiative.

Feedback and suggestions would be greatly appreciated along with volunteers to further develop the details and guidelines for the CITs. Please contact me if you have feedback or would like to help. -Will 615-308-7841