About the CIT Program
A Comprehensive And Practical Program
- Spiritual Foundations
Even before you arrive at camp in the summer, you will be challenged to think through what you believe and how that affects your life. You will be encouraged to grow deeper in your relationship with Christ. As soon as we receive your application, you will be able to start right away with our On Your Mark interactive online discipleship program!
- Theoretical and Hands-On Instruction.
- Junior Counseling Experience
At the discretion of the CIT Leader, you will be placed as a junior counselor for one week in a cabin of Juniors campers (ages 8 to 11 years), under the guidance, encouragement, and evaluation of an experienced senior counselor. This is an opportunity to practically apply what you have learned.
During this week you will continue to enjoy the encouragement and support of the CIT Counselors.
Note: this is dependent on the readiness of the CIT as determined by the observations of the CIT Leaders. - Operations Support Crew.
As part of the CIT progam, you will have the opportunity to serve God in a vital OSC role for a minimum of one week. You will continue to develop through this practical experience of teamwork, initiative and service, under the guidance of the CIT Counselors. One weekend in the spring and one week in the summer are required, but as a CIT you are welcome to volunteer for additional time (CIT's can serve the majority of the summer). See next page for details.
Leadership, counseling, recreational activity, and other practical ministry skills are gained through two weeks of group interaction, hands-on involvement and reading and writing assignments—guided by the CIT Leader and supported by the CIT Counselors. You will receive a Program Binder, CIT shirt and two books, including Loving Kids To Life which will be mailed to you upon acceptance and must be read before your arrival.
CIT Leadership Team
Our CIT Leadership Team have a passion for discipling youth and extensive experience working with youth in a variety of areas. Two experienced CIT Counselors are selected each year to serve as counselors to our CIT’s, coming alongside each one to provide example, support, encouragement and a listening ear. They also help make the program fun and adventurous! You will also benefit from the input from many Qwanoes leaders as you interact with the camp in a variety of ways.
Enter the world of training available at Qwanoes
- Step Out Program (for ages 15-16, or turning 15 by Dec. 31, 2024)
- Counselor-in-Training Program (for ages 16-18, or turning 16 by Dec. 31, 2024)
- Leader-in-Training Program
- Pre-summer Workshops & Seminars
- Staff Training Week
- Kaléo Program
Step out into adventure, service and spiritual growth! Put your faith into action during this entry-level leadership opportunity. Choose from seven two-week session options. See our Step Out Program section for more information.
Spending four (or more) weeks at Qwanoes as a CIT this summer will lay the foundation for future ministry and leadership development at camp, whether as a counselor, program or operations staff. It will also prepare you for future ministry in your church and elsewhere. A life-changing experience!
Graduates of the CIT program can apply for our Leader-in- Training (LIT) program. Gain valuable leadership training and experience in roles such as junior counseling, activity leading, program assistant, and operations. Serve God in a significant way and be challenged to mature spiritually! See our Leader in training section for more details.
Each spring, a number of weekend workshops are offered to upgrade the skills of summer staff. Workshops include challenge course instruction, waterski/wake- board instruction, food services, events, music team involvement, and more. See our Workshops section for details.
For one week before summer campers arrive, summer staff get together to focus on better preparing our hearts and minds for a summer of ministry, and on developing a united vision for what God will do through us. (Available to CIT's coming as staff the summer after they complete their CIT program.)
The Kaléo program is an 8-month foundational leadership college program of Camp Qwanoes and Briercrest College & Seminary for developing young leaders. It's a unique fusion of solid biblical teaching, outdoor adventures, leadership training, community, and ministry in camp, local churches, and beyond. Kaléo is Greek for "I Call"—an opportunity to listen to God's voice and discover His call on your life. See our Kaléo Program section for more information.
As heard from previous CIT's at Qwanoes
"I was totally surrounded by strong Christians, all united with our beliefs and working together to extend God's territory."
"I was surprised how much I learned in such a short amount of time, and how God searched and stretched every part of my life."
"CIT was the best thing that ever happened to me."
"The people I met are going to be life long friends."
"I learned that I need to look at people through Jesus' eyes—not focusing on my own needs but always lifting others up, helping and encouraging them."
"The CIT program didn't just teach me how to be a counselor; it taught me a lot about my own faith and relationship with God."
"I have lost count of the number of times people have encouraged me here."
"Our leaders could not have been more loving, understanding, and supportive."
"I saw God work through the staff in such a strong way and for the first time realized how powerful prayer is."
"To be in a place where God is, working for Him, learning about Him and spreading His good news was an unforgettable, life changing experience!"
"It was great to be given so much time to spend with God and the opportunity to meet an awesome group of Christians."