Counselor-
In-Training
Ages 16-18
Why Be Part Of Our CIT Program?
Solid training, spiritual growth, lifelong friendships and great times! This entry-level program will introduce high school students to serving God at Qwanoes—whether as a counselor or other positions at camp—and to ministry in general. It will change your life and challenge you to go a bit beyond—both in your spiritual walk and personal growth.
From experienced camp leaders, learn all about living and sharing life like no other in Christ and how to help others discover that life. Develop skills in leadership and ministry that will be valuable for the rest of your life! And what better setting to get this training than camp—summer’s most exciting place!
Session Dates
| Camp | Ages | Dates | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Counselor-In-Training #1 | 16-18 yrs* | June 28-July 18** | $659*** |
| Counselor-In-Training #2 | 16-18 yrs* | July 27-August 15** | $659*** |
*Or who will be 16 by December 31, 2025.
**Plus 1 week minimum for Operations Support Crew.
***Stay longer & save! CIT’s who serve a minimum of three extra weeks will save half the cost of CIT! (Note: GST does not apply.) Cancellation Policy: If for any reason you have to cancel, please let us know ASAP. If you cancel more than 8 weeks before your CIT session, all but $85 is fully refundable. If you cancel less than 8 weeks before your CIT session, all but $225 is fully refundable. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept substitutions.
Watch the Video
Important Details
🤔 What We Are Looking For In A CIT
- Spiritual: A believer in Jesus Christ, growing in faith and active in service.
- Age: High school student, age 16 by December 31, 2025 or older.
- Physical: Able to cope with the terrain and high-energy program of Qwanoes.
- Attitude: Highly motivated to learn, to interact with others and to improve.
📆 Do You Turn 16 Next Year?
Qwanoes invites those who are 15 (or who will be 15 by Dec. 31, 2025) or 16 to apply right now for our “Step-Out” program. Check out our Step-Out Program page for more information about this exciting new opportunity! Be part of the summer and stretch yourself! Apply now.
🙌🏼 Benefits To Our CIT Graduates
- You will be welcome to register for our Summer Staff New Year’s Retreat.
- You will be entitled to apply for our Leader-in-Training (LIT) program next summer.
- You will be entitled to apply as a counselor, program or support staff member the summer after CIT.
- You will be better prepared for the challenges of camp, church, other ministry and future leadership.
- You will gain practical work experience and training that will prepare you for a variety of jobs.
🌲 Optional: CIT Challenge Course Instructor Workshop
Get a jump start on your summer! Join us for a weekend workshop that will give you the foundational skills to work as a certified Level One Belayer in our Challenge Course during the summer. See below for more info.
A Comprehensive And Practical Program
1. 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!
2. Theoretical and Hands-On Instruction.
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.
3. 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.)
4. 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.
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.
CIT Pre-Summer Opportunities And Requirements
Pre-Summer Interactive Discipleship
Upon acceptance into the program, we will send you in May & June (through Facebook or email) six interactive studies on core biblical teaching. Called On Your Mark, these studies offer you the opportunity to grow in your understanding of God, plus to interact with the CIT Counselors on spiritual issues faced in ministry.
Operations Support Crew
This challenging position offers experience in a variety of areas of service including food services (dishwashing, dining room set- up, and kitchen), maintenance (house-keeping, janitorial and work projects) and specialized activity areas such as lifeguarding or challenge course instructing if qualified. Applicants are required to serve on Operations Support crew at least twice:
- At Least One Weekend in the Spring (March to June).
This is an excellent pre-summer opportunity to serve God, meet us personally, talk together about the CIT program, and get answers to any questions you may have. Exceptions may be made if you live too far away or have other valid reasons. - At Least One Week in the Summer (in addition to your three-week CIT session).
You may apply to serve up to six weeks on Operations Support Crew, but at least one week will be required. Those serving on OSC for more than one week will receive a Summer Staff shirt and will be able to attend the pre-summer CIT Challenge Course Instructor Training Workshop for no charge.
Simply mark on the CIT application all the weeks and weekends you are available to serve, and we will contact you to confirm which week(s) and weekend(s) we would like you to come.
Please keep in mind that once you are accepted to an Operations support Crew position, we are counting on your commitment to be here for those weeks and weekends.
Optional: CIT Challenge Course Instructor Workshop
Date: May 9-11, 2025
If you desire to serve in a dynamic high-adventure setting, this is for you. Experience the joy of offering challenges to people of all ages that will build their self-confidence, communication, problem-solving, and team-work abilities.
Highlights: Learn to lead rock-wall climbing and ropes course activities — including first-hand experience on many elements. You will get an intensive theoretical and experiential introduction to adventure program planning, how the elements work, group facilitation skills, technical skills, and safety and risk management. Belay school training will be provided for beginners. No previous experience is necessary.
Certification: Participants who complete this workshop successfully will achieve Qwanoes Challenge Course Instructor Level One.
Workshop Coordinator & Leader: Julie Bayley (Associate Director) and the Recreation Coordinator
To Register: Call or email us. Space is limited (priority to accepted CIT 2025 applicants).
Cost: $96 (or free for those accepted to CIT 2025 who are serving on OSC for more than one week in the summer).
Testimonials
“I just have to say that CIT was the most amazing and life-changing experience of my entire life.”
“The whole program was about relationships— with other staff, campers and the Lord— and those are the things I will never forget.”
“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.”
“I saw God work through the staff in such a strong way and for the first time realized how powerful prayer is.”
“I have lost count of the number of times people have encouraged me here.”
“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!”
