Camp Cosby’s progressive program fosters each camper’s development from rising first grade through high school graduate. The later years of camp are focused on relationship building, being role models and leadership development. Keep reading to learn how our Adventure Village (ADV), Leader in Training (LIT) and Counselor in Training (CIT) Programs have positively impacted the following individuals.
Sam S., (2017) C.I.T. said the teen programs at Camp Cosby have given him lifelong friends, better leadership qualities, and confidence to work with children.
“I got to learn how to become a positive role model to campers,” Sam said. “I learned how to relate to children.”
Teens hoping to be in the LIT or CIT program must apply, interview and have references. Click here to learn more about these programs that develop leadership, communication and teamwork skills.
Camper’s in rising grades 8th – 10th are in ADV. When a camper is in ADV they are given more responsibility than the rest of camp. They learn their responsibility to themselves, others and camp. ADV campers go through leadership courses, act as role models for the rest of camp and assist with daily tasks in ADV. Teens in ADV affectionately call it their part of camp “The Point.”
“The Point” allows campers to have a camp community of their own and which builds a camp culture fit for teens.
When a camper is a rising 10th grader, they are given the option to either join ADV or apply for the L.I.T. Program. To qualify for the L.I.T. program, the camper must be 15 by May 20 of the current season, submit an application, 1 letter or recommendation, be able to communicate their leadership skills and experience and interview. Within a week of their interview, the LIT will learn if they have been accepted into the program. This year’s program is from July 1st thru July 21st.
L.I.T. space is limited.
Through applying for the L.I.T. program, campers begin to learn the application and interviewing process. This benefits them in the years ahead as they apply for camp and other jobs.
To learn more about the L.I.T. program, click here.
Alyssa Wright,2016 L.I.T. said the program taught her how to be more independent and confident in herself.
“Camp has not only taught me leadership skills but also to set goals outside of camp, which have both benefited me spiritually and socially,” Wright said.
Once the camper is accepted into the program, a parent/guardian must register them for camp to reserve their position.
In the L.I.T. program, campers begin to learn how to care for themselves while leading others. They do this through leadership lessons led by the Teen Directors, hands-on experience, debriefing, running camp store, assisting with activities and through assisting with activity sign-ups. Every C.I.T. and L.I.T. activity is intentionally planned to develop leaders. When assisting with activity sign-ups the CITs and LITs learn to follow instructions, improve their listening skills, work on written communication and learn how each role at camp directly affects everyone.
The Counselor in Training aka C.I.T. program is similar to the L.I.T. program but it is for four weeks instead of three and the C.I.T.’s are allowed more leadership and responsibilities than the L.I.T.’s.
Elise Robinson, long time Cosby camper, and 2018 Cabin Life Director said the CIT Program was by far the best month of her life.
“I found my absolute best friend and future bridesmaid from that summer — I formed connections with people I can’t imagine my life without now,” Robinson said, “by the end of week one we were all laughing together, crying together, and supporting each other.”
Elise said she learned a lot about herself that summer. “Cosby has become who I am as a person and I would not have it any other way,” she said. “Being a CIT, you see first hand how much of an impact the staff has on the campers and how hard they work to make camp the best.”
“Being able to work in the cabins with the kids (When I was a CIT), be a leader at activity sign-ups, and help run the daily activities, I learned skills that I can use as my current position as Cabin Life Director. Getting to learn about bully sighting/prevention and homesickness made me feel like I was achieving my dream of knowing what it was like to have leadership at camp.”
Cabe Sulhoff, also longtime Cosby camper and 2018 Activity Staff Director said the summer he was a CIT camper was one of the most valuable experiences of his life.
“The relationships I built, the responsibilities I was given, and the memories I created (that summer), make up a great deal of what I am today,” he said.
The programs introduce campers into bettering themselves by helping others, Alyssa Wright said.
“It teaches the campers lifelong qualities such as hard work ethic, patience, dedication, and most importantly how to be a leader and when to be a listener,” Wright said. “In both programs, campers learn how to come together with people from different backgrounds to set a positive example for today’s youth.”
For more information on villages, age groups, etc. you can visit Camp Cosby’s website.