Teen Leadership Programs

Counselor-in-Training Program

Young Adults 14-16 years old

• Cost: $450 for 3 weeks plus a $25 yearly registration fee 
• CIT Session 2
  Week 7 – July 28-Aug 1
  Week 8- Aug 4-8
  Week 9 – Aug 11-15
  Students need to be able to attend at least two of the three weeks of the session 2 CIT program.

Young adults interested in making a positive impact on children are ideal candidates for our innovative Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program. CITs explore potential career paths involving children and prepare for possible future work as camp counselors. The CIT program covers leadership development, behavioral training, motivating campers, portfolio development, job application and interview training, ropes course belay training, and basic First Aid, as well as a chance to have fun and build connections with their group. The first half of the program consists of hands-on training. During the second half, CITs are placed within groups under the leadership of seasoned counselors to experience being a counselor. 

NOTE: CITs will complete an interview and must express a strong interest in working with children to be considered. 

Campers download the Camp Ketcha CIT APPLICATION 2025. Submit your application and supplemental materials to summercamp@ketchaoutdoors.org. 

Leader-in-Training Volunteer Program

Young Adults 14-16 years old

This program is free and is an extension of our CIT program where young adults gain volunteer experience in a camp setting 

Young adults who have completed the CIT program at Camp Ketcha or another camp and are interested in continuing to become leaders should continue in our Leadership-In-Training program. Participants will learn how to apply the values of Camp Ketcha in leading group activities. Campers will be assigned to a counselor or program leader and learn counseling skills, behavior management, group management, risk assessment, and more through hands-on real-world experience. LITs will receive daily feedback and weekly evaluations. 

NOTE: LITs must complete an interview with the  Camp Director if they are new to Camp Ketcha and have successfully completed a CIT program.