Leadership Training Program (UPDATED in 2026!)

(Formerly known as the CIT program, including the Volunteer Staff Assistant (VSAs))

“The CIT program gave my kid the chance to practice his leadership skills, with athletics in particular.” - 2025 Parent

TIC’s Leadership Training Program (LTP) is a multi-level experience for rising 8th through 10th graders who want to build confidence, grow their leadership skills, and prepare for future roles at TIC and beyond — all while participating as campers. The program is structured into three progressive levels that guide campers through increasing stages of responsibility and involvement in the camp community. Each level is designed to be developmentally appropriate and tailored to the camper’s grade level.

All LTP participants are still campers and register through our standard TIC registration system. What makes the experience unique is that each level of the LTP includes a unique leadership component during the camp session, each with its own focus and expectations.

(click on arrow to the right of each tier for more information)

  • LITs participate in the regular camp day (Tech + Athletics) and attend leadership workshops designed to build foundational skills. This level promotes personal growth, builds community awareness, and helps campers explore what it means to be a leader.

    LITs will:

    • Participate in the regular camp schedule (Tech and Athletics).

    • Take part in leadership workshops (45-60 minutes) every other day. Scheduled times will vary and will take place during technology and/or athletics.

    • Focus on communication, collaboration, confidence, goal-setting, authenticity and more during these workshops.

    • Explore what it means to be a role model and positive community member.

    • Reflect on their personal strengths and leadership style.

    • Gain insight into what it takes to be part of a camp community and collaborate with peers.

    Additional Information:

    • Participation requires camper enrollment.

    • No fee to participate in Leadership Training Programs and led by the Leadership Training Director.

    • LIT training is offered each session but participants who attend multiple sessions need only complete it one-time.

    • Code of Conduct & Agreement must be completed prior to participation.

    • All applicants are accepted and participation is confirmed by email.

    • Certificate of Participation awarded upon successful completion.

  • CITs participate in the regular camp day (Tech + Athletics) and attend daily leadership workshops designed to build counselor-specific skills. This level supports growth in youth mentorship, camp safety awareness, and activity planning, while helping campers explore what it means to be a leader at TIC.

    CITs will:

    • Participate in the regular camp schedule (Tech and Athletics)

    • Take part in leadership workshops (45–60 minutes) every day, in place of a regularly scheduled activity

    • Focus on behavior management, risk assessment, teaching styles, and activity planning during these workshops

    • Explore what it means to be a supportive leader and positive role model at camp

    • Reflect on their personal strengths and leadership style

    • Learn how to communicate effectively and manage group dynamics

    • Gain insight into TIC’s core values and camp culture

    Additional Information:

    • Participation requires camper enrollment

    • There is no fee to participate in Leadership Training Programs and it is Led by the Leadership Training Director

    • CIT training is offered each session but participants who attend multiple sessions need only complete it one-time

    • Code of Conduct & Agreement must be completed prior to participation

    • All applicants are accepted and participation is confirmed by email

    • Certificate of Participation awarded upon successful completion

  • As our most experienced campers, rising 10th graders now have two exciting options each session:

    Option 1:
    Register as a camper for their preferred tech option and enjoy camp just as they always have—for as many sessions as they choose.

    Option 2:
    Register as a camper for our brand-new Camp Support Internship (CSI). CS Interns attend camp full-time and take part in a hands-on internship experience that extends their learning beyond the classroom and gym. Interns get a behind-the-scenes look at camp operations while contributing to the culture, community, and daily flow of camp. 10th grade campers can apply for the CSI program for up to two sessions but can still participate in all four sessions at TIC.

    CSIs will:

    • Experience daily, hands-on trainings and workshops throughout the session

    • Develop practical skills by participating in the planning and implementation of all camp activities and daily transition games

    • Shadow experienced or “lead” counselors to gain insight into group management, camper engagement, and daily camp flow

    • Engage in supervised special projects that build leadership and organizational skills (e.g., planning camp events, exploring social media tools, learning camp curriculum, etc.)

    • Gain real-world work experience as an intern in a structured, supervised environment

    • Reflect on their own leadership growth as they bridge the gap between camper and staff

    • Learn how and what it takes to be a youth mentor by working alongside the Leadership Training Director to assist in the CIT and LIT workshop.

    Additional Information:

    • For those who haven’t participated in the Level 2 CIT training, the topics and information will be covered during the internship.

    • Limited Spots: The CSI program has a limited number of available positions each session.

    • Multi-Session Participation: Campers attending more than one session may participate in the CSI program for up to two sessions. For any additional sessions, they will select a tech option and join the regular camp program.

    CSI Application Required Submissions:

    1. Camper Registration

    2. CSI Google Form Application  (sent separately)

    3. Code of Conduct signed by camper and caregivers (sent separately)

    4. One Letter of Recommendation

    Once all required materials are received, TIC will review each applicant’s package. Placements are based on enrollment numbers, availability, preferences, and skills. Confirmation emails will be sent once decisions are finalized.

    If a Session is Full: If the CSI program is not available for a particular session, campers may join the waitlist and still attend the regular camp program.

For specific questions regarding registration, please contact Tabitha Glading (tabitha@ticcamp.com).

For specific questions regarding the new Leadership Training Program (LTP), please contact Max McGarry (max@ticcamp.com)