AICL CIT and JC Program: Reimagined for 2025!
Believe it or not, there is life beyond “throwing in the towel.” After our campers graduate, we want to prepare them for whatever comes next. Our newly revamped Leadership Program creates stepping stones campers can take to develop skills for employment opportunities down the line, whether that's at AICL, other summer camps, or beyond.
And if you're familiar with our Junior Counselor (JC) Program and Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program from previous years, we want to let you know that in camp 2025, we're reimagining both programs to better serve the next generation of campers.
As we make these changes, we'll have plenty of opportunities for campers and families to provide feedback to help shape the next steps of our Leadership Program. And a big thank you to those campers who shared their thoughts in 2023 and 2024 -- it's those insights that drove this work.
All Campers
This year, when we send out our class sign-up form, keep an eye out for classes labeled CLS. These classes will have one or more of AICL’s Collaborative Leadership Skills embedded. Participating in these classes will provide an opportunity for all campers to learn and apply one of the many skills our staff use while creating the unique experience that is AICL.
Leaders-in-Training (LITs) - previously CITs
Available to: Campers
First of, all why the name change? Our old program was called "Counselor-in-Training," which we realized limited its scope. Some campers are more interested in coming back as a teacher, or applying the leadership skills they learn to places beyond summer camp.
We also wanted to expand these opportunities to more age groups. That's why, this year we'll be offering two LIT classes:
- For ages 13+: Take the Leadership Lab class to build and practice collaborative leadership skills. Each unique class group will determine how they will demonstrate their own learning -- a documentary? a podcast? The options are endless!
- For Rising Juniors & Seniors: Enroll in the LIT: Ignite the Night class during Week 1 and/or 2 to design and lead a Friday evening activity! This is a campers opportunity to step into the counselors’ shoes and learn what it takes to put on a fantastic evening event.
Camp Staff Apprentices (CSA) - formerly Junior Counselor
Available to: Post-high school students up to 20 years old
Like our Leadership-in-Training program, we wanted to expand the concept of "Junior Counselor" to more types of leadership positions, along with making this opportunity available to a wider array of young leaders.
Our brand new Camp Staff Apprentice (CSA) program is available to anyone who has graduated from high school (even if they've never attended camp with us before) up to 20 years old. Coming to camp as a CSA is different than coming as a camper. Think of it more like an internship, with mentorship, teamwork, and collaborative leadership training to prepare future camp leaders.
This year, we'll also have three tracks available: Future Teacher, Future Counselor, or a Teacher/Counselor Combo Experience. Adherence to AICL’s Code of Conduct is the only requirement to apply.
You can sign up to our CSA program the same way you would register for camp as a camper, following the application link on our summer camp page.
Have questions or feedback?
Have questions that this page doesn't answer? Have feedback on this new version of our Leadership Program? Reach out to us at: OperationsManager@appalachianinstitute.org.
