CIT Program

A parent/guardian must register their camper through our camp’s registration system and select the CIT options for the week of camp they would like to attend. Once they are registered you will need to sign into your account and have your camper complete their application. Applications will be reviewed by our staff and our CIT managers will contact the applicants via the phone/email the camper provides in their application to set up an interview. Formal acceptance into the program will be provided via email to the camper.

It is not recommended to register your camper as both a camper and a CIT back-to-back. We find that those who attend two weeks of camp are less likely to be successful in the CIT program. 

If your camper is really interested in doing both, we recommend registering them as a camper during a Minnesota session and as a CIT during the Iowa session so that they have a break in between. Your child must be a camper first and a CIT second if they would like to do both. 

Since our CIT program requires those enrolled in the program to help assist in camp activities we charge a reduced rate for the program. CIT program registration fees are $450 for 2025.

As with any other registration, scholarships are available if you are in need of financial assistance.

Campers applying for the CIT program will be asked to answer a couple short answer essay questions and provide an email and phone number that our staff can reach them at to set up a phone/video call interview. You will fill this out as a part of the registration process.

The CIT program is designed to help our CITs build professional leadership skills. Due to this, each CIT will be required to complete an interview. The interview does NOT determine whether or not they can attend. CITs will be encouraged to use camp leadership staff as references in future job or program applications to confirm their leadership skills gained through the CIT program.

CITs will be assigned to one of the younger camper cabin/lodging assignments and paired with at least two other staff. During the day CITs help assist and help co-lead lesson plans and activities with staff. CITs will get to participate in most camp activities as well when not assisting with specific activities.

Each day during the week CITs will meet with their CIT manager to receive feedback on their leadership skills as the week progresses. Most days CITs will also have their own CIT team leadership development activities and team bonding activities. 

Campers accepted into the CIT program arrive at camp a day early to participate in staff training at camp. Additionally, prior to camp all CITs must complete online video trainings and review the staff handbook.

At the end of camp, we also require CITs to stay on site after campers have departed to participate in the staff lunch and debrief and provide feedback on how the program went.