Counsellor in training camps for 2026

What do CIT camps teach?

Kids and teens at these camps learn to take initiative, recognize their potential and strengthen their skills. Their self-confidence grows in leaps and bounds. They also become better citizens, learning to work in a team, build bonds with others, and develop a well-rounded set of leadership skills. Look closer at what kids gain aside from leadership skills: 

CIT camps deepen kids' understanding of themselves and others. CIT camps give students tools to manage emotions, develop empathy for others, and deepen a sense of accountability. They also build resilience, critical thinking skills, courage, and more. In camp, they meet kids and teens from other backgrounds and cultures, gaining a deeper appreciation for diversity.

They foster a love of nature. Leadership training camps often include wilderness tripping or extended canoe trips. These deepen teens’ love of adventure and their appreciation for the environment.

Preparation for life. The focus is on summer camp counselling, but this type of training also prepares kids for other jobs. CIT camps often include First Aid training, for example. Kids and teens interested in being a paramedic, doctor, firefighter, or police officer should find this is an ideal training ground. Alumni of these camps vouch for the fact that camp gave them the tools to succeed in business, politics, and other pursuits. 

Finally, these camps are also just a lot of fun. They include typical summer camp activities like soccer, swimming, basketball, volleyball, and many other sports. 

How much to CIT camps cost?

Counsellor training camps range in cost from FREE to over $1400 per session, depending on the location and the intensity of training. The median cost is around $250 for a one week course. 

Choosing a good camp

Find the top CIT-LIT camps at the annual summer camp expo in Toronto every February. The expo allows you to meet camp counsellors and current campers face-to-face. You can ask them whatever you want. (You can also use contact forms on our site, linked to above, of course.) No matter how you research camps, you want to ask the right questions. Below, we offer a brief list of some suggested starter questions:

• What is the right age range for the camp?
• What previous experience do campers need to have?
• What is the ratio of campers to instructors in the camp?
• How many positive reviews and testimonials can the camp offer? 
• How often is feedback discussed between teachers and campers?

Choose more relevant questions from our advice on choosing a camp.

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