Girl Scouts River Valleys offers one-, two-, and three-week summer camp sessions focused entirely on prepping campers currently in grades 9 – 11 to be future camp counselors and above all, future leaders. Learn more about the application process.
Applications for CIT II and III will be open until January 6 for Summer 2025.
Program Level
Counselor-in-Training I (CIT I)
CIT I sessions will open for registration along with other 6-day resident camp session and an application is not required to attend.
- Duration: 6 days, 5 nights,
- Prerequisites: None
- Grades: 9-11
- Member Price: $880
- Non-Member Price: $1,144
Share your love of Girl Scout Camp with younger campers and learn the skills you need to become a camp staff member! Through Counselor-in-Training I (CIT I), you’ll take on leadership roles at camp and help lead activities alongside camp counselors, offer input, and gain valuable leadership and career skills. You will support counselors with their groups and facilitate amazing and memorable experiences for campers.
Session Dates & Locations
- Counselor-in-training (CIT) I – Jun 22 – Jun 27, Camp Lakamaga
- Counselor-in-training (CIT) I – Jun 22 – Jun 27, Camp Elk River
- Counselor-in-training (CIT) I – Jul 6 – Jul 11, Camp Elk River
- Counselor-in-training (CIT) I – Jul 13 – Jul 18, Camp Elk River
- Counselor-in-training (CIT) I – Jul 13 – Jul 18, Camp Lakamaga
- Counselor-in-training (CIT) I – Jul 27 – Aug 1, Camp Lakamaga
Counselor-in-Training II (CIT II)
- Duration: 13 days, 12 nights,
- Prerequisites: Attend an in-person training on May 4 or June 1
- Grades: 10-11
- Member Price: $970
- Non-Member Price: $1,261
This two-week session is the next step in the Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program. Building on your previous CIT I experience, you’ll take part in intensive leadership skills training, shadow camp staff members, and lead activities on your own. Build your skills in behavior management, effective communication, decision-making, and conflict resolution. Serving as a role model for our other campers, you spend more time with camp counselors, planning and delivering programs. Attendance at an in-person training on May 4 or June 1 to prepare for their shadow weeks at camp is required.
Session Dates & Locations
- June 22 – July 2, Camp Elk River
- June 22 – July 2, Camp Lakamaga
- July 13 – July 25, Camp Elk River
- July 13 – July 25, Camp Lakamaga
- July 20 – August 1, Camp Lakamaga
Counselor-in-Training III (CIT III)
This three-week session is the final level in the Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program.
- Duration: 20 days, 19 nights
- Prerequisites: Evening Virtual Training on April 28 or May 19 (2 hours)
- Grades: 11
- Member Price: $970
- Non-Member Price: $1,261
Session Dates & Locations
- July 6 – July 25, Camp Lakamaga
- July 6 – Jul 25, Camp Elk River
- July 13 – August 1,Camp Lakamaga
- July 13 – August 1, Camp Elk River
Riding
Prerequisites: Completion of CIT II (or equivalent program) and comfort around horses.
Spend the summer teaching younger campers about your favorite topic—horses! Learn specifics of teaching barn science, how to care for horses, and riding skills. Shadow barn staff, help with barn and horse care, share your horse knowledge with younger campers, and lead with campers during other activities. This track is great for Counselors-in-Training who aspire to be riding counselors or riding specialists at camp. Attendance at an in-person training on May 4 or June 1 to prepare for their shadow weeks at camp is required
Program
Prerequisites: Completion of CIT II (or equivalent program) and interest in a wide variety of camp activities.
If you love all that camp has to offer, this is the track for you. You’ll focus on honing your counselor skills, working closely with campers each week. Assist with and lead activities like archery, art, low ropes, and more! You’ll work closely with several counselors and have a chance to shadow specialists. This track is great for Counselors-in-Training who aspire to be program counselors, outdoor activity specialists, or art specialists at camp. Attendance at an in-person training on May 4 or June 1 to prepare for their shadow weeks at camp is required
Waterfront
Prerequisites: Completion of CIT II (or equivalent program) and comfortable with boating and swimming activities.
If you love the lake and want to share your love of water activities with campers, this is the track for you. You’ll spend most of your time at the waterfront, both working with campers and learning the ins-and-outs of running the waterfront. Promote fun and safety, lead waterfront programming alongside our lifeguards, and learn more about being a lifeguard at camp. This track is great for Counselors-in-Training who aspire to be waterfront specialists at camp. Attendance at an in-person training on May 4 or June 1 to prepare for their shadow weeks at camp is required
Application & Registration Process
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Find a Session That Fits
Browse each leadership program level and find a camp location and dates that fit your summer schedule.
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Apply for a Spot
To apply for your preferred session and dates complete the online Leadership Camp Application by January 6.
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Hold Tight
Your application will be reviewed by the Girl Scouts River Valleys Camp Directors. You will receive an email by January 10 with your application status.
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Registration
If accepted, Girl Scouts River Valleys will provide you with instructions on how to register for your session via email.
Program FAQs
Who needs to apply?
Those interested in attending a CIT II or CIT III Session. CIT I’s do not need to fill out an application and will register for their session of choice when 6-day camp registration opens.
After you are accepted and registered for your summer session, you will sign up for one of two training dates, May 4 or June 1. At this in-person training retreat, you and other Counselors-in-Training will learn everything you need to know for your shadow session.
You’ll attend sessions about working with campers, teaching effectively, being a positive camp community member, and more. After training is complete, you’ll be ready to jump right into your shadow session later in the summer.
What if the dates available for CIT III don’t work in my schedule?
We recognize that those ready for CIT III can have busy summers and the dates available may not work. If you need an accommodation on dates, please email camp@girlscoutsrv.org with the 3 weeks that would work best in your schedule. We recommend CIT III’s have at least two weeks that are consecutive. Each week must start on a Sunday and end on a Friday.
Who can apply for leadership sessions?
Campers currently in grades 10-11.
Is financial assistance available for these leadership sessions?
Yes, you can apply for financial assistance just like you would for any other camp session through the online Financial Assistance Application When asked what you are requesting assistance for, select “Council-led Resident Camp.” Please wait until you have received your approval and session confirmation email before requesting financial assistance.
What happens once your application is accepted?
Getting accepted means your spot in a leadership session is held and you do NOT need to participate in online Camp registration in January. You will receive a confirmation email with your session information and next steps, if accepted. Girl Scouts River Valleys will send you the registration link for you to register for your session in mid-March.
What if you are not accepted or sessions are full?
You will be notified of your application status by January 10. If your application is not accepted or sessions are full you are welcome to browse our other available camp sessions.
What if I need to cancel?
Girl Scouts River Valleys Camp & Cancellation Policies apply to all leadership camp sessions. Transfer requests will be handled on a case-by-case basis and only if alternative spots are available.
