Girl Scouts River Valleys offers one-, two-, and three-week summer camp sessions focused entirely on prepping girls currently in grades 9 – 11 to be future camp counselors and above all, future leaders. Learn more about the application process.
Program Level
Counselor-in-Training I (CIT I)
CIT I Sessions will open for registration on February 24 and an application is not required to attend.
- Duration: 6 days, 5 nights,
- Prerequisites: None
- Grades: 9-11
- Session Category:
- Member Price: $605 ($350 for Edith Mayo Day Camp)
- Non-Member Price: $730 ($420 for Edith Mayo Day Camp)
Share your love of Girl Scout Camp with younger girls 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
(Coming January 31)
Counselor-in-Training II (CIT II)
- Duration: 13 days, 12 nights,
- Prerequisites: Virtual Training in April/May (2 hours)
- Grades: 10-11
- Session Category:
- Member Price: $655
- Non-Member Price: $800
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 at pre-camp virtual training on April 24 or May 22 to prepare for their shadow weeks at camp is required.
Session Dates & Locations
- Jul 10 – Jul 22, Camp Lakamaga, Camp Elk River (Resident Camp)
- Jul 31 – Aug 12, Camp Lakamaga, Camp Elk River (Resident Camp)
- Jun 19 – Jul 1, Camp Edith Mayo (Day Camp)
Counselor-in-Training III (CIT III)
This three-week session is the final level in the Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program.
Session Dates & Locations
- Jul 10 – Jul 29, Camp Lakamaga, (Resident Camp)
- Jul 10 – Jul 29, Camp Elk River (Resident Camp)
- Jul 24– Aug 12, Camp Lakamaga (Resident Camp)
- Duration: 20 days, 19 nights
- Prerequisites: Virtual Training in April/May (2 hours)
- Grades: 11
- Session Category:
- Member Price: $655
- Non-Member Price: $800
Riding
Prerequisites: Completion of CIT II (or equivalent program) and comfort around horses.
Spend the summer teaching younger girls 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 girls, 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 a virtual pre-camp training on April 24 or May 22 to prepare for their shadow weeks at camp is required.
Wilderness Trip
Prerequisites: Completion of CIT II (or equivalent program) and remote trip experience.
Learn to teach outdoor skills and minimal impact camping while sharing your passion for wilderness trips with younger girls! You’ll help camp staff and leaders prepare for trips and accompany a group out on trail. This track is great for Counselors-in-Training who aspiring to be wilderness trip counselors and specialists at camp. Attendance at a virtual pre-camp training on April 24 or May 22 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 a virtual pre-camp training on April 24 or May 22 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 a virtual pre-camp training on April 24 or May 22 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 before February 1 (First round) or March 1 (Second round).
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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 February 4 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
- Process: The application will now close on January 31 and all applicants will be notified of their status on February 4. CIT I’s no longer need to fill out the application. They can register for their session of choice when 6-day camp registration opens on February 24.
After you are accepted and registered for your summer session, you will sign up for one of two training dates, April 24 or May 21. At this 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. You’ll also connect with other Counselors-in-Training and get a taste of camp before summer! After training is complete, you’ll be ready to jump right into your shadow session later in the summer. While we intend to hold this training retreat in-person at Camp Elk River, it may be held virtually for the safety of our staff and Counselors-in-Training.
Who can apply for leadership sessions?
Girls currently in grades 9-11.
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 February. You will receive a confirmation email with your session information and next steps, if accepted. Girl Scouts River Valleys will register you for one of the top two sessions selected on the online application in mid-March.
What if you are not accepted or sessions are full?
You will be notified of your application status by February 4. 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.
