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Counselor-in-Training Program (Grades 8-11, ages 13+) - June 30-August 8

CIT Leadership Program- Berwick L.E.A.D.

Grades Served: 8th-11th
Location: Berwick Academy Campus, South Berwick, ME
Dates: Weekly from June 30-August 8
Time: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
AfterCare Available: Please contact our office if you wish to extend your CIT program to 5pm
Transportation Available: Pick-up and drop-off locations in Exeter, Portsmouth, Kittery, & York. Add a weekly transportation pass during registration to access our transportation offering.
Cost: $350/week
Scholarships Available: We are committed to making camp accessible. Full and partial subsidies are available for our CIT Program. Don’t let cost be a barrier—apply for financial aid here.

The Berwick Academy L.E.A.D. (Leadership, Education, Adventure, Development) program is a powerful Counselor-in-Training (CIT) experience for teens ages 13–16. This immersive 5-week program equips participants with essential leadership skills, hands-on camp counseling experience, and the confidence to lead. Through a mix of training, community building activities, and real-world responsibilities, teens build lasting connections and prepare to become impactful leaders and future camp counselors. 
Berwick Academy’s Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Program
The Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program at Berwick Academy is a transformative experience designed for rising 7th to 10th graders, focusing on developing the next generation of leaders in a unique and supportive environment. Rooted in the core values of Berwick Academy, the CIT program blends leadership training, mentorship, and hands-on experience to create a comprehensive growth opportunity. Not only do CITs gain the essential skills to lead and mentor younger campers, but they also become an integral part of the Berwick Academy community, fostering a pipeline of future summer camp staff and youth leaders.

What is Offered:
  1. Leadership Training (L.E.A.D. Framework):
    • The CIT program centers on the L.E.A.D. framework, which stands for Lead, Engage, Achieve, and Develop. This approach emphasizes four key areas for building effective leaders:
      • Lead: CITs learn to take initiative, step into leadership roles, and develop confidence in guiding others.
      • Engage: The program teaches how to build relationships, engage with peers and campers, and foster a positive and inclusive camp culture.
      • Achieve: CITs are encouraged to set personal and professional goals, and through structured workshops and hands-on activities, they achieve those goals while gaining valuable leadership experience.
      • Develop: The program emphasizes personal growth through feedback, reflection, and self-assessment, helping CITs evolve into well-rounded leaders.
  2. Hands-on Camp Experience:
    • CITs actively participate in the daily workings of camp, assisting counselors in a variety of activities, from leading arts and crafts sessions to guiding team sports and outdoor adventures. This practical, real-world experience is key to their development, providing them with the skills and confidence needed to step into roles as future camp leaders.
  3. Mentorship:
    • One of the most valuable components of the CIT program is the mentorship provided by experienced counselors. Each CIT is paired with a mentor who offers guidance, feedback, and support throughout the summer. This mentorship helps CITs gain insight into the responsibilities of being a camp counselor while also providing a safe space to grow and develop.
  4. Specialized Workshops:
    • CITs participate in workshops that focus on essential skills for both camp leadership and life in general. Topics include conflict resolution, time management, communication, and team-building strategies. These workshops ensure that CITs are well-prepared to handle diverse situations and challenges in leadership roles.
  5. Personal and Professional Growth:
    • The CIT program places a strong emphasis on personal reflection and self-discovery. CITs are encouraged to evaluate their strengths and areas for growth, ensuring that they leave the program with a clear sense of their development as individuals and leaders.
  6. Building a Future Workforce:
    • A unique feature of the Berwick Academy CIT program is its focus on developing a pipeline for future camp staff. Many CITs return as counselors in subsequent summers, thanks to the foundation laid during their training. This provides a seamless transition for participants into potential summer job roles at Berwick Academy’s camp programs, creating a cycle of mentorship and leadership development within the camp community.
The Uniqueness of the CIT Program: The CIT program at Berwick Academy is distinct not only because it incorporates the school’s core values and ideals but also because it offers an opportunity for young people to grow as leaders within the framework of Berwick’s educational philosophy. Through the L.E.A.D. framework, CITs develop leadership skills that are grounded in responsibility, inclusivity, and community, making them ideal candidates for future camp roles. By embedding the school’s values into every aspect of the CIT experience, Berwick Academy ensures that participants are not only becoming strong leaders but are also equipped with the tools to contribute positively to any community they are part of.

Why Sign Up: The CIT program at Berwick Academy is a unique opportunity for young people to engage in meaningful leadership training while embodying the values of respect, responsibility, and community that Berwick Academy holds dear. With a focus on personal growth, mentorship, and the development of key leadership skills, CITs are not only prepared for future roles within the camp but are also empowered to succeed in all areas of life. The CIT program is more than just an introduction to camp leadership—it’s an investment in the future leaders of our communities. By joining the program, participants become part of a tradition of excellence, leadership, and growth that will serve them well for years to come.
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Berwick Academy

31 Academy Street
South Berwick, Maine 03908

Contact:
Admission | 207.384.6300
Main Office | 207.384.2164
Berwick Academy, situated on an 80-acre campus just over one hour north of Boston, serves 520 students, Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12 and Postgraduates. Berwick students are from Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and several countries. Deeply committed to its mission of promoting virtue and useful knowledge, Berwick Academy empowers students to be creative and bold. Berwick strives to graduate alumni who shape their own learning, take risks, ask thoughtful questions, and come to understand and celebrate their authentic selves.

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