Meet Camp Tuku’s Counselors-in-Training (CIT)
We’re excited to introduce this year’s Counselors-in-Training (CIT) for Camp Tuku!
Let’s take a closer look at the ins-and-outs of a CIT experience, get to know the two young ladies who were selected for the 2023 Camp Tuku CIT Program, and learn more about how you can become a CIT at Camp Tuku.
Benefits of Being a Camp Tuku Counselor-in-Training
Being a CIT is an amazing opportunity for a teenager (age 15-17). During their camp experience, CIT’s receive mentorship and gain valuable skills that help them gain a better understanding of themselves and discover their unique leadership style – all while having a positive impact on the lives of our young campers!
What Does a Camp Tuku CIT Do?
Camp Tuku CITs receive training alongside our camp counselors and directors. They gain valuable experience working with children:
- provide secondary support for campers in their assigned bunk
- guide younger campers around camp
- assist with evening activities
- assist with other tasks as delegated by the Director of Operations & other leadership staff
Meet the 2023 Camp Tuku CITs
The two young people selected for the 2023 Camp Tuku CIT Program at our Arizona Camp are Daria and Savannah. In their application process, they both displayed a positive attitude, excellent communication skills, a passion for working with children, an interest in growing as a leader, and the ability to be self-reflective. Both bring unique personal experiences and an eagerness to learn, grow, and thrive to Camp Tuku.
Counselor-in-Training, DARIA
Daria comes to Camp Tuku from the nation of Ukraine. She has lived in the United States for 11 months. While her siblings and parents are with her in Arizona, many other family members remain in the war-torn country. Her younger brother also is attending Camp Tuku.
She is in eleventh grade and really appreciates the support her teachers have given while she adjusted to her new life in the U.S.
Daria’s Goal: Daria wants to learn more about how to support young children and interact with them in ways that support their wellbeing. She also wants to strengthen her ability to communicate in English. Daria is most looking forward to the variety of camp activities and helping campers try new things.
Hobbies: math, art, drawing and creative activities such as making things in woodshop
Future: She wants to combine art and design, possibly in an architecture career.
Words of Wisdom: Be good to others.
Counselor-in-Training, SAVANNAH
Savannah is a native of New Mexico where she attended many camps during elementary and middle school. Her decision to be a CIT was inspired by a counselor she had during one of her camp experiences. Growing-up, Savannah did not have an older sibling and is looking forward to providing that kind of “big sister” support to Camp Tuku campers.
Savannah’s Goal: Savannah really loves working with children and wants to better understand how to be supportive and attentive to their unique personalities and needs.
Hobbies: Basketball is her jam! Savannah loves the “old school” legends of basketball… Michael Jordan is one of her idols. She plays on a club team and is striving to qualify for a higher level team this year.
Future: Daria would love to work with children in her future career. She’d also like coaching basketball to be a part of her future.
Words of Wisdom: Always give your best and don’t give-up quickly, challenges can be overcome–but also listen to your heart so you can better know when something is truly not a good fit for you.
How are Camp Tuku CITs Selected?
A CIT is chosen through an application process that takes place months in advance of the first day of camp. CITs complete an online application process in which they describe:
- prior camp experience (related experience) and what they learned from it
- personal goals for participating in the CIT Program
- personal characteristics that make them a good CIT candidate
They also answer scenario based questions as a way to show how they would handle typical camp situations with campers and with their peers. Finally, candidates have an interview with our Camp Director and Operations Director.
YOU Can Be a CIT at Camp Tuku – Catskill Mountains!
If you are interested in being a Counselor-in-Training for Camp Tuku in the beautiful Catskill Mountains of New York, this July, please complete an application.
