Spotlight on Our SCITs – Leading with Heart, Learning with Purpose

Camp life is always moving — and this week marked a beautiful transition. On Friday, we sent home our amazing Session 2a two-week campers, and by Sunday, we were welcoming a new wave of energy and ruach with the arrival of our 2b campers. In between, we celebrated a beautiful communal Shabbat – always a highlight of the week, with special moments including the Shabbat stroll, outdoor Freilach (extended song session), Saturday morning’s Torah service, and a talent show.

Over 75% of our 2b campers are experiencing their very first sleepaway camp experience, and we’re so thrilled for them to start this journey! This week, they will get a taste of everything Tawonga has to offer, supported by our loving, dedicated staff. 

Another steady, inspiring presence supporting the campers, through not only 2b, but also 2a and Taste of Camp, is  our SCITs — Specialists and Counselors-in-Training! — This session, Camp Tawonga is thrilled to have an incredible group of SCITs who have been making a huge impact all across Camp. With their passion, leadership, and deep love for Tawonga, these rising 12th graders are not only supporting campers and staff, but also growing into future leaders of this community.

We welcomed a total of 48 SCITs this session — 41 CITs and 7 SITs — each bringing something unique to the table. From day one, they’ve been immersed in a transformative journey designed to deepen their skills, confidence, and connection to Camp life.

Their experience began during our Taste of Camp week — a short but powerful kickoff that blended the magic of Camp with a focused mini-version of staff training. Through hands-on workshops and intentional community-building, the SCITs explored Camp’s mission, engaged with the values that guide our work, and began building bonds with each other and the larger staff community.

A major highlight came with their rafting trip down the American River — a thrilling, joy-filled adventure that offered the perfect backdrop for connection, reflection, and celebration. On that trip, key milestones were revealed: SITs discovered their specialty area placements, and CITs learned which bunks they’d be supporting and who their co-counselors would be. From that point on, things got real — and really meaningful.

In Session 2, the SCITs dove into the heart of their roles. Mornings and evenings were dedicated to working closely with their assigned bunks or specialty areas, while afternoons were set aside for group bonding, creative programming, and a little extra Camp sparkle.

SITs: Specialists in the Making

The Specialist-In-Training (SIT) program is for teens with a strong interest in a specific area — like Arts & Crafts, Programming, Songleading, Teva, Camp Photography, or working in the new Garden Kitchen. SITs spend their days shadowing, supporting, and leading in their departments, gaining real-time experience in what it means to be a Tawonga Specialist.

This isn’t just observation — SITs are hands-on and fully engaged. Whether they’re guiding a bunk through a painting activity, setting the tone with music at bedtime, or capturing special moments behind the lens, SITs are making their mark in meaningful ways.

“I think there is something really special about getting to be a photographer here at Camp. You get to capture all these sentimental moments of the campers, and facilitate a connection with their parents to witness those even while they are far away.”
— Toby T., SIT (Blogger/Photographer, 3rd summer at Camp

CITs: The Bunk Experience

Counselors-in-Training (CITs) are fully embedded in bunk life — partnering with staff to help lead daily activities, support bunk dynamics, and provide encouragement and care to younger campers. Through mentorship and active learning, they’re discovering what it really takes to be a Tawonga counselor.

“The B-4 bunk and I were over at the sports field for our block, and they were all sitting around, pretty low energy. We were waiting for the programming staff to explain the block. I told all the kids to stand up, and I ran them through my entire football team warm-up. All the kids participated — it was such a nice moment. It was great to see how they all contributed, worked as a team, and how they saw me as a role model. It felt great to be able to share my passion and connect with them in a more personal, authentic way.”
— Nshan E., CIT (10th summer at Camp)

“On Earth Day, I had a camper who was feeling a bit sad. He was sitting alone on the back porch, so I sat next to him. Since it was Earth Day, we had llamas — and it turned out he LOVED llamas. We went to pet them, and soon enough he had a huge smile on his face. The experience made me feel impactful and truly excited to return next year as a counselor at Camp Tawonga.”
— Reuben T., CIT ( 9th summer at Camp)

Shared Journeys, Lasting Impact

While CITs and SITs take different paths at Camp, their journeys overlap in powerful ways. From leading spirited skits during all-Camp campfires to taking part in Friday night Kabbalat Shabbat services, SCITs are woven deeply into the fabric of Camp life. These shared experiences build a sense of camaraderie and purpose that lasts long after the session ends.

“One thing that is really cool about this group is that a lot of them were a part of our Teen Leadership Institute (TLI) last summer. We’ve been able to see their growth in maturity over the past two years. There’s been a substantial amount of development — I’ve seen these teens step up as leaders in the community and act as role models to their peers.”
— Brady Gill, Assistant Camp Director of Teen Programs & Specialty Areas (3rd year with teens, 15th year on staff, 22nd summer at Camp!)

Adventures Beyond Camp

The SCIT experience isn’t just about day-to-day work at Tawonga — it’s also about adventure, bonding, and stepping into leadership in new environments. Earlier this session, SCITs journeyed to Tenaya Lake for a refreshing day in the mountains. They also traveled to Inspiration Point for unforgettable moments of exploration and joy. These trips helped SCITs reflect, connect, and celebrate all they’ve accomplished.

The teens will close out their time at Camp on Friday, but not before dancing under the stars at a ridge-top silent disco on Thursday, and taking time to reset in the natural beauty of the Sierras.

Looking Ahead

To all of our remarkable SCITs — thank you. Your dedication, enthusiasm, and care help create the magic of Camp for everyone around you. We can’t wait to see how your Tawonga journey continues, and we’re already looking forward to the day we welcome you back as staff!