As Taste of Camp 2 campers settle into the rhythms of Camp life, they’re beginning to find their groove. From making slime and creating colorful projects in Arts & Crafts to roasting s’mores, swimming, singing and playing Gaga, campers have spent the past few days building friendships, trying new things and discovering what Camp Tawonga has to offer.
While campers spend their days exploring all that Camp has to offer, our Specialists and Counselors-in-Training (SCITs) are experiencing Camp from a different perspective. This session, these rising high school seniors are stepping into leadership roles while learning what it means to help create the magic of Camp.
Counselors-in-Training (CITs) work alongside cabin counselors to support campers and daily bunk life, while Specialists-in-Training (SITs) assist leading activities in specialty areas across Camp.
For many SCITs, the experience is deeply personal.
“As a camper, I always looked up to my counselors and ITs,” said CIT Lev G. “I love coming back and being able to provide the experience that I received to the next generation of campers. My ITs and my counselors had such a big impact on me and the way I wanted to be in the world, so I hope I have that impact on this group of kids.”
Beyond supporting campers, SCITs participate in leadership development programming that helps them grow as role models.
“In general, there are a lot of things that Camp teaches you about how to show up in the world,” Lev said. “SCIT adds another layer onto that of how to be a good role model and how to help people learn how to do that, which I think is really special.”
Teen Staff Programmer Talia K., a member of the 2023 SCIT cohort, said the experience gives teens a valuable look behind the scenes of Camp life.
“They learn about the things that counselors go through during staff training, and it teaches them how to really be a counselor at Tawonga and work with kids,” she said.
Now helping lead the 2026 cohort of SCITs, Talia said there is something especially meaningful about watching her former campers step into this leadership role.
“I loved being a CIT,” she said. “This year, a lot of the teens in it were my campers past summers, which is super cute and very full circle.”
As campers continue settling into Camp and building confidence in their new surroundings, SCITs are helping guide that journey every step of the way. As they support campers, learn new skills and take on new responsibilities, this year’s SCITs have proven to be creative, enthusiastic, compassionate leaders who truly put campers first.
Our Session 2, 2a and Taste of Camp 2 campers are so lucky to have these amazing staff-in-training as part of their Camp experience. Here’s to creating Camp magic – from generation to generation.
