Specialist and Counselor-In-Training

The Specialist and Counselor-in-Training (SCIT) program is a selective leadership program for teens entering 12th grade who want to learn about Tawonga’s approach to working with kids. After they age out of their traditional camper years, teens can participate in this program. Many past participants say it is an invaluable personal and professional growth opportunity. It’s also a good first step to one day becoming part of the acclaimed professional Tawonga staff, which includes many former SCITs.

When

June 7 – July 3, 2026
4 weeks

Who

Rising 12th graders (current 11th graders)

SCIT Application Here

How To Apply

Specialist and Counselor In-Training candidates must apply, interview, and submit one reference in order to be accepted into the program. Campers interested in SCIT should follow the steps bellow:

Complete the SCIT Application. This application should be completed by the prospective camper. All applications are due by November 5th. Any application submitted after that date will not get priority consideration.
Request a reference. Copy and paste this link and send it to a reference for them to submit electronically. Your reference can be a supervisor, coach, professor, youth group advisor or anyone else who has seen you in a professional or leadership context. Please note that your reference must come from outside of the Camp Tawonga community.
Sign up for an interview. Only sign up for an interview after filling out an application. The link to schedule an interview will also be provided at the end of the application.Interviews are conducted virtually over Zoom and generally take about 45 minutes. The last date for interviews is December 23rd. Please sign up for an interview right away to ensure that there is an available time that works for you.
SCIT selection announced on January 7. All teens selected will then be invited to register for the program.

Program Details

The SCIT program (which includes both Counselors-In-Training (CITs) and Specialists-In-training (SITs)) takes place during Taste of Camp 1 and Session 2. The first week of the program focuses on training and group development for the teens. Guided by veteran Tawonga staff, teens learn the ins and outs of working at Camp as well as the overall philosophy staff bring to their work to create the Tawonga experience.

In between Taste of Camp 1 and Session 2, the teens leave Camp and go on an epic white water rafting trip with two nights of camping under the stars!

During the remaining three weeks of the program, teens spend about 1/2 to 2/3 of each day working with kids, alongside counselors and specialists. Here, they get to have a firsthand impact on young campers’ Tawonga experiences in the same ways that staff had on them. Teens learn what it means to be a leader and role model 24/7. Teens will grow personally and professionally throughout this experience while being continually supported by our excellent Camp staff.

SCIT FAQs

What is the difference between SIT and CIT?

The two programs run simultaneously, overlap often, and share many similarities. CITs have some of their training week tailored specifically to learning the role of the counselor. SITs learn how to be specialists in all different camp programs, including arts and crafts, programming, teva, waterfront and drama. For most of the program, teens in both groups spend approximately 2/3 of the day working with younger campers in either their specialty areas or with specific bunks.

As an SIT, do I work everywhere or just in one specialist area?

Teens in the Specialist-In-Training (SIT) program will receive training to support their success in all specialty areas during the first week of the program. After receiving training in all specialty areas, with support from our Teen Staff, SITs will choose a specialist department, and a unique schedule will be created for them. Every effort is made to accommodate SITs’ preferences, while allowing flexibility for them to apply their strengths wherever needed.

Do we work the whole time as an SCIT?

This program combines training and professional development with practical application. The start of the program begins with training and professional development, where the group learns the specific skills and responsibilities of counselors and specialists in various training sessions. The latter half of the program is spent working with campers in support of the Tawonga staff. During both training and working weeks, about 1/3 of each day is spent with just the SCIT group, enjoying camp activities and bonding as a group.

When do we register for the program?

SCITs will be invited to register once accepted into the program. Teens who are not invited will be contacted and put on a waitlist.

How are SCITs chosen?

The SCIT program is selective. We are looking for teens eager to learn about working with children and ready to put that knowledge into action at camp. We welcome teens who are ready to transition out of their camper years and who are eager to take on more responsibility and leadership at camp. The merit-based selection process consists of a written application, a virtual interview, and one reference. Experience working with younger kids (babysitting, coaching, tutoring, etc.) and leadership positions should be highlighted on applications.

What if my school year conflicts with SCIT?

If your school year conflicts with SCIT, you should still apply and it will be discussed during your interview. We do our best to not let finals interfere with campers’ ability to be a SCIT!