SECTION PROFILE: C.I.T.

Veteran campers; Staff trainees; Close friends

First Year C.I.T.: Lindsay Pike

 At fifteen it is hard to determine what the future holds. Upon returning to camp for my first year of C.I.T., this statement began to make more and more sense. Last year was highlander, which consisted of four very separate cabins. Their only common link was our section’s name. This year however all four cabins united along with last years C.I.T.’S to create the current C.I.T. section.

 The most frightening part of entering C.I.T. was the task of living with the seven pre-existing C.I.T.’S. Their friendships were so intense, that we were a little cautions upon entering “their” world. After our first section activity of full contact kickball, we came to the conclusion that they were not in fact as big or scary as we’d once thought. It took another day for us to all assimilate into C.I.T., and become the closest of friends.

 Another aspect of C.I.T. that was very new was the responsibility that the title came with. It was proven clear to us the first night that our performances during this C.I.T. year would prove vital to camp running smoothly. Each C.I.T. was to be assigned to one cabin. When that cabins counselor has a day off her C.I.T. would step in and take over. Despite how difficult this task may sound, it comes with many benefits.

The C.I.T. activities are carefully planned; because there are so many C.I.T.’S it is hard to keep all happy. (I personally have no complaints) Some of these events include AZW (a rugby like game), a trip to Burlington (accompanied by the ADV section), a C.I.T. camping/hiking trip, and so much more.

As C.I.T.’S we are treated as counselors would be. We have privileges that no campers have and respect from all. I can honestly say that this has been my favorite year, and I’m sure my twenty-two “sisters”(as Dianna Timko has dubbed us) would agree. It takes leaving ones common setting, and entering an environment so different to truly appreciate people for who they actually are. Camp friends are those who you bond with in most incredible ways. Each summer picks up almost exactly where the last one ends, that is what true friendship means.

My life would be incomplete without these people. They teach me so much, we all learn from fellow campers and counselors alike. As I sit looking out over beautiful long pond, its tranquility only broken by younger campers optimistic laughter (so clueless of what they have), I reminisce over weeks past. Through this I find hope in the fact that there are still two weeks left, to the best summer of my life. 

Second Year C.I.T.:  Candace Carlucci.

Returning for my second year in C.I.T., I was a little apprehensive about how C.I.T. was going to turn out. Returning with six girls from the previous summer, most of our section consisted of the previous highlanders and that tended to worry us. Last summer the C.I.T. program wasn’t the easiest thing for us, and returning this year we knew we were heading into responsibility and we were prepared for it; however, we weren’t so sure that the new C.I.T.’S were.

In the beginning of the summer there were a lot of mixed feelings, but by the end of our first section activity I think it’s safe to say that those mixed feelings turned into more positive ones. Each day got better and better and by the end of the four weeks, everyone realized how much we had come together as a section. The C.I.T.’S as a whole have done a fabulous job. We have received nothing but constant positive feedback and it helps everyone strive to be a better C.I.T.. There are some things the C.I.T.’S get to do that brought our section closer together. AZW, the game of intense and full contact football against the senior boys, brought our entire section to an indescribable vibe that nothing could bring it down. The C.I.T.’S also go on a trip while the rest of the camp participates in Indian days. This trip is also another way of getting to connect with everyone and get to know them a little bit better. Along with the fun and games there are also many responsibilities that come with being a C.I.T.. Not once had I ever realized how much camper’s look up to C.I.T.’S and how big of a role model you become. From phone and mail, to TA-ing classes, and covering cabins on counselor’s days off, the C.I.T.’S get a little taste of what a counselor does.

One of the things that really allow the C.I.T.’S to understand the time and effort in camp games is the  C.I.T. game. Each year the C.I.T.’S put together an all MacCready camp game and this year’s California Gold Rush seemed to be a success. With all of the hard work comes rewards and privileges that are nice to have. One of the biggest rewards this year was a day in Burlington. The C.I.T.’S and the ADV went into Burlington for the day for fulfilling the duties we had to.

Every moment of this summer has been amazing and I could not have asked for better. Both C.I.T. years have been my favorite and most memorable summers. Leaving this summer will be the hardest thing to do, to know my camper experience is over, but there I no other way I would have rather spent it.

[Home] [Campers] [Activities] [Staff] [News] [Gallery] [Parent Information] [Contact Camp]