Question 1

What will I do as a CIT at Camp Kidston?

Accepted Answer

There are two phases of this 10-night program. The registration fee covers both phases and CITs are expected to participate in the entire program.   ​CIT Week 1 (5 nights) focuses on team-building, exploration of personal strengths and values, development of canoeing and outdoor education skills, and building the CIT's understanding of leadership and camper development. Weather-permitting, this week includes an overnight out-trip to one of the wilderness campsites on our grounds. ​   Following a 2-day break, CITs return for CIT Week 2 (5 nights). During this phase, CITs are supported to put their learning into action: each CIT is paired with a staff mentor and has the opportunity to assist with the daily life of a cabin group and lead various activities for campers. The CIT is supported and supervised at all times by their staff mentor and/or CIT leader.

Question 2

How is being a CIT different from being a camper?

Accepted Answer

Like all Kidston programs, the CIT Program has a strong focus on fun, adventure, and forming friendships!  CITs will still stay in cabins, eat meals together, and participate in the classic camp activities like campwide games, swimming, canoeing, arts and crafts, and campfires.   In addition to this, CITs have CIT-specific training sessions and will spend time learning about working with children, leading games and activities at camp, and safety procedures (among other things!).  CITs will have the opportunity to move from participant to leader, with the support and supervision of the CIT Leader and staff mentors.  For example, CITs may lead cabin games, campwide games, interest sessions, campfires, and more!

Question 3

Am I ready to be a CIT?

Accepted Answer

The CIT Program is open to youth ages 14 through 17, and we have participants begin the program at all ages!   The CIT Program is an intensive leadership development experience, and requires a level of maturity and commitment.  Successful CITs are usually enthusiastic about living and working with others, flexible, energetic, responsible, open-minded, and willing to learn and try new things. CITs live and learn as part of a small and tight-knit team, and should be prepared to contribute to an intentional, diverse, and caring community. If you have questions about the program, or would like to discuss your specific situation, please reach out to Janice at director@campkidston.com!

Question 4

How do I register/apply for the CIT Program?

Accepted Answer

There are two steps to register for the CIT Program: 1- An online registration must be completed by a parent/guardian (on or after Feb. 1st).  This can be completed on Kidston's online registration system, located at campkidston.campbrainregistration.com.  Registration fills quickly, so we recommend registering as soon as possible! 2- All CITs are required to fill out a brief application form (this must be filled out by the CIT, not a family member or friend!).  This form is linked above (available on Feb. 1st), and we ask CITs to complete it within two weeks of their online registration.  We review all applications to ensure that CITs are a good fit for this leadership program.  While it is rare, should we feel that an applicant is not yet ready for the CIT program, we will reach out directly to the applicant and their parent/guardian (and any fees paid will be refunded).  Our application is also good practice for future job applications!

Question 5

What about volunteering after the CIT Program?  How do I know if I will be able to do this?

Accepted Answer

Following the two week CIT Program, there are optional sessions in August that CITs may return to volunteer helping with a cabin.  This is not required, but provides a great opportunity for further practice of new skills.  In 2022, these sessions are August 2nd-5th and August 7th-12th.  There is a spot on the online registration form to indicate if a CIT thinks they may be interested in returning to volunteer, and which week(s) they would be available to do so.  ​A high level of maturity and responsibility is expected from all camp volunteers, including CIT volunteers.  There are no additional camp fees for CITs who return to volunteer.  We aim to provide volunteering information to CITs and families early in the CIT Program. In 2022, this additional volunteer opportunity is dependent on COVID-19 protocols and may be changed and/or cancelled pending provincial government restrictions on summer camps.

Question 6

Can I complete the CIT Program multiple times?

Accepted Answer

Yes!  If you are not yet old enough to apply to be a staff member, or feel that you would benefit from further experience as a CIT, you are welcome to complete the CIT Program multiple times.

Question 7

Can I attend both Senior Camp and the CIT Program?

Accepted Answer

Yes!  Many campers participate in both Senior Camp and the CIT Program in the same summer.  However, it is important to understand that being a CIT is different than being a camper.  For example, you may have some privileges as a CIT (e.g. attending some staff meetings) that you will not have as a camper.

Question 8

What other benefits are there to the CIT Program?

Accepted Answer

Kidston's CIT program can count as credit towards multiple external programs and awards!  ​For example, the CIT program may: count as your Gold Project for the Duke of Edinburgh Award count as a practice journey (specifically the CIT out-trip) for any level of Adventurous Journey in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Additional weeks volunteering after the CIT program may: count towards high school volunteer hours in programs (e.g. International Baccalaureate) or provinces (e.g. Ontario) that require it. count towards volunteer hours for awards such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award, Girl Guides of Canada's Canada Cord or Trailblazer Awards, and Scouts Canada's Chief Scout's Award or Queen's Venturer Award - among others! ​Kidston staff are happy to help CITs fill out required forms and sign off on completion records for any of the above.

Question 9

I still have questions.  Who can I talk to?

Accepted Answer

Please reach out to our Executive Director, Janice Noble, at director@campkidston.com!

Question 10

Is my youth ready to be a CIT?

Accepted Answer

Young people grow and develop on their own timelines. Some 14 year-olds will be very ready to be a CIT and some 17 year-olds will not. How can you know if your youth is ready? We have found that successful CITs are usually quite positive in their outlook, enthusiastic about living and working with others, able to see the world through other’s eyes, enjoy trying and learning new things, and are flexible and energetic. They also have a degree of maturity and commitment which helps them follow through with challenging tasks. CITs live and learn as part of a small and tight-knit team and should be prepared to contribute to an intentional, diverse, and caring community. If you have questions about the program or would like to discuss how it might fit with your youth, please reach out to Janice at director@campkidston.com!

Question 11

What is the cost of registration fees for the CIT program?  Is sponsorship available?

Accepted Answer

We offer a range of registration fee options (tiers).  When they register, families choose the option which best fits their needs and budgets.  In 2022, options for the CIT program (10 nights) range from $645 - $715.  More information on our tier system and Summer 2022 fees are available at campkidston.com/registration.   Sponsorship is available for the CIT program, and more information on sponsorship is available at campkidston.com/sponsorship.