Intentional Leadership Development:

Implementing a CIT Program for Your Camp

ACA National Conference - Nashville - 2019

Carina Braun, BSLeadership Academy

Directorcarinabraun97@gmail.com

2

Maggie Braun, MBADirector at WeHaKee

Camp for Girlsmaggie@wehakeecampfor

girls.com

Who are YOU?

If you have a program, why is it important?

If you don’t, why might you want one?

3

Overview

- WeHaKee’s Specific Program Design- CIT vs. Leadership Development- Leading younger people vs. Peer

leadership- CITs defined as campers vs. staff- Adaptable

4

Development Needs of Teens

BRAINSTORM!

- What are some developmental characteristics of teens

5

SocialPhysical

Emotional Intellectual

Individual Needs and Qualities of Your Camper Population

6

7

Leadership Academy Overview

- Leadership Sessions- Leadership Planning and

Implementation- Participating in Activities- Leading/Assisting in

Activities- Leadership Roles in

Cabins- Leadership Cabin

Experience

Things to Think About:

- How much time do you have available?- Who is available to lead these sessions?

Leadership Sessions

Our Program:

- Leaders → Leadership director, camp directors, assistant director, program director

- Provides exposure to different leadership styles and builds relationships that supports the retention of campers through the program

- Campers start at level 1 no matter their age

8

10

Examples - CIT 1 - Planning

11

Examples - CIT 2 - Planning with Youth Development

12

Examples - JC - Goal Setting and Values

Leadership Planning and Implementation

LA participants spend a portion of their time planning and implementing different activities for other campers.

Each level plans different activities that require different skill sets.

The focus is to teach them how to plan different kinds of activities that cater to the developmental needs of different camper groups.

EG:- Activity night: Independence; skill development; or paired

up to provide support; supportive relationships with a camp counselors assisting the CIT

- Special events: teamwork; problem solving; Our campers tend to disengage as it is hard to meet the needs of all ages at camp in one special event

- Cabin reflections: Individual interaction with younger campers; role modeling; understanding the needs of others; relationship building with multiple age groups

13

Participating in Activities

14

TEENAGERS STILL WANT TO PLAY AND BE A

KID! (And we think they

should!)

Leading and Assisting in Activities

15

Typically, CIT 1s and 2s Assist and JCs Lead.

Assisting allows LA participants to get comfortable with whatever activity they are interested in leading, before being given complete control.

JCs, in their final year of the LA, lead activities that they have proven to be proficient in.

Teaches organizational skills, teamwork, and communication with staff members while allowing them to share their skills and passion for the activities.

Leadership Roles in Cabins

All levels participate at some level in the cabin life of a younger cabin (>12 yr olds); Much less structure, more role modeling time and independence

CIT 1 - Lead reflections and shadow cabin nights

CIT 2 - Lead reflections, shadow, and eat meals with cabins

JC - Spend full days with the cabin, from when they wake up to when they go to bed

16

Leadership Cabin Experience

17

Still need time with their own peer group

Time to reflect and process with their peers and with adults other than the leadership director

Program Enhancements & Recognition

- Name Cords- Leadership T-Shirts- Color Guard Duty- Service Projects- Speaking at the

Council Fire- Conversation with

Directors- Readings at the Closing

Fire- Field Trips- Leadership Banquet

19

Other Things to Think About

- Application Process?- Fees/Payments/

Discounts?- Level of

Responsibility?- Feedback?

Questions?Comments?New Ideas?

20

Thank you!*Slides and Handouts will be on the ACA

App shortly*

21