My biggest takeaway from the CIT experience was that I have a lot of power to inspire. The more kindness you put into others, the more others gift kindness into the world. You really notice the positive impact and how it spreads throughout camp. The love I received from staff and other CIT’s fuels me and allows me to pass it down to campers, who then pass it down to their family and friends back home. It is a chain reaction, and I never fully noticed the flow of it until I became a CIT.
The CIT Experience
In addition to the “Camper Experience” (see tab on Teen Camp page), our Counselors-in-Training get the added bonus of an extra 6 days on Maui before camp even starts. From the moment they arrive on island, they will be under the care of two of our staff members. Once everyone arrives, the group will go grocery shopping to stock up for the week then head to their first destination to set up camp. After dinner, their trainers will facilitate an Opening Circle to set the intention for the week.
The program activities change each session but always involve lots of surfing, camping and Maui adventures. Our two highly skilled CIT trainers also facilitate discussion sessions throughout the week to make sure the CIT’s feel supported and well prepared on how to handle any camper situations that may come up with their campers including homesickness, bullying, cliques, etc. They will also lead a series of group activities to prep the CIT’s for their upcoming roles as “cabin mama” and “beach captain”. Our CIT’s will take part in Staff Training as well as moving into Camp Olowalu with the full staff. The CIT’s move in to and decorate their assigned cabin one night before all the campers arrive.
This leadership program has changed many lives since its inception in 2004. Many CIT’s have given feedback that their role at camp helped build their confidence and prepare them for leadership roles in their college and career paths.
Questions about Surf Camp? Email [email protected]
What’s Included
From the moment our CIT’s arrive on island, they will be under the care of 2 amazing mentors who will prepare them for their upcoming camp roles. In addition to everything included in the “Camper Experience” (see tab on Teen Camp page), the CIT Leadership Program includes the following:
- On-Island transportation, including airport pick up
- Action-packed adventures all around Maui
- 1 morning of Beach Captain training with one of our skilled Lead Surf Instructors
- 5 nights camping/glamping accommodation in a variety of locations around Maui
- Group bonding & Confidence building activities
- A variety of beverages (water, tea, juices, etc)
- Healthy meals and snacks each day (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
- Up to 4 surf sessions (dependent on program schedule and ocean conditions)
The Activities
The CIT Leadership Program includes a variety of activities to create a balance of intentional discussions and fun physical activities.
Morning/Afternoon Activities MAY Include:
- Surfing
- Hiking
- Shopping
- Sunbathing
- Waterfall Exploring
- Beach Captain Training
- Zip-lining
- Rappeling
Evening Programs MAY Include
- Leadership Training
- Group Bonding
- Lei-making
- Movies
- Hot Tubbing
- Creating Camp Skits
- Brainstorming CIT activities
Accommodations
Before moving into the oceanfront cabins at Camp Olowalu, our CIT’s will be camping and/or “glamping” in a variety of locations around Maui.
Meals
The CIT’s are included in all aspects of their meals during the Leadership Program from menu planning, to grocery shopping, food prep, cooking, and cleaning. There will be a few opportunities during the week for restaurant visits as well. There are no extra charges for CIT’s if they require gluten-free or dairy-free meals during the training program or the camp.
