Reflections on an Unforgettable Summer: The CILT Experience

Reflections on an Unforgettable Summer: The CILT Experience

The Camper in Leadership Training (CILT) program at Camp Sea Gull and Camp Seafarer offers 16-year-olds, or rising high school juniors, an opportunity to sharpen their leadership skills and prepare to become future counselors. Each CILT is assigned to a cabin of younger campers and works closely with counselors to learn all aspects of cabin life. They are also paired with an activity of their choice where they gain hands-on teaching experience and develop their skills and certifications. While they are never left solely in charge, CILTs are given a significant role in guiding campers and learning the responsibilities of being a counselor.

The experience is transformative, pushing CILTs out of their comfort zones and into positions of influence, learning and growth. After completing the CILT program, several of our CILTs reflected on their time, highlighting the immense growth, challenges and joy they experienced along the way. Here’s a look at their journey through the CILT program.

Discovering New Confidence

For many CILTs, the transition from camper to leader is both exciting and daunting. Virginia shared how she initially felt nervous about her new role, wondering if she could live up to the expectations. However, the support of her counselor team helped her overcome these doubts. “My co-counselors really made me feel as if I was part of their team, and I could rely on them for anything,” she reflected. Virginia’s experience of being welcomed and supported eased her anxiety and helped her step confidently into her new responsibilities.

Katie Worth shared similar feelings, describing how her CILT experience taught her resilience and how to be calm under pressure. “One of the biggest lessons I learned was how to remain calm and collected, even in situations that feel chaotic,” she said. Katie Worth’s confidence grew as she learned to lean on her teammates and to approach challenges with a clear mind.

Making an Impact on Campers

A common theme among the CILTs was the joy of seeing their campers grow and learn. Katie Hayes described the most meaningful part of her summer as watching her campers develop a love for Camp. “Whenever they learned a new skill or tried a new activity and were excited to tell me about it, it made my heart so happy,” she shared. Katie Hayes' commitment to her campers and her enthusiasm for their growth exemplify what it means to lead with heart and purpose.

Fenner also cherished the impact he could make on his campers. “It’s so rewarding to see campers’ faces light up when they accomplish something they thought they couldn’t do,” he said. “Being able to support them and watch their confidence grow is an incredible feeling.” Fenner's experience highlights how CILTs not only guide but also inspire their campers, fostering confidence and excitement in new challenges.

Embracing the Challenges

The CILT program is not without its difficulties, as CILTs must balance their responsibilities with personal growth. Virginia described some challenges she faced as “some of the hardest I have ever had to face,” yet she found strength in her support system. “These challenges helped me to grow more in one month than in the past couple years,” she said, recognizing the lasting impact of those harder moments.

Katie Worth spoke to the importance of camaraderie in overcoming challenges. “My friends were invaluable in supporting me and helping me stay positive,” she shared. Being a CILT means navigating new and sometimes difficult responsibilities, but the friendship and support among CILTs make those challenges feel surmountable.

Building Lifelong Friendships

Beyond the leadership skills, many CILTs find that the relationships they build with fellow CILTs and counselors are some of the most memorable parts of the summer. Katie Hayes described the weekends spent with friends, enjoying movies, dances and moments of laughter. “Being a CILT is rewarding, but it is difficult at times. Being able to connect with each other and support each other in this transition was so valuable to me,” she said.

Virginia also shared fond memories of spending time with her co-counselors and campers, whether through a lip-sync battle or a cabin cookout. “It really felt as if we were one big family,” she reflected. These friendships create bonds that last far beyond the summer, adding another layer of depth and joy to the CILT experience.

Preparing for Future Leadership

Looking back on the summer, each CILT saw their experience as a step toward becoming a future counselor. Mary Margaret shared how her time as a CILT gave her a sense of responsibility and confidence that she knows will be valuable as a counselor. "Being a CILT taught me to lead by example," she said. "I learned how to put the needs of others before my own, and how rewarding it is to make an impact on someone’s Camp experience.”

Katie Hayes shared a similar sentiment, saying, “Being a CILT truly taught me what it means to be a leader and to set an example for others.” She recalls a specific moment teaching a younger camper to kneeboard for the first time: “Seeing the look on her face when she got up is exactly why I want to continue to be on staff.”

Advice for Future CILTs

When asked what they’d tell someone considering the CILT program, the responses were enthusiastic and encouraging. Fenner advised future CILTs not to miss out: “Being a CILT is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Don’t let this chance go to waste.” Virginia emphasized the importance of patience and self-compassion, saying, “The transition from camper to counselor is a big one, and it will take time to get used to and feel normal...and that it is okay to ask for help.”

For these five CILTs, the summer was filled with personal growth, challenges and friendships that will last a lifetime. The CILT program not only prepares young leaders to take on the responsibilities of a counselor but also deepens their love for Camp Sea Gull and Camp Seafarer, inspiring them to give back and lead with kindness, resilience and purpose.

Final Thoughts

As these CILTs reflected on their experiences, they shared a deep appreciation for the connections they formed, the challenges they overcame and the personal growth they experienced. Mary Margaret summed it up best, saying, "Being a CILT is the greatest thing I’ve ever done." For all five of these CILTs, their CILT summer will remain a formative experience, shaping them as future leaders and counselors—and as people.

So, if you're considering applying for the CILT program, take their advice: be ready to work hard, grow and make memories that will last a lifetime.