The Camper in Leadership Training Program is for campers, age 16 and/or rising high school juniors, who have potential leadership skills and who seek to be future counselors at Camp Sea Gull or Camp Seafarer. The program is designed to provide opportunities to develop and sharpen leadership skills and acquire the knowledge that will help prepare the camper to become an effective counselor.
A CILT is assigned to a cabin of younger campers, where he/she will receive training from the counselors in all aspects of cabin life. However, at no time is a CILT left solely in charge of a cabin.
Each CILT is also assigned to an activity of his/her choice, based on certifications and ranks earned. The CILT becomes as skilled as possible in this activity and is taught effective teaching techniques. During the week, a CILT will work six activity periods on his/her assigned activity. The remainder of their activity time is open for them to pursue activities and ranks and to spend time with their campers.
Registration Information
This year, interested CILTs will apply through the CILT Application beginning Oct. 3. Shortly after the application is submitted, Camp will send out a separate form that will need to be completed by the applying CILT by Dec. 5.
Camp staff will review applications and let applicants know their decision by January 15. If a camper is not accepted to the CILT program, they may choose to attend as a four-week camper or remain on the waitlist in case a CILT spot becomes available.
Dates to Remember:
- October 3: CILT Registration Portal Opens
- December 3: CILT Registration Portal Closes
- December 5: CILT Application Form Closes
- January 15: Decisions released
- February 5: Last day to accept or decline the invitation to be a CILT
Benefits of Being a CILT
Leadership Skills
Develop leadership skills such as decision-making, confidence, conflict resolution and adaptability. CILTs work directly with staff and campers leading devotions and activities. This is a hands-on role.
Experience
As your child begins to think about life after high school, a few summers spent as a CILT adds experience and weight to their resume or college applications. The experiences and life lessons are excellent topics for college essays too. Experienced CILTs are better prepared to join summer staff.
Volunteer Hours
As CILTs are not paid staff members yet, they can earn up to 220 volunteer service hours for civic clubs and organizations back home, including the President's Volunteer Service Award and/or National Honor Society. Part of the CILT program includes automatic submission to the President's Volunteer Service Award. Volunteer service hours are also a good addition to college applications. Camp provides CILTs who complete the program with documentation of hours earned.
Continue Ranks
CILTs can still work on their ranks and continue progress from previous summers as campers. Many CILTs finish up their higher ranks during the summer.
Fun Times
Being a CILT is not all work and no play. CILTs have free time on Friday afternoons, dinner and dances on Saturday nights and CILT-only field trips to local events in and around Arapahoe, NC. There are opportunities to spend time with CILTs from both Camps and enjoy fellowship.
Being a Role Model
The biggest part of being a CILT is being a good role model for the younger campers. CILTs will also join activity staff for six activity periods each week, CILTs will practice and lead devotions and assist counselors with daily life at Camp. Counselors chosen to lead with CILTs are selected for their character and ability to lead by example.
Guidelines & Expectations
The CILT Program is highly competitive. Applicants should have conscientious respect for organization, compliance with rules and regulations that put the safety of younger campers before personal interests, a genuine interest in working with children, and a willingness to be a positive role model at Camp.
Applicants should spend at least one summer (preferably multiple summers) as a camper at Camp Sea Gull or Camp Seafarer before applying to be a CILT.
Applicants should show through their camper record that they can work with others and live in a community with both their peers and counselors.
Applicants who have achieved upper ranks in a certain activity show a strong work ethic and a commitment to setting and achieving goals.
Applicants who have earned their Lifeguard Certification, CPR/First Aid Certification, U.S. Sailing Certification, U.S. Keel Boat Certification, U.S. Powerboating License, or Hunter Safety Certification show a dedication to a particular activity that will improve and broaden their skills.
Applicants who have participated in the Tiger Lily or Tiger Shark programs show an interest in instructing children on how to enhance their swimming skills.
Applicants who have participated in the Sea Gull and Seafarer Adventures in Leadership (S.A.I.L.) program show a desire to serve others, a commitment to excellence, growth in leadership skills, and a drive to leave Camp and our surrounding community better than they found it.
Directors of Leadership Development
Being a CILT
Camp Seafarer has always been a safe place for me to be myself and have fun. At camp, I never cared what others thought of me because I was so happy to be at my favorite place. This carefree camp environment allowed me to grow in my self-confidence, goal-setting ability and independence more and more each year.
As a CILT it is my responsibility to be impactful to the little girls that will look up to me. I have to put them before me. There are so many astonishing young women in the program over the years who came before me. I am not only a role model to these girls but someone that takes care of them.
