Counselor in Training Program (CITs)

Dates & Rates

July 12th through August 14th (5 weeks)

We are anticipating a slight rate increase to our 2026 pricing structure due to inflation, staffing needs, and the rising costs at camp related to climate change. As we navigate unprecedented heat waves, varying lake conditions, and extreme weather events, we want to ensure we have the best people, tools, and practices at Hochelaga to prioritize camper safety. We are currently working with our Board of Directors to ensure we are able to keep rates as affordable as possible. 

If you are wanting to help support campers in accessing our summer camp experience, please consider donating. More can be learned about camper scholarship at Hochelaga HERE.

2025 Rates:

Tier A: $1650

Scholarship Tier B: $1500

Scholarship Tier C: $1350

Interested in additional financial support to help your young leader attend our upcoming CIT program? Find more information on our Circle of Girls+ Scholarship here

Our CIT Program is designed not only to guide participants in their transition to becoming Camp Counselors but also to empower them to grow into young leaders within their communities.

CIT Handbook

We are beyond excited to share that we've been selected as a recipient of the Leadership Pathways Grant Phase 2. This funding is made possible by the American Camp Association, and will help us grow our Counselor in Training (CIT) program. We are so excited to have this opportunity to support even more young leaders, and help diversify leadership at Camp Hochelaga. 

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Application Process:

CITs must fill out this application as well as complete an introductory phone/Zoom/video call with our Camp Director and Assistant Camp Director to apply. Once their application has been considered, then you may continue to registration here. All CITs are eligible for our Circle of Girls+ Scholarship fund.

Leaders in Training (LITs) will complete our full staff application here.*

*What is the difference between Leaders in Training (LIT) and Counselors in Training (CIT)?
LITs will be applying and working as full counselors, while CITs will still be regarded as campers learning to be counselors. Wondering what’s the best fit for your young leader? If your camper is a rising 12th grader in the fall of 2025 please reach out to see which may be the best fit for you.

Applications for LITs and General Staff will open in early January.

Adjusting CIT & LIT Ages

We are in the process of increasing the age of our first year staff, and in turn, our CITs and LITs. We believe that giving our campers more time to exist at camp (and in the world) as “kids” will serve their developmental readiness to take on the responsibilities that accompany being a camp counselor later on.

During our 2026 season, our CIT program will be prioritizing acceptance of rising 12th grade participants. As to avoid heavily disrupting traditional patterns and expectations within our community, we will still be accepting CIT applications from rising 11th graders for this summer. Beginning with our 2027 season, we will only be accepting applications from rising 12th grade individuals.

To see more on how our LIT/first year staffing will be impacted by this transition, more can be found on our Prospective Staff page. We appreciate your understanding through this process, and if you have any questions at all, please always feel free to contact our camp director, Christine Perry (camp.director@ywcavt.org).

CIT Application (portal closed)

Drop Off

All CITs will be dropped off Sunday July 12th, 2025 between 2pm and 3pm.

Pick Up

Pick up will be Friday August 14th, 2025 between 3pm and 5pm.

If in need of alternative pick-up schedule, please be in touch with our team! Although your camper will be a leader at camp, they will have minimal access to technology during their stay. As our CITs are considered part of our “campers,” they are typically not permitted to have their own vehicles with them on site. If you may need an exception to this for your CIT, please feel free to reach out.

Expectations of a CIT:

  • Openness to Growth

    Being a young adult capable and ready for change and empowerment through a leadership program

  • Exploring Community Impact

    Readiness to explore the strengths they can bring to the communities they choose to be part of

  • Creating Shared Joy

    Desire to have a positive impact on the communities they participate in

  • Inclusivity

    Passion to better understand how to create welcoming, diverse, and inclusive communities for all

  • Becoming a Leader

    Readiness to become a role model to younger members of our community

Cancellation Policy

Please notify the camp office immediately if you need to cancel your child’s enrollment. Cancellation must be in writing or by telephone at least two weeks in advance of the camper’s arrival at camp. Cancellation notices received less than 2 weeks from the start of the session registered are not eligible for refund. The deposit fee is non-refundable.

We reserve the right to withdraw, with no refund, any camper whose influence or actions are deemed harmful or who will not live within the rules and policies of the camp. Homesickness is not a condition for refund.

PAYMENT OR ACCOUNT QUESTIONS?

Please contact the YWCA’s Office Manager at (802) 372-4510 or contactus@ywcavt.org. Please note that you can check your balance, make credit card payments, and print an account statement that lists camp’s Federal Tax ID Number from your online account.