Counselor in training program
The Counselor in Training program exists to equip young women ages 16 and 17 with Biblical knowledge, foundational Christian principles, leadership, and wilderness skills. This takes place in an environment of intensive study, experiential education, and group living. The CIT Program desires to raise up godly women, future leaders, and future Tapawingo counselors.
program set-up
The CIT program is four weeks long and can have a total of 12 girls per session with six CITs per cabin. As a CIT, you will spend two four-day trips on wilderness excursions in the High Peaks of the Adirondacks. You will spend the rest of your time on the Island receiving further leadership training through Bible studies, group discussions, and hands-on opportunities to lead and share your spiritual gifts (i.e. leading camp activities).
Week 1: Cabin Bonding and Adventure in the Peaks
Week 2: Spiritual Disciplines and Life on the Island
Week 3: Practicing Leadership Skills in the Wilderness
Week 4: Shadowing Cabins and Leadership at Tapawingo
The purpose of this program is for CITs to learn more about Christ and how to serve. By watching others lead, CITs will be encouraged in their own leadership development through interacting with the campers, staff, and program activities.
Following this program, we encourage CITs to apply to Tapawingo staff positions in order to keep growing into who they are in Christ.
as a cit you will
expand your confidence as a Christian servant leader, learn more about being a Tap counselor, and make Christ-centered friendships
grow in biblical knowledge, share the gospel, and practice spiritual disciplines to carry with you through life
develop your character as you learn wilderness skills and take on the challenges that arise while backpacking in the high peaks
Cost
This four-week program costs $1,980 + a $15 membership fee.
SUMMER 2025 DATES
CIT Session 1: June 22 - July 19, 2025
CIT Session 2: July 20 - August 16, 2025
ready to grow in christ?
1. Submit an application
2. Submit two references
3. We will contact you for an interview!
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Selections are based on leadership readiness, spiritual maturity, willingness to serve, and teachability.
Important info
CIT Frequently Asked Questions
1. How will this program help me grow as a leader?
By spending time in God’s Word, going outside of your comfort zone, and living in community, the CIT program is designed to be a lifechanging, transformative experience. Here is what our former CITs said when asked at the end of the program, “Do you feel like you grew in your leadership abilities?”
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"Yes! I was able to gain more confidence to lead through the encouragement of my leaders and fellow CITs. I am more rooted in my identity!”
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“Yes, especially week 4 because I can see the behind the scenes work that the counselors do.”
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“I grew in my leadership abilities by leading cabin devotionals, praying for others and leading worship."
2 . How hard are the High Peaks? Do I need prior experience hiking to be part of the CIT Program?
The High Peaks are a set of 46 mountains in the Adirondack Mountains of New York State. The majority of these mountains are at least 4,000 feet in elevation, with a few exceptions. These hikes are challenging but many of our participants have little hiking experience prior to arriving for the CIT Program. Miss Natalie, Tapawingo’s current Assistant Director, shares “Before CIT, I had never hiked anything beyond a beginner level hike! I trained for the program by going on runs, but the first trip to the High Peaks pushed me outside of my comfort zone and for the first time, I learned how to rely on God to be my strength. It was beautiful to hike with my group, who would encourage me in the Lord with scripture like Colossians 3:2 “Set your mind on things above, not on things that are on earth. I grew in my love of God’s creation and will always treasure the experience of standing on top of the mountains, singing God’s praises and my confidence in what is possible with the strength of the Lord.” A CIT from Summer 2024 shares, “Being in the High Peaks really helped me grow spiritually. Just being away from the hustle of the world made me focus more on listening to God and what He was telling me.”
3. How will I grow spiritually?
Here are some quotes from our former CITs on how they saw the Lord work in their hearts during their time as a CIT.
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“I grew in my understanding of God and how we can live in Him, His vast Love and what He gives us. He has strengthened my faith and has calmed my worries”
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“I felt God, and I’ve seen His plan. I’ve also seen Him through characteristics of those around me.”
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“I have grown in learning to be with God and truly understanding what its like to never be alone. I think God has been showing me a lot about my life and who I am in Him.”
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“I spent more time studying, (not just reading,) the Bible. I also am thinking less about the world and more about God / Jesus.”
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“God just blew me away with just how much He would teach me! I feel like I’ve learned so much and also been equipped in so many ways."
Please come with the expectation that you will not visit with your parents between sessions or make casual phone calls. This is the culture / expectation for all Tapawingo campers. Rest assured, Tapawingo staff care deeply about the wellness of each of our CITs and will assess if a camper is homesick and a phone call home is the right next step.
4. Does participating in the CIT program increase my chances of being hired on staff one day?
Historically, over 1/3 of our staff each summer is comprised of former CITs. Many of our returning leaders at Tapawingo are former CITS. We love and believe in this program! Participating in this program certainly provides you with many opportunities to grow in your leadership and understanding of the mission of Tapawingo. All CITs who aspire to be on staff will need to go through our standard application process though and partaking in this program does not guarantee that you will be eligible for staff.
5. What is the application/ interview process like?
You can expect to complete the application in approximately 30 minutes – 1 hour. To apply to CIT, you will need to complete the following:
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Submit a written online application. Please be mindful of your spelling and please be thoughtful in your responses. Unfinished or tactless applications will not receive the same consideration as those that are completed with care and integrity! We ask that parents do not apply on behalf of their daughters.
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Reach out to two references and ask them to complete a brief online reference form.
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Spiritual Reference Form and Teacher/ Employer Reference Form
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Example text or email you could send with these links
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"Hi, I am applying to a Counselor In Training program at Tapawingo! I am thankful for your leadership and guidance in my life, and I am curious if you’d be willing to fill out this required form so I can be considered for the program? I’d love to grow in my faith and my leadership this summer. The reference form should take no longer than 5 minutes. Thank you for your consideration and please let me know if you have any questions!”
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Once you have submitted your written application and we have heard from your two references, you will be contacted by Tapawingo’s Assistant Director, Miss Natalie. The interview will be held over the phone and will be a 15-30 minute call. There is no need to stress about this interview, the questions will pertain to your life and your interest in the program.
6. I could still return to Tapawingo as a camper, but I am interested in the CIT program. What should I do?
Pray about it and apply! By applying, you are not committing and by going through the application process you will be better able to discern what the right next step is.
7. Four weeks is a long time! Will I be able to see or call my parents?
FORMER CIT
"CIT helped me grow in my walk with God and my confidence in who I am in Him. I am looking forward to using the skills that God has equipped me with throughout the program in order to share the gospel and glorify Him."
CIT PArent
"My daughter can't say enough about Miss Kristi, her High Peaks experiences, and her group of girls. What I saw was a healthy, whole Kayleigh; a physical, emotional and spiritual tune up, full of sunshine, mountains, lake water, sunshine, and stories; a young adult Christian woman, not a child."