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What is the Huawni Counselor in Training (CIT) experience?

In a nutshell, it’s a seven week summer leadership experience for guys and girls who have just finished their 11th grade year in high school (it will move to 12th grade in 2016). The CIT program has gotten very competitive as of late; this summer we have only 10 spots available.

We make three promises to our CITs:

  1. We promise you will learn how to serve with joy.
  2. We promise you will learn how to be a great counselor.
  3. We promise you will be better able to answer the questions “Who am I?” and “What am I doing here?”

For those of you finishing the 11th grade and considering the Huawni CIT experience, I’d ask a few questions, that if you were to answer yes to, would lead me to encourage you to apply today. Would you like to be challenged in a way you never have before? Would you like to be led by world-class mentors this summer? Would you like to enter your senior year in high school more confident and more comfortable in your own skin, well equipped to enter college?

For parents of eligible CITs, I’d ask one main question— do you want your 11th grader to thrive in life as they near their college years? Our CIT experience is uniquely positioned to do just that.

We had several of our CITs share their experiences from this past summer. Here’s what they had to say.

How did you grow?

“I learned what it means to serve selflessly (and not be concerned about) getting the credit. I also learned how to better work with people.”

“My faith in God grew as I surrounded myself with people that truly loved me. I learned how to be unconditionally known and loved back in return.”

“The CIT program shaped me into a more selfless and reliable person; on many occasions since Camp I have been told that my new attitude is both noticeable and appreciated.”

“I learned to be more independent. I was able to see who I was and where I needed to improve myself both mentally and emotionally. I even learned things about myself that helped me change situations that were going on outside of Camp.”

“I honestly can’t pick just one thing. I learned how to approach conflict, how to listen, and how to trust. I also learned how to control my sassy pants & how to serve with a smile.”

Who are you and what are you here for?

“I now know that I am a person of peace and I am here to encourage those around me.”

“I am a loving person who seeks to please others and plays soccer. I am a daughter, and a friend, I am a follower of God. I am here to love others and serve the kids, as well as learn about myself.”

“I am a leader, I am here to be a positive example to not only kids but peers and even adults. I am a positive mind with positive goals trying to reach a positive outcome.”

What would you say to 2015 CIT applicants?

“You will NEVER regret even a second of it. The CIT experience is a beautiful opportunity and if you choose to go on the journey you will never forget the ride.”

” I have never felt so much love & joy like I did this past summer. Being a CIT was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I would definitely, without a doubt do it all over again.”

“I would do it all over again if I had to. It was definitely a summer I wouldn’t change nor forget.”

“It is totally worth it and it is a once in a life time opportunity.”

“It’s awesome and self-fulfilling, and in the end you will never forget it.”

“You’ll grow so much in ways that you would never expect! Your leaders are SO freaking cool & they care about you. They’re on your side. If you plan on being a CIT in 2015, just know that it will be one of the toughest, irritating, and EXCITING summers of your life. I’m not going to sugar coat it, it was super tough, mentally & physically. Mostly mentally, though. BUT so incredibly rewarding. IT WAS SO MUCH FUN!!!”

” It is hard work no doubt, but it is totally worth it in the end. I PROMISE it is totally worth it.”

CIT Backpacking Trip

For all CITs who complete the summer with us, we take them on an all-expenses paid, week-long backpacking trip. It’s the exclamation point on their summer leadership development. Here’s a short video on last summer’s CIT trip.

Ready to apply?

Apply to be a CIT