Real Leadership Experience
Earn College Credits
CPR & First Aid Training
Build Confidence. Gain Experience. Lead with Purpose.
Our Leaders in Training (LIT) and Counselors in Training (CIT) programs give teens ages 12-17 the opportunity to grow into confident, capable leaders while making a real difference at camp.
Whether your teen is interested in working with children, exploring a future career in recreation or simply gaining leadership experience, this program provides hands-on training and real-world application in a supportive camp environment.
LIT/CIT Training | one week required annually prior to fieldwork
Leadership Starts with Preparation
LIT/CIT Training equips teens with the foundational skills needed to become successful camp leaders. This one-week training is required annually for all participants, regardless of prior experience, prior to registering for Fieldwork.
During training, teens will:
✦ Develop communication and teamwork skills.✦ Learn behavior management strategies.
✦ Build professionalism and confidence.
✦ Complete CPR and First Aid certification.
✦ Prepare for real camp leadership responsibilities.
This structured training ensures every participant enters fieldwork ready to lead with confidence and care.
LIT/CIT Fieldwork | Apply training in real camp settings
LIT Fieldwork | Learn by Doing
LIT Fieldwork gives teens the opportunity to apply their training in real camp settings.
Participants will:
✦ Assist with daily camp operations✦ Support counselors and younger campers
✦ Engage in a variety of camp programs
✦ Gain hands-on leadership experience
✦ Earn school or volunteer service hours
Teens are placed in age-appropriate camps before fieldwork begins to help ensure a positive and successful experience.
CIT Fieldwork | Step into Responsibility
CIT Fieldwork is designed for teens ready to take on responsibilities similar to camp staff.
Participants will:
✦ Support program planning and execution✦ Model positive behavior and leadership
✦ Build professional skills
✦ Earn school-required volunteer hours
✦ Make a meaningful impact in the camp community
CIT Fieldwork helps teens confidently transition toward future counselor roles.
UCSD College Credit Eligibility
Participants who complete 1 Week of LIT/CIT Training + 1 Week of Fieldwork may become eligible for UCSD college credit. This makes the program not only a leadership opportunity, but also an investment in their academic future.
additional benefits
✦ CPR and First Aid certification
✦ Volunteer service hours
✦ College credit eligibility
✦ A direct pathway toward future
YMCA employment
Who can participate?
✦ Ages 12–17
✦ Open enrollment
✦ Offered countywide
Space is limited at each branch and programs often fill before summer begins.
Ready to lead?
OVERNIGHT TEEN CAMPS
Camp Marston | Camp Surf | Raintree Ranch
Looking for overnight leadership opportunities for your teen? Discover what leadership looks like at our camps through programs like L.I.T. and Camp Assistants at Camp Marston, Pegasus program at Camp Raintree, and S.O.U.L. Surfers at Camp Surf. Each pathway is rooted in the Y’s mission and gives teens the chance to lead, serve, and inspire younger campers while building confidence, character and connection all throughout the summer.
View specific program offerrings through the buttons below!
