Dear Campers and Counselors,

Let me tell you about a passion of mine: developing leaders... Real leaders!

I have never been as proud as I was last summer, when, for the first time, a new group of leaders emerged from our first Counselor in Training (CIT) Program at the Youth Rally. Our CIT program, which is really a ''Leadership in Training'' program, was a huge success as judged by campers, counselors and CITs alike.

Here's how it works. Kids come to Rally for years and, in the past, had to skip a year (or two) after their graduation, before they could become a counselor. My dream was that we could provide a transition year (or more) for our recent graduates. This program would allow them to come back to camp as CITs under the supervision of program directors. This way, we could help our campers grow into the most wonderful and energetic young counselors that they can be.

It is important for campers to have relevant role models and providing training for this important volunteer effort affords young counselors a helpful ''walk before they run'' experience. Last year, for the first time, the CIT program allowed us to continue to develop young leaders without potentially losing them to other activities in the gap between their camper years and becoming a counselor. We want our graduate campers to share their experience with younger campers at Youth Rally for generations, and we think the CIT program is a crucial first step. As a CIT, one does not only learn to lead, but also to lead under the mentorship of other leaders.

Frankly folks, it is not all just about fun. Our first ''talk'' together (CITs and Program Directors) is about EXPECTATIONS. We expect that our CITs WANT TO BE LEADERS. This means rolling up one's sleeves and helping out counselors and other staff wherever necessary. We team each CIT up with a ''mentor'' and the CIT follows that person all week, helping out, learning, absorbing, volunteering, and leading. Demonstrating that one is ready to transition from the life of a camper to the life and responsibilities of a counselor is essential as a CIT, and if our first year CITs are any indication of how future leaders will develop, this will continue to be a HUGE success.

It is important (and difficult) to put away the peer to peer connection with campers and put on the peer to peer connection with other counselors. But, as a CIT, it is their job to help those campers learn, thrive, and develop.

Not all campers want to be CITs and subsequently counselors; each camper has different needs and goals, and our job as CITs and counselors is to serve each camper's individual needs and provide them with a wonderful experience.

Yes, indeed, this is a lot to learn and do, but the breadth of the responsibilities of Rally counselors is why we developed this program. Regardless of age, we will ask all first time counselors to join the CIT program. Our goal is to have as rich and diverse a group of CITs as we do campers and counselors.

Learning, Growing, Leading... it is what this program is all about.

To our graduates and future graduates: We welcome any graduate of Youth Rally to apply to our program. We will ask you to fill out a Counselor application, check the CIT box, and send it in as instructed. You will then be contacted to be interviewed for the position. We will pick those applicants who we think will demonstrate leadership, volunteerism (like speaking up at rap sessions, or helping someone in need). We use our experience watching you grow as a camper and your interest in growing more with us as our guide. It is also important to know that if you do not get chosen, it is only because we want to keep the program to a manageable size so that our CITs can learn and grow under the best conditions.

So, think about this. Do you want to be a CIT or a mentor for the CIT program? Leaders are wanted.

All the best,

Paul

Chairman, Youth Rally Committee

Director, Counselor in Training Program