Towering Pines Blog

Let the countdown begin to the sunny adventurous days of summer that await the campers of Towering Pines!  Each year  I’m in awe at the changes in these boys — not only physically, but also the development in their social and emotional maturity.  It’s evident in all of them, but especially in those fellas who are embarking upon their new role as CITs (Counselors in Training).

These young men have the support of not only their counselors, but all of our staff.  This gives them a foundation upon which to rely while also providing them opportunities to experience both failure and success within a safety net of caring near peers and adults.  The experiences and situations that are presented are intentional; however, they are also spontaneous.   This leaves room for trial and error and the opportunity to truly learn both creativity and flexibility — and let’s not forget TO HAVE FUN while doing it!! 

For some campers they are transitioning to Apache for their first year as a CIT. For others it’s a shift into their second year as a CIT, and they will live in other cabins with younger campers.  There is so much growth and learning that happens with these transitions.  The CIT Program offers leadership training through education, experience, and exploration. Here is just a brief overview of what this program has to offer the young men who are fortunate enough to be a part of such a tremendous experience.

Counselor In Training/CIT Program includes:

• Participating in the regular camp program and activities as well as an additional program effort to challenge the CIT group in their own personal development
• Maintaining a positive image as a role model and mentor to the younger campers
• Assisting instruction in one/two activity periods in an activity of choice/expertise
• Planning and implementing the Sunday special events with their counselors
• Spending an additional hour of engaging in leadership training with camp directors and leadership staff
• Observing younger cabin groups during cabin time
• Spending time learning organizational skills through duties such as:  assisting in activities, completing cabin inspection, leading assembly, managing canteen at recreational swimming, serving as steward in the dining hall, etc.
• Planning and implementing special camp projects
• Engaging in social activities with CITs from Camp Woodland
• Participating in the Coed Show  for the last few weeks of camp (musical variety show at the end of camp)

There are so many amazing opportunities for these young men to develop leadership skills through our CIT program and to begin to understand their own strengths and weaknesses.  They have the chance to still be a camper and continue their own personal development while also influencing the lives of many younger campers.

One of the key components in the CIT program is also one of our core values RESPONSIBILITY. Learning responsibility as it pertains to camp also touches upon another one of our core values SAFETY.

Here are some insightful reflections from the counselors and CITs from Cabin 12 about how they view these values as these relate to camp. (*Names have been included for those who chose to share them.*)

As a counselor I find myself in many responsible and important situations.  Creating a safe, fun and healthy environment is an every day responsibility in camp for me. In my periods that I teach I am responsible for everyone and everything.  Responsibility is a huge necessity in camp.  Without it we lose accountability and the steering wheel in our own personal lives.

• With great power, comes responsibility.  Being responsible means acting in a positive way, not hurting others.  Using your power, whether that means becoming a CIT, handling a rifle or a bow, in a responsible way is key for camp to function. — Lucio
• Responsibility is what makes human society work.  Without it, camp wouldn’t be possible and we wouldn’t be here either.  So we need to know our responsibilities and never forget them so that we can come to camp and keep the world running.  — Iker
• Responsibility is what makes us do things for other people even if we might not want to.  We do it because doing these things are GOOD for people, and if that benefits or supports a person, we must do it.
• Responsibility is the glue that helps keep camp together.  If you do not have it, people can be endangered without it.  Without responsibility you might alienate the new campers.  We need to be responsible so that camp functions well and camp can stay together.
• Responsibility defines what kind of person you are.  In life respect is gained from people being able to trust you with your responsibilities.  Responsibility is also very important at every level from counselor to CIT to camper.  In conclusion carrying out your smallest responsibilities will make camp run a lot smoother.
• Responsibility is what holds camp together.  Thanks to responsibility activities can run smoothly because it allows for counselors, CITs and even campers to do things properly.  It is important to do things responsibly so activities are safe and enjoyable for everyone.  Without responsibility camp would fall apart.

Being a part of the CIT program and participating in these additional experiences provides tremendous leadership learning opportunities for these young  men.  In addition, it is an important and valuable contribution to the Towering Pines camp community. The long-standing traditions and culture of Towering Pines will always be there for these boys as they step into future endeavors no matter where they roam.

We are so excited for this summer where all of the campers can imagine the endless possibilities before them in “Imagine this in ’26!”

Limited spots are available for the Summer of 2026, click here to register!!

See ya soon, fellas!

Angie Wenzl

“Building in our hearts fond memories, Towering Pines for you.”