Investing in campers builds a bridge to create leaders 

By Katie Ridinger

The Counselors in Training (CIT) program—a camp-leadership initiative for 7th and 8th graders that began in summer 2023—was the beginning of a program that will last for years. Younger campers began asking where the CITs were every day and expressing their dream to someday be one themselves. Teenagers were using their phones to look up games and other ideas for specific age groups. A group of older campers, who could be trusted to sit at a table all on their own, began bringing fresh ideas, and new energy. Seeing how the CITs took the leap to lead is evidence there is a bright future at Discovery Day Camp in Valparaiso, Ind.