Please see below for a detailed description of each program
Grades 10-12
Kennolyn's 3-year leadership training program for high school students is one of our most popular. Campers entering 10th grade start with the CILT program and satisfactory completion of each year's program is required for admission to the next level.
CILT (Camper in Leadership Training.)
For campers entering 10th grade.
The first year of the training program is a transition year. The focus of the two-week program is to start developing those skills that are necessary to be a good counselor. Participants get to choose three regular activity periods in the morning, but their afternoons are devoted to leadership training led by the CILT's counselors. Afternoons are filled with challenging group initiatives, discussions, and practical training on working with children. Highlights of the session include Outpost at Soquel Creek and a Kayaking Trip on Elkhorn Slough. Although never asked to take sole responsibility for a cabin of campers, CILTs are expected to be role models around camp, and to show their commitment to developing the skills that will make them great leaders at camp, at home, and in their communities. It is a fun introduction to taking on a leadership role at camp.
CIT (Counselor in Training.)
For campers entering 11th grade who graduated from the CILT program.
The CIT year marks the beginning of real responsibilities for the participants. The CIT program emphasizes leadership training by assisting counselors at Kennolyn's Day Camp. The two-week program is demanding. At Day Camp, CIT's help teach activities and have “family group” responsibilities. In the evenings, CIT's receive training in first aid, CPR, and belaying. They also participate in some evening activities coordinated by various members of the Leadership program and Town Council. To help counter-balance the rigors of the program, CIT's leave camp for an evening out and a day out each session (chaperoned by the CIT Counselor), and have a later bedtime so they can socialize in the evenings, helping them to both develop new skills and enjoy one another's company as a peer group. Overall, CITs work very hard, but the experience is rewarding. They are given real responsibility and they thrive on it.
JC (Junior Counselor.)
For campers entering 12th grade who have graduated from the CILT and CIT programs.
The final stage of the training program is a four-week session in which participants finally become Junior Counselors at Resident Camp. Although the Training Program Coordinator and Senior Counselors will always closely supervise JCs, they are given a great deal of responsibility with respect to the campers. JCs not only help teach several activity periods a day, they also are assigned to one cabin. Cabin responsibilities include eating meals with the campers and taking over for the Cabin Counselor for 24-hours once a week while he/she is on a day-off. JCs participate in Water Carnival with their cabins and escort their cabins to the Boardwalk. JCs get one day-off a week, are permitted to bring cars to camp with parental approval, and they receive a small amount of monetary compensation for their work. By this stage of the program, we expect participants to show their commitment to Kennolyn through their words and actions, demonstrate excellent judgment, and handle situations in a mature, responsible fashion. It is a tremendously rewarding experience, and upon successful completion of the program, JCs can apply to work as counselors after they graduate from High School. All other staff must have completed a year of college.