Leadership Development at Cherith

Camp Cherith offers leadership training for both girls and boys.  The program for girls is called CILT (Campers in Leadership Training) and for boys it is called BUILT (Boys Under Intense Leadership Training).

Both are two-year programs for campers who’ve completed tenth grade and want to develop leadership skills with an emphasis on spiritual growth. It is an intensive commitment, including the planning and implementation of various camp activities, reading and teaching assignments, and finally a week of actual staff experience on site. It gives participants the tools necessary to serve as an effective staff member at Camp Cherith.

CILT requires two weeks at camp during each of the two summers. BUILT requires one week at camp during each of the two summers. See camp details for dates.  Outside the camping season, the participants meet as a group with their respective CILT or BUILT coordinator(s) and mentor(s) for instruction sessions. Interested candidates should select CILT or BUILT when registering.

Note for CILTs: CILTS typically arrive a day early to camp before their first week of CILT.  They also attend Mother Daughter weekend, which is typically the second weekend in September. If a CILT is unable to be at camp on these days, she should let her CILT leader know up front before the CILT program begins so that other arrangements can be made to complete the work and lessons that will be done at these times.

CILT/BUILT OVerview

COURSE OVERVIEW

The Campers in Leadership Training (CILT) program provides a unique educational and practical challenge for high school age campers with leadership potential.  Participants will have opportunities to increase their skills and abilities, deepen their knowledge and service in their churches, camps, and communities.

The course is a two-step program.  CILT I and CILT II usually consist of two weeks at camp during each of two consecutive summers, plus assignments to complete during the school year between summers.  CILTs spend a minimum of one activity class period per day at camp covering lesson material led by the CILT instructor or other assigned staff member. Reading assignments are completed prior to each class, preparing CILTs for the lesson content, discussion, related activities, and application.

Under adult supervision, CILTs gain practical experience by working with younger campers–leading songfest, games, Bible studies, and evening programs; helping with cookouts; teaching camp skills; and assisting in camp functions.

CILTs also choose camp activity skills as specialties, progressing through achievements to high levels of proficiency, which often include certification from national organizations.  CILTs learn to demonstrate and teach their specialty skills to younger campers.

GUIDELINES AND QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum requirements are determined by Camp Cherith in order to maintain consistent standards within the network of camps.  The guidelines are as follows:

 

A CILT/BUILT must:

 

  1. Complete all lesson assignments given by the CILT/BUILT Instructor.
  2. Develop a comprehensive resource file (CILT only)
  3. Complete activity specialty requirements
  4. Complete a live-in-couseling experience for at least 24 hours during CILT ll (CILT only)
  5. Meet several times during the school year with the CILT/BUILT group and instructor (may be online or in person depending on the group)
  6. Check in with your CILT Instructor during the winter on progress toward assignments (CILT only)

 

A participant must meet the following qualifications:

 

  1. Must be 16 years old by August 31st of the year they are starting CILT or BUILT or have finished 10th grade
  2. Must have completed at least one week as a Cherith camp. (Exception: special recommendation by camp director.)
  3. Must display the following traits:
  • Vital christian testimony
  • Leadership ability
  • Willingness to learn 
  • Cooperation
  • Dependability
  • Responsibility
  1. Must be interested in working with children
  2. Fill out a CILT/BUILT application as a part of your registration process.  Please fill out the application a minimum of two weeks before arriving at camp.  You will be asked to provide the names and email addresses of two references – one would be someone like a pastor or youth group leader who can comment on your spiritual maturity.  The other should be a personal reference, such as a coach, teacher, or mentor.  References should never be a family member.
  3. Don’t forget to register as a CILT l (BUILT l) or CILT ll (BUILT ll) when you register for camp.

Camper Leadership