SIT Program (11th)
Laurelwood's Staff-in-Training (SIT) program provides rising 11th graders the tools and experience they need to become future leaders, strong role models, and Camp Laurelwood Staff.
It is our goal to create a positive learning environment for SITs, giving them a safe place to gain and practice skills that they will benefit from in school, camp and for the rest of their lives. It will be their most fun and challenging summer at camp, full of growth, success and reward. In past summers, over 90% of staff reported that they learned skills that will translate to work outside of camp.
About the Laurelwood SIT Program
The program offers a rich balance between leadership training, community outreach & practical work placements throughout the camp organization.
SITs will also enjoy a mix of exciting and fun day trips throughout the summer. *SIT graduates who apply as staff members the following year will be given preference and will paid as if they were second year staff members.*
Participants in the program will work closely with an SIT Supervisor as well as other SITs as they learn the skills necessary to become an effective leader, both within and outside of Camp.
SITs Will Learn:
- To be a Positive Role Model for campers
- Leadership & Team Building skills
- Tools for working with children
- Effective Listening and Communication skills
- Conflict Resolution
- Activity Programming Skills
- CPR and First Aid Certification** (Optional)
- Lifeguarding Certifications** (Optional)
Community Mindedness: ערובה (Areyvut) At Camp Laurelwood, we teach campers to be more community minded. We believe that giving back to the communities in which we live is an important value and one that is embedded in our Jewish tradition. Our SITs will get involved with community outreach and service projects for both Jewish and secular community non-profit organizations. These organizations are selected based on the mission of the agency as well as providing hands-on opportunities for our campers to get involved, provide assistance, feel good about the work they are doing and know that they are making a difference in the community around them. Previous partners include Tower One/East and the CT Food Bank.
Upon completion, all SIT’s will receive a written evaluation at the end of their session, a certificate confirming their volunteer hours.
Enrollment Process:
- Parents must submit a completed camper application.
- Once the application is received, the camp office will review the application and contact the SIT to set up a pre-camp interview. * Interviews will begin in early winter.
IF THERE ARE ANY SCHEDULING CONFLICTS PLEASE CONTACT THE MAIN OFFICE IMMEDIATELY TO DISCUSS!
*Pre-Camp Development for all SITs will take place during our Staff Development Week. Please Note: Pre-Camp Interviews have been established as part of the training process. For many of our SITs, this will be the first time going through the interview process. Camp professionals will conduct interviews as well as giving feedback and suggestions to help the SITs become more proficient in the interview process.
**Additional Fees may apply for any camper who chooses to participate in the lifeguarding course.
