LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LIT AND CIT?

LIT (Leader-in-Training) is for any campers aged 15-16 years old that are ready to step up and take on more responsibility at camp. This program is designed to help young people in the growth of their 21st Century Skills, preparing them for college, career and life beyond high school. At the culmination of their session, LITs earn 30 volunteer hours.  

CIT (Counselor-in-Training) is for any campers aged 16-17 years old that have an interest in working with kids. This program is designed for campers that either know, or want to find out if, they want to apply to be a counselor. The first week is spent as a group learning counselor-specific skills. During the second week CITs get hands-on experience living and working alongside CSM counselors in a younger camper cabin.   

ARE LITS & CITS ALLOWED TO HAVE CELL PHONES AT CAMP?

We believe there are numerous benefits to having campers unplug for the week and therefore have a no phone policy at camp. We have found that campers do their best when they are fully invested in camp and have the opportunity to experience camp independently. Some of the benefits of unplugging that we have seen as summer camp professionals is a willingness to engage with peers, try new things, and step outside their comfort zones in many ways.

CAN I STILL APPLY FOR THE LIT OR CIT PROGRAMS IF I WAS NEVER A CAMPER?

Yes, the programs are open to anyone interested.

IS FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE FOR LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS?

Need-based assistance is available through CSM’s Campership Fund.

Campership is available for all CSM programs. One campership is allowed per camper per calendar year.

Before applying for financial assistance (Campership), families must register their camper for a program (i.e. Summer Camp) and submit the $75 deposit. The campership application is available on November 1st for the following year.

Please call (585) 346-2243, ext. 105 for more information.

DO LEADERSHIP PARTICIPANTS STAY FOR THE ENTIRE 2 WEEKS?

No, campers go home in-between their 2-week session. Please see pick up and drop off times for more specific information.

CAN I BE AN LIT IF I DON'T WANT TO BE A COUNSELOR?

Yes. The LIT program is NOT a counselor preparation program. This program aligns with the college and career readiness skills emphasized in schools and focuses on communication, critical-thinking, collaboration, problem-solving and creativity and is therefore valuable to every camper. As an added benefit, LITs walk away with 30 volunteer hours at the end of their session. 

WHAT ARE THE PICK UP AND DROP OFF TIMES FOR LITS?

Drop off for LITs is on Sunday at 1:00 pm. Please use the E. Lake Rd entrance and drop your LIT at Peggy’s Cafe.

Departure Times (pick LIT up at their cabin):

Weeks A, C, E, and G run Sunday – Saturday 9:00 am
Weeks B, D, F, and H run Sunday – Friday 5:00 pm

HOW OLD DO I HAVE TO BE TO BE AN LIT?

Participants must be 15 years old by the start of Summer Camp.

I WANT TO BE A CIT, BUT I WAS NEVER AN LIT. IS THAT OK?

Yes. Completion of the LIT program is not a prerequisite for participation.

I WOULD LIKE TO SIGN UP FOR ONE OF THE PROGRAMS, WHAT DO I DO?

Please visit our Teen Leadership Programs page. There are 3 requirements:
– Parent/Guardian must sign the Camper (participant) up for the enrollment process (includes paying the registration fee)
– Participant/Camper must complete the leadership application
– Participant/Camper must get two letters of recommendation

WHAT ARE THE AGE REQUIREMENTS TO BECOME A CIT?

Participants must be 16 years old by the start of the summer camp season. 

WHAT ARE THE PICK UP & DROP OFF TIMES FOR CITS?

Arrival is on Sunday. Please use the E. Lake Rd entrance and drop off your CIT at Peggy’s Cafe.

CIT week 1: 1:00 pm
CIT week 2: 12:15 pm

Departure Times (pick CIT up at their cabin)

Weeks A, C, E, and G Saturday 9:00 am

Weeks B, D, F, and H Friday 5:00 pm

VISIT US!

Discover all that Camp Stella Maris has to offer. Sign up for our Open House on June 6, 2027, schedule a private tour, or register for summer camp (beginning Nov 1st).

585-346-2243
Fax- 585-346-6921
info@campstellamaris.org
4395 East Lake Road
Livonia, NY 14487
Camp Stella Maris of Livonia, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3). EIN: 16-0743941

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