Exactly what is involved in being a CILT?

Being a Camper in Leadership Training (CILT) is a huge responsibility and undertaking, and we encourage campers only to apply for the CILT program when they are truly ready to be dedicated to the course for the two summers at camp, and the year in between.

Here is an outline of the key components of the CILT program. All of the work CILTs do during the year is on an exact schedule. It is essential that CILTs stick to this schedule to prevents the CILTs (and their instructors) from being overwhelmed at any point in the year.

During both summers at camp, CILTs take a class (in lieu of one activity) in which they learn a variety of skills needed to be a leader. Many of these are applicable to any leadership situation, and some are specifically designed for leadership at camp.

The class covers the following topics:

While at camp, CILTs are given assignments which they must complete as assigned. Everything needed to complete these assignments is provided at camp.

During the time in the program, CILTs are expected to be devoted to intensive Bible studies. Whilst at camp, the Bible Exploration time delves deep into the Scriptures. This is a time of growth, that often brings the group together. It is the goal of the camp that CILTs would have instilled in them the importance of having the Word of God dwell richly within them.

This learning experience continues outside of camp. CILTs are expected to complete 6 personal Bible studies in the year by set deadlines. These Bible studies encourage the use of different study tools and methods.

The CILT program aims to prepare CILTs to share the gospel. CILTs are required to complete a number of activities to be prepared to spread the good news of Christ wherever they are! These include:

• Studying the Scriptural explanation of salvation, and memorising the key verses that explain salvation
• Putting together their testimony so as to be ready to share it freely.
• Preparing to share Christ with different age groups, by practicing appropriate ways to explain salvation.

CILTs are required to choose two activities in which they will become "experts". It is not necessary to be a world-class swimmer to specialise in swimming, nor is it necessary to be a professional chef to specialise in outdoor cooking. The requirements for each activity step the CILT through learning about their subject and developing a proficiency to teach it to younger campers. What is key is for the CILT to be enthusiastic about their choices.

This training is divided into three main sections. Knowledge encourages book knowledge of their activity. Skills require CILTs to become proficient at the activity. Finally, Leadership prepares the CILT to teach this activity.

Almost all of the work towards activity specialisations takes place at home in the year, and this can be one of the most time consuming aspects of being a CILT.

During their first year, CILTs assist in an activity for one week In the second year, CILTs assist for the first week, and then take on the responsibility of teaching that activity for a week.

In the CILT and BUILT pages can be found a list of activity specialisations and the requirements for each. However, we are always keen to have new suggestions for specialisations.

Throughout the entire program, CILTs are role models to younger campers, and are put into both formal and informal leadership positions. A CILT will encounter at least the following five leadership experiences. In each of these, while being supervised, the CILTs take on full responsibility.

• In the first year, CILTs run games at free time for the campers.
• In the second year, CILTs throw a party for the Trailblazers (all of the planning for this takes place in the year)
• CILTs are involved in the assisting and leading of activities (see above)
• In the second year, each CILT is required to take a cabin group of younger campers for 24 hours. This includes leading cabin time, Bible Ex, evening devotionals, sitting with the group at meal times, and generally all duties involved with being a camper.
• During the year, CILTs are also required to teach at least three Bible studies to younger children. This often takes place in their home church, at a club meeting, or Sunday school.

Every CILT is required to create a file of resources for camp leadership, although it is also useful in a huge number of other settings. CILTs start this file at camp in the first year, and then fill it all year long! Files are checked for completion in the second year. The best way to get a feel for the file is to read the guidelines.

Every CILT passing through the program is required to have a "CILT mentor." This is ideally a Christian woman in their local church or area, perhaps who knows about the Camp Cedarbrook program. Mentors support their CILTs as they complete the course requirements at home. Some of this is practical, and much of it is simply lifting the CILT up in prayer. Mentors are generally chosen in the weeks following the first summer at camp.

All CILTs are required to complete a course in First Aid and CPR during the year. This is a national requirement, not only for CILT graduation, but also for being on staff at any Camp Cedarbrook.