● Programs

CIT Program

● Rising 9th Grade

Lead the camp you grew up in

The Counselor-in-Training program is for rising 9th graders who are ready to move from camper to staff. CITs work alongside our counselors all day: leading games, helping run rotations, and learning how to be the person a 6-year-old looks up to. It is a leadership program at a reduced weekly rate, and it is the pipeline for future Varsity Prep counselors.

Apply for CIT

Rising 9th graders

Paid leadership program

What CITs actually do

  • A counselor leading a circle of campers on the field

    Lead a group

    Assigned to one camper group and one lead counselor for the week. Drop-off to pickup, those are your kids.

  • A counselor handing a ball to a young camper in the gym

    Run the games

    Warm-ups, team games, STEM and art rotations. You’re on your feet and in charge of the energy.

  • Teen staff and a camper in the pool

    Ride the trips

    Every Thursday field trip with your group, plus two CIT-only team-building trips each summer.

  • Varsity Prep staff talking through the day's plan

    Train every week

    Leadership sessions with our directors: giving directions, handling a tough moment, being the person kids look up to.

What CITs get

  • Reduced weekly rate

    A leadership program priced well below camper tuition. Same weeks, same payment plan.

  • Staff shirt

    You’re on the team. You dress like it.

  • Two CIT-only trips

    Team-building trips each summer, just for the CIT crew.

  • A real reference

    A reference from our directors at the end of the summer — for school, jobs, and applications.

  • First look at counselor jobs

    CITs who finish the program are the first people we call when they turn 16. Not a guarantee — a head start.

Rising 8th grader? Two paths.

  • Older campers and a counselor dressed up for theme day

    Icons · where we want most rising 8th graders

    Our new oldest camper group. The best field trips, leadership roles inside camp, their own space and counselors, and a real say in how the week runs. Same weeks, same pricing — they just run the place. Then CIT next summer with a year more maturity.

    Lock In Icons
  • A Coach in Training high-fiving a young camper

    CIT · if their heart is set on it

    Starting 2027, CIT is a rising 9th grade program like every other Varsity Prep camp. But we know a lot of current 7th graders have had their heart set on it — so for Summer 2027 only, rising 8th graders can apply. If they really want it, let’s do it.

    Apply for CIT

● CIT FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Rising 9th graders. For Summer 2027 only, rising 8th graders may also apply, or they can join Icons, our new oldest camper group. Every CIT does a short conversation with a director before a spot is confirmed.

  • CIT is a leadership program at a reduced weekly rate, well below the camper rate. The exact rate and the weeks available are in the application. CITs pay the same $100 deposit and follow the same payment plan as campers.

  • For most rising 8th graders, Icons. It is the oldest camper group, built around leadership inside camp, the best trips, and extra privileges, and it sets them up to be a stronger CIT the next summer. If your child has been counting down to CIT, they can still apply this year. We will not take that away from them. Not sure? Send us a note and we will talk it through.

  • CITs who finish the summer strong get a reference from their director, and first look at paid counselor positions once they turn 16. Most of our best counselors started as Varsity Prep campers and CITs.

  • Your child is expected to commit to 6 full weeks minimum. They apply for the CIT program and choose which of the 6 weeks they’ll be attending later. There will be a training session prior to the start of camp for all CITs.

● Contact

Questions ?

Not sure whether CIT or Icons is the right fit? Send a note and Ray will get back to you within one business day.