Six teenagers wearing matching yellow shirts walk together on artificial turf near a chain-link fence, with trees and white tents visible in the background.
Six teenagers wearing matching yellow shirts walk together on artificial turf near a chain-link fence, with trees and white tents visible in the background.

Limited Space

CIT Division

Grades 9-10

Embark on a voyage of growth, where teens build responsibility through work, travel and peer connections.

the cit division

Experience a Summer of Growth and Connection!

The CIT or Counselor-In-Training Division includes campers entering grades 9 and 10. Rolling River’s CIT Program is a one-of-a-kind, transitional experience, with a unique blend of on-campus training, teambuilding sessions, mentorship opportunities, daily CIT activities, off-campus trips, and evening events.

Future Counselors in the Making

CITs are at the heart of the camp’s leadership pipeline, experiencing a unique, transitional program that prepares them for future counselor roles. They receive hands-on training, act as mentors to younger campers, and participate in a variety of camp activities.

  • A Supportive Training Ground: The CIT program provides a supportive environment where participants can develop their leadership skills. They are supervised by full-time educators and seasoned Head Counselors.
  • Dual Role: CITs enjoy the benefits of a unique learning experience, plus the all-inclusive camp package, including daily activities and off-campus trips, while taking on the responsibilities of a staff member in training.
  • Meaningful Responsibilities: CITs are assigned to a group or specialty area where they can share their passions and guide younger campers. Assisting counselors with daily tasks is another important part of the CIT Program, where they are able to manage campers, set up for lunch, support activities, and help with dismissal.
  • Building a Community: With a limited number of participants, the CIT program fosters a close-knit community and ensures quality placements for every individual.

The CIT schedule is designed to be engaging and developmental, with a mix of on-campus responsibilities, exciting off-campus trips, and special evening events.

A girl with glasses and braces sits on artificial turf, smiling and holding a young boy in an orange shirt who is holding a snack. They are outdoors near a fence.

Explore Activities for CITs

Campers explore creativity and science while creating exciting take-home masterpieces.

Multi Porpoise Game Room

The Multi Porpoise Game Room is an air-conditioned tech facility featuring interactive screens with augmented reality games, an immersive floor projector, and VR stations, providing opportunities to step inside the action campers love.

Loading Dock

The Loading Dock offers creative fun with lanyards, string art, jewelry making, beading, and weaving. Perfect for creating bracelets, keychains, necklaces and more.

Art Studio

Art Studio encourages campers to be hands-on with ceramics, pottery, woodworking, slime, and more. This allows them to build, design, and create their own artistic masterpieces.

Nature

The Nature Program teaches environmental, biological, and life sciences and explores topics such as ecosystems, weather, landforms, conservation and animal care.

Tech Lounge

The Tech Lounge features multiple gaming screens, retro arcade games, Apple Arcade tablets and more in an air-conditioned chill space to relax and play.

Upper Arts and Crafts

Upper Arts & Crafts introduces campers to diverse art mediums and projects, with added elective time to dive deeper during Hobbies and Navigator Intensives.

STEAM

The STEAM program sparks curiosity through hands-on, age-based challenging projects that let campers build, experiment, and explore science topics.

Cooking

The Cooking Program allows campers to create tasty dishes while learning nutrition, healthy choices, and exploring new flavors with guided culinary fun.

Our Athletics program builds skills, sportsmanship, and active fun across every field and court.

Basketball

Campers practice basketball fundamentals such as dribbling, shooting, passing and guarding in structured lessons and interactive games on one of our 3 basketball courts. 

Soccer

The soccer program teaches campers core skills such as dribbling, passing, shooting, footwork, teamwork, and game strategy through fun, age-appropriate instruction.

Tumbling Tides

Skippers and Mariners enjoy bars, beams, and trampolines while strengthening balance, coordination, flexibility, and body control in a safe and structured environment. 

Hockey

The deck hockey program builds skills such as stick handling, passing, shooting, positioning, teamwork, and sportsmanship through fast-paced play in our covered hockey pavilion.

Lacrosse

Lacrosse teaches campers fundamental skills including cradling, passing, catching, shooting, defensive positioning, teamwork, and game awareness.

Yoga & Mindfulness

The Yoga & Mindfulness program allows campers to decompress while learning breath control, yoga poses, and calming sounds through engaging, guided activities.

Flag Football

Flag Football focuses on skills such as passing, catching, route running, defensive strategy, teamwork, and game awareness.

European Handball

European Handball is a fast-paced field game where campers learn passing, catching, shooting, footwork and defensive positioning, with the goal of scoring in the provided net.

Volleyball

Volleyball offers active free play for all ages, building teamwork, coordination, and quick reactions—Lower Camp focuses on throwing and catching over the net, while Upper Camp participates in more advanced gameplay.

Gaga

Gaga is played in a walled pit where players hit a ball with their hands below the knees, and anyone struck below the knee or who hits the ball out is eliminated until one player remains.

Softball

Our softball program teaches campers the fundamentals of throwing, catching, batting, base running, and teamwork through skill-building drills and guided gameplay.

Mini Golf

Myrtle Beach Mini Golf is our 9-hole, nautical-themed course where campers enjoy themed adventures and learn the rules of mini golf, taking turns, counting strokes, and showing courtesy on the course.

Certified lifeguards lead swim instruction and free play, keeping every splash safe and fun.

Paddle Boards

Paddle boarding is a water activity where participants stand or kneel on a large board and use a paddle to move across the water while building balance and core strength.

Kayaks

Guided by our boating specialists, campers learn basic paddling techniques as they explore the Mill River in our single or double kayaks.

Canoes

Campers work together to paddle our multi-person canoes, learning teamwork while enjoying a scenic trip on the water.

Pedal Boats

A pedal boat is a small boat that moves when riders pedal with their legs, allowing older campers to learn a fun new skill and challenge their legs in the calm waters of Mill River.

Pontoon Boat Cruises

All campers enjoy relaxing rides on our 25-foot pontoon boat, cruising down the Mill River at an easy pace to take in nature and spot local wildlife.

Banana Boating

Banana boating is a fun, group water activity where campers ride on an inflatable banana-shaped boat pulled across the water, holding on as they splash and bounce.

Free Swim

Campers enjoy supervised recreational swim time to cool off, play games, and have fun with their friends and counselors.

Corcl Boating

Corcl boating is a water activity using a small, round boat similar to a kayak, where campers can paddle around or jump into the water for a fun, splash-filled experience.

Our themed, modern playspaces inspire imaginative adventures with friends.

Pebble Beach Pirate Playground

Shiver Me Timbers! This multi-level, pirate-themed playground features slides, tunnels, smokestacks, cannons and other climbing structures. Campers can climb aboard our resident pirate ships, The Jolly Roger and the The Black Pearl, to search for buried treasure or follow Jack Sparrow’s map to go on a hunt to collect hidden jewels.

Stingray Cay Playground

Sink your toes in the sand at our Caribbean Beach themed playground. Stingray Cay, home to our mascot “Ray”, features rope climbs, slides, surfboard climbers, a lifeguard lookout deck and much more. Use your imagination at the “Snack Shack” to cook up a seaside BBQ or join Ray’s band at “Calypso Corner”. This playground features interactive sprinklers and misters to keep campers cool.

Seascape Playground

Ahoy mateys, it’s time to embark on a playground experience that is themed as a riverside boat. This enclosed playscape features slides, climbers, cargo nets, tunnels and more. Aquatic animal statues, including sea lions, iguanas and turtles, add to the fun-filled nautical experience.

Camp-wide theme days, carnivals, and guest performers make every week unforgettable.

Color War

Color War is a week-long blue vs. white competition led by select counselors, where campers build teamwork, sportsmanship, and pride through spirited athletic and musical events—all for the coveted Color War Trophy.

Carnival

Get ready to party at our annual Carnival event, a giant mid-summer celebration with inflatables, rides, water fun, a friendship booth, DJ music, and special treats like ice cream or Dippin’ Dots.

Spirit Week

Spirit Week kicks off with Picture Day, then rolls into fun daily themes like Crazy Hair, Silly Socks, Workout Day and more, bringing camp spirit to life all week long.

Song & Plaque Day

Song & Plaque Day caps Spirit Week as groups dress up, sing custom songs, and unveil plaques featuring camper and counselor names displayed on campus for generations to admire.

Red White and Blue Day

Our annual Red, White & Blue Day showcases patriotic outfits, fun, interactive shows, sports challenges, and a cool RWB themed ice pop for snack.

Wishing Well Ceremony

Our Wishing Well Ceremony features camp groups placing stars in the “Wishing Well” and honoring 5- and 10-year campers and staff with special recognition.

Theme Days

Rolling River’s rotating theme days spark excitement with dress-up and fun activities such as Lego Day, Disney Day, Fairytale Friday, Lumberjack Day, Slime Day, Winter in Summer and more.

Two boys sit side by side on a wooden play structure, smiling, with one boy’s arm around the other. Both wear blue shorts and yellow or white T-shirts with matching graphics.
Four teenagers in matching yellow shirts sit on grass and smile together by a chain-link fence at an outdoor sports field.
A group of teenagers in matching yellow shirts pose in front of the Hook & Ladder 8 firehouse, known for its Ghostbusters sign, in an urban setting.
A boy in a yellow "Rolling River" camp T-shirt colors a wooden craft project at a table indoors.
Four young people wearing life jackets and swimwear stand on a sandy beach, posing for a photo with boats and water in the background on a sunny day.
Two young women wearing matching yellow camp T-shirts sit closely together on a bench under a striped canopy, smiling at the camera.

A Schedule That Fits Your Family

Rolling River CITs are still considered campers and receive all the benefits of an all-inclusive camp package.

Build the perfect summer schedule at Rolling River by choosing a Classic or Half Season for a traditional experience with set dates, or a Flex Program for ultimate flexibility. CITs who enroll for the full summer receive priority group placement to ensure consistency.

All programs include lunch, snacks, camp gear, transportation options, swim, special events, and more.

Two girls in yellow "Rolling River Day Camp CIT" shirts stand and smile on an indoor court, holding pickleball paddles.

“I look forward to continuing to make a positive impact at the place where I feel at home.”

Frequently Asked Questions

The CITs have two dedicated Supervisors who serve as the main point of contact for families and can be reached by calling camp or emailing cit@rollingriver.com. Emailing the Supervisors or sending an e-note through the Campanion App is the best way to communicate. The Supervisors also share updates through periodic emails, and families can stay connected by viewing daily photos on the Campanion App and following our social media pages for additional photos and videos.

CITs are first and foremost campers at Rolling River and receive all camper benefits, including activities, trips, meals, transportation, and more. Their assignments are part of a learning experience rather than a staff role, and CITs pay tuition to attend. While most CITs are included in tip letters and may receive camper tips, those not assigned to a group will receive a thank-you bonus at the end of the summer.

CITs complete a preseason assignment request form where they rank preferred roles and share details about their prior experience, including requests for a permanent group, age group, or program area. Assignments are thoughtfully reviewed and announced at CIT Orientation in June, with preference given to 10th graders and full-season participants. We ask CITs to try their placement for at least one week before requesting changes, as learning to adapt and succeed in a new role is an important life skill.

No—CITs may choose whether or not to participate in daily activities or trips, though they must complete a trip request form prior to camp so tickets can be purchased accordingly. While participation is encouraged as a way to relax, connect with peers, and spend time with CIT Supervisors and friends, the only mandatory activity is the weekly teambuilding session designed to strengthen bonds within the CIT class.

CIT trips are overseen by the CIT Supervisors and a Trip Supervisor, with additional counselors assigned as needed based on the destination. Most trips visit locations different from the Navigator program and are selected specifically for teenagers, though CITs do travel with the Navigator Division for extended-day trips to an amusement park or water park, as well as the Broadway show and overnight trip. All CITs are expected to follow camp rules and behave responsibly to ensure their own safety and the safety of others.

No—camp enforces a strict no–cell phone policy, similar to a school environment, as phones can easily get lost and distract campers from the camp experience. To avoid confusion, we also do not allow CITs to call home from trips, as the camp office provides families with accurate updates via email and text and campers can always be reached through the office in an emergency. We ask families to partner with us by not sending cell phones to camp; if a phone is needed for after-camp accessibility, please speak with your child’s Supervisor about storing it safely in the camp office.

Yes. Due to the unique nature of the program and the responsibility of working with children, CITs are required to attend multiple orientation sessions. These include a Parent & CIT Orientation in May, a CIT-only Orientation in June, and two additional orientations with their counselors and campers prior to the summer. All orientations review rules, regulations, policies, and clear guidelines outlining what CITs are permitted to do within their groups.

A small marina with boats docked along a calm river, surrounded by greenery and buildings under a blue sky.

Take the Next Step!