Camp · Specialty · Age 16
▌ Specialty · Age 16

Counselor-in-Training (C.I.T.)

Camp Ondessonk

Camp Ondessonk's Counselor-in-Training program offers leadership development, skill-building, and service opportunities for older campers interested in becom...

▌ Editor's read The Counselor-in-Training (C.I.T.) program at Camp Ondessonk is an overnight leadership development program for campers aged 16-17, designed to prepare them for future camp staff roles. Camp Ondessonk is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA), with accreditation valid through 2024, demonstrating a commitment to industry standards. The camp's website mentions that all staff undergo background checks and drug screenings, ensuring a focus on camper safety. Camp Ondessonk has been operating since 1959, indicating over 60 years of experience in youth camping. The camp is owned by the Catholic Diocese of Belleville. Google reviews for Camp Ondessonk average 4.8 stars from over 500 reviews, with many praising the positive environment and impact on children. Social media presence includes an Instagram handle @camp_ondessonk and a Facebook page 'CampOndessonk'.
ACA-accredited~300 standards audited
Since 196660+ years operating

Who thrives here Age 16

Counselor-in-Training (C.I.T.) serves high-school campers, which means the program is competing against summer jobs, college visits, internships, and residential overnight options. The case for a day camp at this age is usually a CIT (counselor-in-training) track, deep specialization in specialty, or a portfolio item parents and kids both value. Programs that don't articulate one of those three usually lose this age band by 9th grade.

Facts & Credentials

Program type
Overnight camp
ACA accredited
Yes
Established
1966 (60 years)
Operator
Faith-based organization
Staff-to-camper ratio
Not listed

How we verify these →

Details

  • Category: Specialty
  • Ages: 16–16
  • Hours: 24-hour residential
  • Address: 3760 Ondessonk Rd., Ozark, IL 62972, USA
  • Cost notes: USD, scholarships available

Logistics

  • Lunch provided: No
  • Transportation: No
  • Financial aid: No
  • Setting: mixed

Frequently asked about Counselor-in-Training (C.I.T.)

What ages does Counselor-in-Training (C.I.T.) accept?
Counselor-in-Training (C.I.T.) is open to children age 16. Camps publish their own age cutoffs, and some run mixed-age groups internally; check the registration page for that summer's grouping if your child sits at a boundary.
How much does Counselor-in-Training (C.I.T.) cost?
Counselor-in-Training (C.I.T.) doesn't publish a flat per-week rate — pricing varies by session. USD, scholarships available Contact the camp directly for the current schedule of fees.
What are Counselor-in-Training (C.I.T.)'s hours?
Counselor-in-Training (C.I.T.) runs 24-hour residential. If those hours don't quite cover your work day, check whether extended care or early drop-off is offered separately.
Is Counselor-in-Training (C.I.T.) accredited?
Yes — Counselor-in-Training (C.I.T.) is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) and has been operating for 60 years. ACA accreditation means the camp has been audited against ~300 health, safety, and program-quality standards covering staffing, supervision ratios, emergency response, and program design.
Who runs Counselor-in-Training (C.I.T.)?
Counselor-in-Training (C.I.T.) is operated by a faith-based organization, with 60 years of operating history. The operator type matters for tuition policy (refunds, financial aid eligibility) and for what kind of staff training pipeline the camp uses.
Does Counselor-in-Training (C.I.T.) provide lunch?
Counselor-in-Training (C.I.T.) does not include lunch — campers bring their own. Most day camps without provided lunch are nut-free or nut-aware, so check the allergy policy before packing. Frozen water bottles double as ice packs and drinks; insulated lunch boxes hold below 40°F for about four hours.

Planning guides

Editorial checklists to use before you compare Counselor-in-Training (C.I.T.) with other camps.