Participating in programs like the Counselor in Training (CIT) and Junior Staff at Boys & Girls Clubs offers young people invaluable opportunities to grow personally and professionally.

These experiences allow teens to step into roles where they learn essential life skills such as leadership, resilience, and community service. More than just a way to fulfill a school requirement, these programs empower youth to discover their potential, build meaningful relationships, and positively impact the community. We asked a CIT from our Ballard Club to share what being a CIT has meant to them and why they have continued to CIT.

My initial goal was simple: I wanted to earn my 25 service hours quickly and easily, so I signed up to be a Counselor in Training (C.I.T.) for the sports camps during the summer. It seemed like a fun way to check off a school requirement and be done with it. I started CIT’ing after my freshman year of high school, focused on getting those hours and moving on. But something unexpected happened along the way. 

Growing up, I spent many summers at the Ballard branch, attending their sports camps. Those camps were a huge part of my childhood, filled with memories of playing my favorite sports and making friends. When I signed up to be a C.I.T., I wanted to give the kids the same amazing experiences I had, hoping they’d look back on these days as fondly as I do.

As I spent more time with the kids, guiding them through games and drills, I realized there was more to this experience than just collecting the 25 hours I needed. I found myself enjoying the challenges and the opportunities that came with the role. Each day, I wasn’t just teaching; I was learning too. I started to develop skills I hadn’t expected to gain—leadership, public speaking, and a deeper sense of responsibility. 

One of my favorite experiences as a C.I.T. was during Field Day. I got to join in and play the sports I love, but what made it special was seeing the kids light up when they scored a goal or hit a ball. It wasn’t just about the game; it was about passing on my passion for sports and watching the next generation enjoy it just as much as I did.

By the end of that first summer, I knew I wanted to come back. The camp had become more than just a requirement to get hours. It was a place where I was growing, both personally and as a leader. The Ballard branch, which had once been just a fun place for me, now felt like a big community. The connections I made, the lessons I learned, and the sense of fulfillment I felt all made it clear that this was about more than just service hours. It was about making a difference, not just in the lives of the campers, but in my own life as well. And that’s a lesson I’ll carry with me, one that could’ve only been learned through these experiences.