Announcing the 2027 CILTs!

We are excited to introduce our Campers in Leadership Training (CILTs) for the Summer of 2027! We had a strong group of applicants this year, with more campers we believed could be successful CILTs than we had space to accept. Selecting each year’s CILT group is one of the more difficult decisions we make because so many applicants have already demonstrated leadership, character, and a commitment to their Cheley community.

Our selection process considers input from fellow campers and staff, feedback from directors and assistant directors, the balance and needs of each unit, and the experiences shared through each camper’s application. We also limit the number of CILTs in each term and unit so that those selected have meaningful opportunities to learn, contribute, and take on responsibility.

CILT stands for Camper in Leadership Training, and the program is about more than receiving a new kerchief or reaching the next stage of the Cheley Experience. At its heart, CILT is about service. CILTs spend part of the term on Exchange in another unit, where they work alongside counselors and help support younger campers. Throughout the summer, they are asked to step in when something needs to be done, include others, participate fully, and think about what the group needs from them. Leadership in the CILT program is often found in small moments: helping clean up, welcoming someone who feels on the outside, listening instead of leading, or doing a job that needs to be done without being asked.

Being selected as a CILT is also not a statement that one camper is a better leader or more important to Cheley than another. There are many ways to lead at camp, and returning for another summer as a camper offers its own opportunities to contribute to a unit, pursue program goals, support younger or newer campers, deepen friendships, and make the most of a final camper summer.

We are grateful to everyone who applied and for the thought they put into the process. We look forward to seeing how our 2027 CILTs take on this new responsibility and contribute to their units and the larger Cheley community.

First Term 2027

Second Term 2027

Congratulations to our CILTs!