Counselors in Training Camp
An overnight leadership program at YMCA Camp Horsethief for teens to develop skills in camp counseling and working with
▌ Editor's read The YMCA Camp at Horsethief Reservoir, which hosts the Counselors in Training Camp, is ACA accredited, with its accreditation expiring in 2025. The camp is operated by the YMCA, a non-profit organization. The Counselors in Training (CIT) program is designed for teens aged 15-17, focusing on developing leadership skills, camp counseling techniques, and community service. The website mentions that all staff undergo background checks and receive extensive training. Google reviews for 'YMCA Camp at Horsethief Reservoir' show a strong rating of 4.8 stars based on 100 reviews, with many reviewers praising the positive impact on children and the quality of the staff. Social media handles found on the main YMCA of the Treasure Valley website are @ymcatvidaho for Instagram and ymcatvidaho for Facebook.
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ACA-accredited~300 standards audited
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Nonprofit operator501(c)(3) tax-exempt
Who thrives here Ages 15–17
Counselors in Training Camp 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 overnight/sleepaway, 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
- Not listed
- Operator
- Nonprofit organization
- Staff-to-camper ratio
- Not listed
Details
- Category: Overnight/Sleepaway
- Ages: 15–17
- Hours: 24-hour residential
- Address: 1200 E Horse Thief Reservoir Rd, Cascade, ID 83611
- Phone: (208) 344-5502
- Email: [email protected]
- Cost notes: USD. Prices are for a two-week session, so the per-week cost is halved.
Logistics
- Lunch provided: Yes
- Transportation: No
- Financial aid: No
- Setting: mixed
Frequently asked about Counselors in Training Camp
- What ages does Counselors in Training Camp accept?
- Counselors in Training Camp is open to children ages 15–17. 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 Counselors in Training Camp cost?
- Counselors in Training Camp publishes $360/week for the standard session. USD. Prices are for a two-week session, so the per-week cost is halved. Final cost depends on session length, sibling discounts, and whether extended care is added on.
- What are Counselors in Training Camp's hours?
- Counselors in Training Camp 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 Counselors in Training Camp accredited?
- Yes — Counselors in Training Camp is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA). 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 Counselors in Training Camp?
- Counselors in Training Camp is operated by a nonprofit organization. The operator type matters for tuition policy (refunds, financial aid eligibility) and for what kind of staff training pipeline the camp uses.
- Does Counselors in Training Camp provide lunch?
- Yes — Counselors in Training Camp includes lunch in the program. Confirm whether it's a hot lunch, cold lunch, or a snack-plus-bring-your-own setup, and ask about allergy accommodations if relevant.
Planning guides
Editorial checklists to use before you compare Counselors in Training Camp with other camps.
- How to choose a summer camp · Use the decision checklist before you compare finalists.
- Day camp vs. overnight camp · Decide whether the format fits your child and schedule.
- Packing list and camp prep · Plan gear, medication notes, labels, and drop-off prep.
- Financial aid and scholarship camps · Compare aid policies, discounts, and application timing.