From Camper to Counselor: ESBOCES Launches CIT Program

This summer, Eastern Suffolk BOCES launched a new Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program at its Bayport-Blue Point and Comsewogue Summer Enrichment sites. Open to students entering grades 7 through 12, the program gives teens a chance to step into leadership roles while staying connected to a program many of them grew up in.

Designed for students who have aged out of Summer Enrichment but aren’t quite ready for a summer job, the CIT program offers a valuable in-between — a structured, meaningful experience where students build confidence, take on responsibility, and develop important life skills such as communication, teamwork, and leadership.

The program began with Danielle Hudek, Program Administrator for Enrichment Services, who envisioned combining technology, financial literacy, and leadership development for teens. With that vision, Lead Teacher Laura Hill Timpanaro created the curriculum and framework to bring it to life.

“My mom encouraged me to try it, and I’m glad I did,” said Sophia Silverman, a CIT and Comsewogue School District student entering eighth grade this fall. “I’ve been part of these programs since I was younger, and now I get to help others the way my counselors helped me.”

Each morning starts with classroom sessions focused on leadership, problem solving, and teamwork. In the afternoons, CITs put those skills into action by assisting teachers and helping lead hands-on activities like art projects, ice cream making, outdoor sports, chaperoning field trips, and more.

One standout event this summer was a robotics soccer tournament at the Comsewogue site. Campers — with help from the CITs — designed, built, and programmed drivable robots, each featuring a unique student-created adaptation to give their team a competitive edge. The event allowed CITs to showcase their new robotics skills and gave younger students a chance to see programming come to life.

“One of the most exciting outcomes of the program has been the widespread community involvement, from district leaders and program directors to teachers, counselors, and students,” said Timpanaro. “As the CITs have grown in their roles, they have become an increasingly vital and welcomed part of the Summer Enrichment community.”

By blending personal growth with hands-on experience, the new CIT program is preparing the next generation of student leaders for success in school, work, and life. “Our CITs are clearly receiving the meaningful experiences we envisioned when we launched this initiative,” Timpanaro added. “It’s my hope that we can grow and expand the program to other sites in the future.”