Deer Crossing offers a variety of sessions and lengths of stay at camp. The sessions fall into two groups: the general session (one-, two-, and four-week sessions) for campers ages 9-17, and the leadership programs (CIT, LIT, and GIT) for campers ages 15-18.

Deer Crossing is designed around a two-week schedule. We recommend a minimum stay of two weeks. This gives campers a chance to participate in a variety of activities including programs which occur in the second week of each session, such as Saturday campfire, white water rafting, and out-trips.

First-time campers may also opt for a one-week session. Our 1-week session gives campers an introduction to Deer Crossing activities and the wilderness experience. Feel free to contact the office to decide if the one-week program is right for you.

We also offer four-week sessions, or two back-to-back two-week sessions . Campers in four-week sessions have a chance for more in-depth training in the activities they are interested in. Our strongest windsurfers, rock climbers, and kayakers often stay for four-week sessions.

Our leadership programs– Counselor-in-Training CIT (2 weeks), Leader-in-Training LIT (4 weeks), and Guide-in-Training GIT (4 weeks) are specially tailored programs that include all of the activities of the general program but go above and beyond with leadership, lifeguard and first aid training and instruction opportunities.

Scroll down to learn more about our leadership and general programs.

Two-Week Session

Your two weeks at Deer Crossing are packed with everything our camp has to offer: tons of activities, campfire, white water rafting, out-trips, and more. Here is an outline of the two weeks at camp.

Campers may also sign up for a four-week session, which is two back-to-back two-week sessions. See the enrollment page for session dates.

One-Week Session

The one-week session is appropriate for campers with a busy summer schedule. Campers in the one-week program get a good feel for life at Deer Crossing.

See the enrollment page for 1-week session dates.

CIT: Counselor in Training

Deer Crossing's Counselor-in-Training program is for teens who would like to learn the skills for working in a resident camp counselor position. This is either a two or four week program with beginner and intermediate levels.

CIT candidates are 14-17 years of age, with good character, good swimming skills, and have the desire and enthusiasm to learn how to lead in a summer camp setting. Two references from school counselors, teachers, coaches, or employers are required.

CITs learn the basics of being a camp counselor, assist instructors in program activities, and help in the daily jobs of camp life. CITs are guided by a CIT director who helps plan their daily activities, conducts training sessions, and evaluates their progress. They are invited to sit in on staff meetings and get-togethers with advanced leadership participants.

Visit our enrollment page to see this summer's CIT session dates and fees. To request a CIT application, please contact the office or download a CIT application and a reference request form, fill out the application and give two reference request forms to people who know you (teachers, employers, coaches). Return the CIT application to the camp office. The reference request forms request that the references return your form directly to the camp office. We will then call to arrange a phone interview with you.

LIT: Leader in Training

The Deer Crossing Leadership Program provides teens with a unique framework for building leadership skills. Hear what previous LITs have to say about the program:

Through the process of becoming a LIT, my whole perspective and view of the world has changed. The late-night psychology classes have given me many attitude “positactics." I have learned to push my limits and expand my envelope.

Julie McPherson, California

Never before have I felt so good about myself as I did those months in the summer at Deer Crossing. I learned skills in the LIT program that I could bring with me to perpetuate my positive self-esteem wherever I go.

A.G., California

The LIT program is an incredible experience. LITs are tough. That is a big compliment here.

A.J., California

You will learn more about yourself and life than you ever learned in school in a year.

H.M., France

Qualifications:

• Age 15-18
• Good physical health: Applicant should have a regular exercise schedule, at least three times a week, which could include after-school individual or team sports.
• Able to swim at least 300 yards freestyle non-stop.
• Maintaining a B average or better. The LIT course requires reading six to eight books in 30 days.
• Involved in extracurricular activities such as drama, debate, scouting, electronics club, class officer, etc.
• Community service work.
• Desire to be a leader. This course is not something your parents sign you up for.
• Emotional stability. Ability to keep a positive attitude. Love challenge.
• Director's approval. The program is limited to 6-8 participants each summer. Some LIT candidates may need to do some preparation work prior to the start of the LIT program. This may include volunteer community service, physical conditioning (especially in the area of swimming), raising a grade point average, or working on other personal areas that the director feels will contribute to success as a LIT.

Areas of Instruction:

• Wilderness First Aid scenario training
• Practical teaching experience
• Learning to use self-esteem as a motivational tool
• Making positive changes in your personality
• Video tape analysis of your presentation skills
• Skill development in an area of choice, such as sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking, etc.
• Wilderness guide training and orienteering skills
• Creative methods for solving problems
• Goal setting techniques
• Wilderness survival training
• Analysis of learning styles
• Facilitation techniques
• Certifications: American Red Cross First Aid, CPR, Lifeguard, Canoeing, Kayaking; Deer Crossing Leader-in-Training Graduation Certificate.

General Information:

• Previous enrollment in Deer Crossing's CIT programs is certainly helpful but not require. You may consult with the director if you feel your experience meets the program qualifications. Call the camp office to arrange a phone interview.
• Taking the LIT course does not guarantee future employment with Deer Crossing or any other camp, but it's a definite plus on your application.
• LITs do not have responsibility for campers.
• LITs have free time and participate in regular camp activities.
• LITs have fun while learning a lot.

Benefits:

• Learning people skills that will positively affect your relations with your family, friends, teachers, and employers.
• Increased self-confidence.
• Skill certifications that allow work in outdoor occupations.
• The awareness to shape your personality into who you want to be.

The things you find you can do, the experiences you are put through, are so intense and powerful it's mind boggling. The best part is that I can take what I've learned into the world and make a difference.

J.P., California

LIT session dates and fees are available on our enrollment page.

To apply, contact the office and request a Leader-in-Training application or download a Leader-in-Training application and a reference request form, fill out the application and give two reference request forms to people who know you (teachers, employers, coaches). Return the LIT application to the camp office. The reference request forms request that the references return your form directly to the camp office. We will then call to arrange a phone interview with you..

GIT: Guide in Training

Those who complete the LIT program have the opportunity to come back to camp as assistant instructors, known as Guides-in-Training. GITs are not directly responsible for campers and are always under the supervision of an instructor. The GIT program is four weeks.

Graduates of the GIT program often return the following summer as full Deer Crossing instructors. If you are a LIT graduate, contact the office and request a GIT application form.

I’ve been able to experience DCC as a camper, LIT, GIT, and now instructor. It has been an incredible experience that gave me responsibility and challenge. The psychology techniques have incredible power and I’m always fascinated. I’ve loved my nine years here and I’ll be back to visit. I love my other home.

Vince Harrington, California