Forty-five teens developed their leadership skills and learned the importance of social responsibility this summer as part of the YMCA’s Counselor in Training (CIT) programme.

Counselor in Training is part of the Y’s signature Teen Leaders programme which provides a safe, genuine place for teens to learn about themselves, the world around them, and the impact they can have by serving others. The free programme targets teens between 13 and 17 years old and is part of the Y Summer Camp experience. Our core values of honesty, caring, respect, responsibility, and faith are integrated into all of the teens’ activities and reinforced as they teach the values to the younger children. All participants also receive an official record of the volunteer hours they completed in the programme.

A unique, new element of the programme this year involved a partnership with Cayman Animal Rescue Enthusiasts (CARE), who introduced our teens to the kidsCARE programme. Activities included researching the cost of pet ownership, helping prepare lesson materials for campers, and visiting the Humane Society.

Currently, the Teen Leaders programme is also available to students enrolled in the Extended After School Programme at Government schools. Parents can email [email protected] to learn more about enrolling their teens. The Y is also working on plans to launch Teen Leaders at various private schools. The Counselor in Training programme takes place whenever the Y hosts Day Camps and is ope