The Staff-in-Training (SIT) Program is an immersive leadership development experience designed to prepare older campers to become exceptional future camp counselors and leaders in their communities. Through hands-on learning and specific training sessions, participants gain vital skills that will benefit them both at camp and beyond. 

SITs will receive targeted training in areas such as group facilitation, managing camper behaviors, program development, and self-care and wellness. They’ll also dive into the heart of camp life by working directly in a cabin and choosing a specialty program area—whether it’s art, climbing, or any of Ranch Camp’s unique offerings—allowing them to gain practical experience in childcare, leadership, and skill-building. 

Participation in the SIT program requires an additional application completed by the camper before program admittance. This step allows us to learn more about our campers’ goals in participating in the program, helping us create the strongest possible cohort of future Ranch Camp leaders. 

Staff In-Training Highlights

• 2 Weeks (min) of living/working alongside campers and staff in a bunk
• IT Director to offer training, feedback, and guidance
• Participate in camp programming with your IT cohort
• 2 Weeks (min) working/training in a specialty area of your choice
• Specialty areas available include: art & design, theater, ropes course, archery, hiking, trip camps, mountain biking, aquatics, sports, teva farm and tie-dye.
• 1 hour off per day to spend in the IT Lounge plus evenings off from 10 – 11pm
• Overnight excursion outside of camp with your IT cohort
• Mentoring from IT Director, Camp Leadership, Specialty Staff and Bunk Staff
• Occasional combined programming/meetings with camp staff
• IT specific evening programs and Onegs

Wrangler In-Training Highlights

• All of the above but specialty area is horseback riding.
• Barn Program Coordinator to work specifically with WITs on horse-specific training.
• Experience teaching lessons to a variety of campers and skill levels
• Experience lessons about herd management, advanced horse care, and operating safe programs.

These are merit-based programs that applicants must be accepted into. All SIT and WIT applicants must first complete the following steps to be considered for the program. After completion of the first stage, applicants and guardians will receive an email detailing the following information and steps: 

• Apply for Ranch Camp online. (Click the orange “Register” button on the top right side of the website.)
• Once you have completed your registration, our registrar will hold your camper’s spot in the IT program. You will receive an email confirmation with instructions on how campers can complete their IT applications.
• Campers interested in the WIT program who have not previously participated in the EQ program must submit a riding video as a part of their application.
• Complete the IT application and submit.

We review applications every Friday and send program acceptance notifications the following week. If we need additional information after reviewing your application or want to schedule a follow-up interview, we will email you. If you have any questions, please reach out to us at ranchcamp@jccdenver.org. We look forward to reviewing your application.