Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors: Imagine yourself helping younger girls while running craft or sports or animal activities at camp as a Program Aide (PA). Are you interested in learning how to work with kids in an overnight camp setting as a Counselor In Training (CIT)? You can do this at Girl Scouts of Colorado’s Tomahawk Ranch and Sky High Ranch.
Camp registration opens: December 9, at 9:00am.
Program Aide and Counselor in Training sessions sell out quickly.
Cadettes, Seniors, Ambassadors and their parents should talk to see if a leadership experiences at an overnight camp are a good fit!
| |
Program Aide |
Counselor In Training |
| Nickname: |
PA |
CIT |
| Program/Age Level: |
Cadette, entering
6th – 8th grade |
Seniors, entering 10th grade |
| More Info Here: |
Cadette Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting |
Senior Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting |
| Prerequisites: |
(1) Girl completes her Leader in Action award
(2) Girl completes Program Aide Training
(3) Girl leads 6 Program Aide Internship activities over 10 hours. A troop leader or volunteer who oversees the activity can sign it off. |
Must be entering 10th grade. |
| At day camp |
Volunteer-led day camps offer options for Program Aides, including, but not limited to: PA Training, PA Internship, or program leadership experience by a PA. Please ask the volunteer day camp director what options may be available if you are interested in working at one of their camps. |
CIT is an overnight camp award, not available at day camp. |
| At overnight camp |
Must be entering 9th grade and have completed PA as a Cadette. Experience working as a PA at a day camp is recommended. |
Must be entering 10th grade. |
| Definition |
Program Aides learn about program leadership, and how to lead Girl Scout programs. |
Counselors in Training learn camp counseling skills, and how to work positively with campers at camp. |
| How to register (day camp) |
Read about camps on the GSCO website. If registering with GSCO, use CampInTouch. Because being a PA at Day Camp is popular, you may need to apply with the volunteer director to be appointed to the role. If registering with the volunteer, ask the director how to apply. |
N/A |
| how to register (overnight camp) |
Register in CampInTouch.
Girls register for individual weeks of Program Aide at camp if they have earned the award as a Cadette. |
Register in CampInTouch.
CIT 1 & CIT Internship: girls register for and complete a 2-wk training, then complete 1 internship week as scheduled with the camp director.
CIT 2: week long sessions for, girls who have completed the CIT 1 Internship. |
| recommended time for completion |
6 months – 2 years:
this award takes time to complete, start early so you aren’t rushed! |
CIT 1: 3 weeks at overnight;
CIT 2: 1 week sessions at overnight camp |
FAQ’s – Teen Leadership Programs and Camp
Question: How does my daughter become a Program Aide? What needs to happen before she gets to camp?
Answer: See “prerequisites” in the chart above.
Question: Does council keep track of PA’s? How do I find proof that a girl is a PA?
Answer: Council keeps a statewide roster of girls who have completed the Program Aide requirements and ordered their Program Aide Pin/PA Internship . PA Training attendance records aren’t kept at council so this is the way to get onto the statewide roster. Each girl retains her own internship tracking sheet and signatures with her records at home.
Question: Where do I find a PA Training?
Answer: First, look at the Events page on the GSCO website. If you don’t find one that fits your schedule and needs, then contact your regional PA lead. You can also contact your service unit to see if they know of anything happening on a local level.
Question: Where do I find PA Internship Activities?
Answer: A girl should start seeking out PA Internship activties with the help of her parent, but remember, the girl should take the lead! You can do internship activities with a younger troop in your area, contact your local service unit for ideas on events or to meet a younger troop, or you might find events that look like fun on the Events page of the Girl Scouts of Colorado website. Once you find something you like, introduce yourself to the adult in charge, let them know you are a PA and can’t be left alone without an adult around, and ask them how you can help as to complete your PA Internship. There are lots internship options. This an individual award – complete activities on your own or with a partner.
Question: What do I do for my PA internship?
Answer: There are many choices! Help lead activities at a younger troop’s meeting. Volunteer at a Girl Scout event. Take a PA Internship session at a day camp where you’ll complete your activities. Out of ideas? Contact your regional PA lead.
Question: Where can I find out the PA requirements?
Answer: Review them PA Training Requirements.
Question: How do I find GSCO events?
Answer: Find them on the Events page.
Question: What if I can’t complete my PA requirements before camp?
Answer: If you haven’t completed requirements prior to a camp’s start date, contact registrars@gscolorado.org to get a refund.
Question: Why is there a cost for PA and CIT at camp when it seems like girls are volunteering?
Answer: Program Aides and CIT’s are valuable resources at camp due to the service they offer. PA’s have a mix of being a doing and leading programs. Girls in both roles are under 18, and need to be supervised by adults at camp who are paid for their skills and training. Additionally, the girls enjoy our camp facilities and meals that come with a cost.
Question: Can I CIT at a different camp than the one I did my training or internship at?
Answer: If you did your CIT 1 Training and CIT 1 Internship at a Girl Scout camp in Colorado, then you can do CIT 2 at either of our camps. You can even do CIT 1 Internship weeks at the camp you didn’t train at in order to experience both camps!
Question: How do I sign up for CIT 1 Internship weeks?
Answer: You register for CIT 1 Training in CampInTouch, our camp reservation system. Once you complete it, you’ll work with the camp director(s) to sign up for CIT 1 Internship weeks. They help get you on to the rosters and the weeks do not cost anything on top of the normal CIT 1 Training fees. For 2016, CIT 1 Training is $485 if you pay in full during Early Bird Pricing (before April 30 at 11:59pm).
Question: Can I get financial assistance for CIT and PA programs?
Answer: Yes! Because these programs are at an overnight camp, you can fill out the Camp Grants (optional) form in your CampInTouch account under “forms and documents.”
