Welcome! 
We are so glad you are interested in working at La Senda! This document will help you determine if camp is the right job for you and guide you through the hiring process. We want to give you all the information you need to succeed at La Senda- no surprises or tricks! All you need to do is carefully read and follow this guide. Our application is currently open and will close on May 3rd.

Step One

Read through the information on this page so that you understand the expectations and the hiring process.

Step Two

Fill out the application! Find the "apply" button further down on this page.

Step Three

We'll see you at interviews! Make sure to add the date/time you chose to your calendar.

Should you work at La Senda?
If you answer YES to the following questions, you will love working at camp!
Do you want to inspire kids to love Spanish?
Do you want to spend your summer outside, eating snow cones, throwing water balloons?
Do you want to be part of a team of peers that are friends inside and outside of work?
Do you want to use and/or improve your Spanish skills?
Do you enjoy challenges?
Do you have lots of energy?
Do you want to get paid for having fun?

This is what you should expect
You should work a minimum of 4 sessions of camp and 1 Friday. You will choose which weeks and which times (8am-12pm or 12pm-4pm) you want to work.
The camp schedule can be found at the bottom of this page.

Application
Before you start your application, keep in mind that these are the qualities we look for in applicants: responsible, reliable, fun personality, able to effectively communicate in Spanish, experience with kids.

If you have questions about applying or you’re hesitant about the job, email [email protected] 

Click to apply!

Interview
Interviews will take place in-person from February to April on certain Saturdays at our headquarters location (261 School Ave, Suite 110, Excelsior, MN 55331).

Each interview slot is 60 minutes long. There will be three parts to the interview.

1. Staff interview: A 1 on 1 interview with a lead staff member at La Senda. Our goal is to get to know you and ask a few situational questions. You will want to be familiar with our philosophy (scroll down). During this interview, ask us the following question to show that you’ve read this document: “Where is the new camp site located?”
2. Camper interview: There will be a staff member and a camper from La Senda. The camper will ask you a few questions and then you will play a game. You will be evaluated on your ability to connect with kids and create a fun environment. In this section, you should be ready to switch into Spanish.
3. Group interview: There will be two groups competing against each other. Through the games, you will be evaluated on your dynamics working in a group.

These are the qualities we look for during interviews: able to effectively communicate in Spanish, responsible, reliable, fun/energetic personality, socially skilled, able to follow directions, driven, takes initiative, confident, works well on a team, able to interact with kids.


Interview tips

• Arrive early. Our room is located on the bottom flow. To allow for time to park and find our suite, it is suggested that you plan on arriving 5 minutes prior to the start time.
• Dress appropriately. You should not dress too formally, but it is encouraged that you should dress up more than sweatpants.
• Be confident. If you have read this document, you should feel prepared! We try our best to create a casual and fun interview environment that reflects the fun environment at camp. Be ready to laugh and have fun!
• Show us that you are independent! Don’t have a parent come with you to the interview.
• Communicate with us. If you need to reschedule, let us know beforehand. If you do not show up to the interview, you will be dropped from the hiring process.

Certification, Onboarding, and Training
Before your first day on the job you must complete the counselor certification process. This can be done before or after your interview. You can choose between the American Camp Association Course  (cost is $45) or our La Senda Certification Course (free). Our course is comprised of a self paced online class and an in-person day. 
Once you sign an offer letter, you will begin the onboarding process. This includes our scheduling system, payroll system (for ages 14+), camp planning system, and other tasks.
It is expected that you block off your calendar for training on Thursday, June 12th 10 am-3 pm AND Friday, June 13th from 10 am-3 pm. Training is mandatory for all camp staff and you will receive fixed pay to attend.



Our philosophy

1. The mission of La Senda is to create an environment that encourages people to love Spanish. Camp is not about memorizing Spanish words. It is about embracing the immersion environment and building a love for the language.
2. Our vision is for La Senda to be a community defined by fun and passionate individuals who inspire others to be excited about Spanish.
3. We believe:
   1. Learning should have a foundation of intrinsic motivation. At camp, we want kids to learn to love Spanish because of their own motivation, not because of bribes or prizes.
   2. The ability to communicate in Spanish is valuable and should be celebrated.
   3. Curiosity and confidence will create unity.
   4. “They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel.”
4. We provide an environment where
   1. Independence is encouraged
      1. It is okay for kids to struggle and be challenged.
      2. Help teach kids to do things for themself instead of interfering with the learning moment.
   2. Respect is foundational
      1. Win kids over by developing a relationship based on mutual respect.
      2. Swap commands with an invitation to work together and a ‘why’ behind it. Ex: instead of “put those toys away” say, “let’s put those toys away so that we can move on to the next activity.”
      3. Stay calm when kids are upset and react with empathy.
   3. Expectations are taught
      1. Kids should always know what is expected of them.
      2. When an expectation is not met, natural consequences take place and the expectation should be retaught.
      3. You should connect with a kid before redirecting them. Ex: “Hey, I like your shoes! Let’s put them in your backpack instead of the doorway.”​

Summer Camp Schedule
June Week 3 | 12th-13th | Staff Training
​June Week 4 | 16th-19th | Camp
June Week 5 | 23rd-26th | Camp
July Week 1 | 30th-3rd | Closed 
July Week 2 | 7th-10th | Camp
July Week 3 | 14th-17th | Camp
July Week 4 | 21st-24th | Camp
July Week 5 | 28th-31st | Camp
August Week 1 | 4th-7th | Camp
August Week 2 | 11th-14th | Camp
August Week 3 | 18th-21st | Camp

click to see camp positions and promotion opportunities