Camp Assistant Program

Dream of being a Camp Counselor but too young to apply? Join our camp assistant program to grow your leadership skills, build your confidence, and encourage your love for Spanish!

This program is for incoming 6th-9th graders. It is designed to transform campers into counselors through learning and mentoring.

The program takes place in two phases:
1) Spring: training course
2) Summer: camp experience

Register Here

Registration is open January 3rd through May 10th for summer 2026.

Camp Assistant Training

This year, we are offering updated training options to better support different learning styles and levels of experience.

New Camp Assistants

Part 1: Certification Foundations
This foundational training introduces Camp Assistants to the expectations, skills, and responsibilities of leading at camp. Topics include:

• Navigating Spanish and supporting campers at different language levels
• Understanding child development and age-appropriate behavior management strategies
• Camp safety procedures and how to build strong communication with families
• Professionalism, teamwork, and what we look for in Camp Assistants
• A crash course on the hiring process, including applications and interviews

Option A: Online ($100 total for certification)
Participants complete Part 1 through a self-paced Google Classroom course.

Option B: In person with La Senda staff ($150 total for certification)
Participants complete Part 1 on site with our staff, providing added accountability and support.
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Part 2: In-Person Training
All new Camp Assistants attend Part 2 in-person, regardless of how Part 1 is completed. This session includes:

• Mock interview practice with personalized feedback
• Team-building and communication activities
• Camp routines, on-site roles, and daily expectations
• A certification test covering material from both parts

A staff member will work with each participant to review missed questions until they reach a passing score of 93%.

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Returning Camp Assistants

Returning Camp Assistants who are already certified will attend a shorter Refresh Training, which costs $25. This training focuses on reviewing safety procedures, sharing updates for the summer, and continuing leadership development.
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In some cases, enrollment fees may be waived for returning Camp Assistants who demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment. Parents will receive an email if this applies to their Camp Assistant.

Camp Experience:
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After the CA training course, the next phase of the program takes place during summer camp. Participants can choose as many camp experience sessions as they want. This can be updated at any time or changed throughout the summer. When camp assistants arrive the first day of a session, they will be assigned to one of these roles:

Group helper: join a group of campers and participate in activities to set a good example and lead the campers.
Big buddy support: provide one on one attention to a camper who needs extra help.
Instructional helper: assist a counselor in facilitating a rotation for either games, crafts, projects, or activities. 

Cost varies based on level placement. $100 per session for first year (level 1) participants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is this for?

Participants must be entering 6th-9th grade in the fall. Fourteen year olds are welcome to apply for a staff position, but we recommend at least one summer of the camp assistant program for our younger applicants.

How do i sign up?

Camp Assistant registration has two steps that can happen during the same checkout process. First, add the training course to your cart. Once training is selected, you'll get access to choose your camp experience sessions.

When doES the online courses begin? ​

The certification class is self guided. After registration, you will receive instructions to join the online class. All material must be completed prior to the in-person class.

do i still get to participate in activities at camp? 

Yes! Part of a camp assistant's job includes participating with the group to lead by example. 

Is this something i can put on a resume?

Yes! Camp assistants can put on their future resumes that they have gone through leadership training and have experience leading at summer camp. This will make you stand out as a potential hire to companies in the future.

How long should i be a camp assistant before applying to be a full camp counselor?

Depending on your age when you begin the camp assistant program, we recommend two years of this training prior to applying. When you turn 14, camp assistants are able to apply to be lead counselors. The more experience you have as a camp assistant, the more your application will stand out!

Info for returning camp assistants

We LOVE having our camp assistants back at camp! Since you're already certified, you'll skip the online course and your training course fees are lower. You'll still register for the program and join us for an in-person day so you stay current on your camp skills and get updated on changes being implemented at camp this year.