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!
Training Course:
Online Class
The online class is self guided and will cover key topics through readings, videos, demonstrations, and quizzes. Participants will learn about the following:
In-Person Class Day
Completing the online class will prepare participants for their in-person class. At this class, participants will practice a mock job interview and receive personalized feedback, engage in team building activities to connect with other participants, and take a test for certification. This test covers material learned in the online class. A staff member will help each participant review incorrect answers until they have achieved a passing score of 93%.
For returning camp assistants who are already certified, the training course focuses on advanced leadership development, refining their skills, and staying updated on any changes or new procedures implemented for camp this year. Returners will not have any online classwork and there is no cost for the training course.
Online Class
The online class is self guided and will cover key topics through readings, videos, demonstrations, and quizzes. Participants will learn about the following:
- Navigating Spanish: How to navigate language barriers and work with kids at varying language levels.
- Navigating Kids: Understanding the developmental stages of kids and the appropriate behavior management and discipline strategies.
- Top Priority: How to follow crucial safety procedures and build bridges between camp and families.
- Getting the job: Crash course on the hiring process and our best tips for applications and interviews.
In-Person Class Day
Completing the online class will prepare participants for their in-person class. At this class, participants will practice a mock job interview and receive personalized feedback, engage in team building activities to connect with other participants, and take a test for certification. This test covers material learned in the online class. A staff member will help each participant review incorrect answers until they have achieved a passing score of 93%.
- Camp 101: Crash course on camp- daily routines, roles on-site, and all the other behind the scenes of a day at camp.
- Company Profile: The story behind La Senda and how our foundation impacts each team member.
- Culture, Coworkers & Conflict: How to foster a positive environment, be a good team member, and deal with conflict that may arise among peers or between kids.
- Expectations and Evaluations: What exactly is your role and how are you challenged and developed.
- Leadership: Our top five leadership lessons and how you can implement them.
For returning camp assistants who are already certified, the training course focuses on advanced leadership development, refining their skills, and staying updated on any changes or new procedures implemented for camp this year. Returners will not have any online classwork and there is no cost for the training course.
Camp Experience:
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Who is this for?
Participants must be entering 6th-9th grade in the fall. 14 year olds are welcome to apply for a staff position, but we recommend at least one summer of the camp experience program for our younger leaders. How do i sign up?
The Camp Assistant Training Course includes an online class and an in-person day. During registration, you will select one of the in-person days to attend. After registration, you will receive instructions to join the online class. Once you are registered for the training course, you will have access to register for the camp experience weeks. When do 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 waived. You'll still register for the program and join us for the in-person day so you stay fresh on your camp skills and get updated on changes being implemented at camp this year. |
