Day camp teen mentoring program

Day Camp Aides (DCAs) and Day Camp Counselors-in-Training (CITs) – formerly known as Program Aides – are campers who support younger campers under the direct supervision of adult staff. They provide a unique caring connection to campers. These teen mentors can earn leadership and community service hours that fulfill Girl Scout recognition and school requirements

Our day camp teen mentoring program now features two levels:

• Day Camp DCAs are girls entering grades 7-8 who help campers with crafts, games and songs and assist unit counselors.
• Day Camp CITs are girls entering grades 9-12. In addition to providing general support for younger campers, these seasoned, older girls also mentor DCAs. They have opportunities to further their leadership skills by planning and executing program activities for younger campers.

Prerequisite: Prior to serving at camp, all DCAs and CITs must complete training.

How to become a Day Camp Aide or Counselor-in-Training

• Registration begins on Friday, Feb. 1 at www.sdgirlscouts.org/camp or via a camp registration form.
• DCA/CIT day camps sessions are very popular! To allow as many girls as possible to serve, registration is limited to two camps per DCA/CIT until Friday, March 1. After that date, they may register for additional camps. DCAs/CITs are placed in camps on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Contacting the camp director directly does not result in placement priority.
• Buddy requests by DCAs/CITs cannot be granted, due to the nature of the leadership experience.
• Training sessions are detailed on next page; registration is online or via an individual registration form.
• DCAs/CITs must attend the required trainings prior to their day camp sessions.

Check out camps for older girls! In addition to DCA/CIT opportunities, attend one or more sessions designed for girls in grades 7-12.

DCA/CIT training

Registration opens February 1.

As much an educational opportunity as a requirement, DCA/CIT training builds skills girls can use in other ways, such as helping a troop of younger girls, volunteering at a service unit event or serving the community.

New DCAs must complete six hours of training. To transition to Day Camp CIT, girls must complete an additional six hours of training. Training must be renewed every two years. Camp-specific training and planning sessions are offered for some camps, as well. The camp director will provide information regarding the availability of any camp-specific training.

Training handbook and sessions

These DCA and CIT training session descriptions include corresponding hours that count toward the required six hours of training. Teen mentors should also download our DCA/CIT Handbook.

Leadership FUNdamentals for new Day Camp Aides (three hours)

Learn basic leadership skills for DCA roles and responsibilities, such as how to mentor younger girls and make them feel comfortable at camp. Focus on developing day camp skills and know-how. Discover what you can expect at day camp and at other leadership and mentoring events.

Advanced Leadership for Day Camp CITs (three hours)

Expand your leadership experience by discovering more about camper age characteristics, group dynamics, conflict resolution and working collaboratively with adults. Learn about team bonding, building consensus and debriefing techniques that will enable your girls to transform activities into experiences. Identify your unique leadership traits and consider how to use them to effectively motivate and lead others.

Prerequisite: Leadership FUNdamentals or past Program Aide Core Leadership

Enrichment FUNdamentals for new Day Camp Aides (three hours)

Find out how to lead traditional camp activities. Get practical tips on how to help and motivate younger girls at day camp and other events. Learn how to share your expertise and passion with those around you. Share tricks, tips, songs and games with other DCAs so you’ll always have something fun to do with your campers!

Advanced Enrichment for Day Camp CITs (three hours)

You already know how to help younger girls have fun…now discover how to develop program activities! Practice brainstorming, idea development, and planning and activity execution. This hands-on class will allow you to take charge of a future training or camp activity and make it your own.

Prerequisite: Enrichment FUNdamentals or past Program Aide Enrichment

Refresher for CITs with prior Program Aide training (two hours)

Girls who completed Program Aide training and have served as a DCA or CIT within the past year are eligible to renew their training at a refresher session. Learn what’s new and different this season, then share a song and a game with the group. Discuss solutions to common camp challenges and develop advanced leadership techniques.

Teen Leadership Camp (40 hours)

With separate units for aspiring DCAs and CITs, you’ll learn exactly what you need to be a strong leader at day camp. We’ll cover all the topics described in the training sessions above, plus higher awards training and Take Action leadership, empowering you to make a difference beyond camp as well. See the camp description on page 12 for more details.

DCA/CIT Training Schedule

Day camp questions

Please feel free to contact our camp staff with any questions you may have:

Volunteer application forms: Camp Assistant Mary Mautino, (619) 610-0719

Program questions about Day Camp Aides or Day Camp Counselor-in-Training program: Outdoor Education Specialist Sandy Sultz, (619) 610-0814

Registering campers: Registrar Julie O'Keefe, (619) 610-0733