Complete the chart below to tell us how comfortable you are with certain outdoor skills or activities. This chart does not decide which PA level you are in. Your personality, leadership abilities, attitude, work ethic, confidence and experience are also determining factors. Check the number that best describes you.

"1" means you don't know how to do it.

"2" means you know a little about it.

"3" means you can do it.

"4" means you are good at it.

"5" means you are able to teach it.

In order to be a Program Aide at Benton Day Camp, you must demonstrate the following 5 characteristics in the 2023-2024 School Year. These characteristics are expected of ALL PA levels, staff and volunteers. Please carefully review the 5 characteristics below.

In addition, you and your parents will sign a Behavior Agreement found in the Registration Form.

Positive Attitude

PA’s need to approach all camp activities with a can-do attitude. You are there to participate in the designated activity and help the girls in your unit do the same. If the activity isn’t something you’re very good at, this is the time to for you to role model for your girls that practice leads to greater proficiency. If the designated activity isn’t something you particularly enjoy, you need to keep those negative feelings to yourself, and help the girls get the most out of the given activity. When unexpected or challenging situations arise, you need to work with your fellow PA’s and Unit Leader(s) to find a positive path forward.

TEAM Player – Together Everyone Achieves More

As a PA, you are part of the Day Camp leadership team. You are expected to work cooperatively with other team members toward achieving group goals. You are there to help others learn new skills and to support a positive, enjoyable camp experience for everyone, girls and adults alike. As a team member, you need to ask for help when facing situations that feel challenging. On the flip side, you need to recognize when others need help and offer to help as best you can. Team members support one another. They understand and demonstrate the importance of working together.

Manage Emotions Appropriately

Volunteering at Day Camp offers many opportunities for new adventures and fun times with friends. It also includes situations – and campers – that are difficult and challenging. This is when it is most important that you draw on your TEAM and the Girl Scout Law to help move the situation (or camper) in a positive direction. Engaging in negative behaviors that draw attention to yourself, such as angry outbursts, sulking, refusal to talk or respond to others, or walking away from the group or activity, only work to make the situation worse for everyone. If you find that you are having trouble controlling your emotions, be honest with yourself and fair to those around you: reach out for help before the situation escalates.

Respect Authority

“Respecting yourself and others” in the Girl Scout Law means showing the type of respect for others that you want them show for you. You cannot expect others to listen to you until you learn to listen to others. At camp, this means you need to listen attentively (with your eyes and ears), follow instructions (whether from a Unit Leader, activity leader or other authority figure), and acknowledge and obey camp rules. You also need to take correction from authorities respectfully. Respecting and following the camp rules and procedures allows us all to have a fun – and SAFE—camp experience.

Appropriate Language

Choose words that encourage others. Choose language that builds team unity and goals. Use constructive words, not destructive words. Use words that are considerate and caring, not negative and demeaning. Recognize how gossip, slander and mean words can be hurtful not just to individuals, but to the group as a whole. If your words aren’t friendly and helpful in improving the situation or don’t create a positive space for the person you’re talking about, you need to think about whether you should speak them. And when you need help figuring out what words to use or how to improve a situation or relationship, reach out to others in the leadership team.

If you have never been a PA at Benton Day Camp before, you will need to ask a teacher, coach, supervisor, mentor, or other non-family member to submit a PA Reference Form on your behalf. Ask someone who knows you well and can speak to your experience and ability to work with children, peers, and adults. Your reference should also help us understand how you demonstrate the 5 Characteristics of a PA. They will be included in the PA Reference Form.

To email or give a hard copy of the PA Reference Form to your reference:

Click here for link to online version to email to your reference. It is found on the PA Forms page of the Benton Day Camp website, and called "Program Aide Reference"

Or use above link to download and print a hard copy to give to your reference.

Mandatory Program Aide Trainings for Benton Day Camp are offered on the following dates. You need attend only one training.

PA1 and PA2:

Overnight Friday - Saturday, May 17 - 18 or June 14 - 15
--- Friday at 4:30 pm to Saturday at 6:00 pm

PA3:

Tuesday, July 9
--- 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm

You must fully attend the mandatory training to be a Program Aide at Day Camp. There are no exceptions.

I understand if assigned to a Unit...

• I will be available for the Thursday Cookout & Overnight!

I understand that if I am selected as a Program Aide...

• I have made a commitment to Benton Day Camp.

In addition to this PA Application, be sure to turn in a...

• Day Camp 2024 Registration Form
• Health History & OTC Meds Form
• Cookout & Overnight Permission Slip
• Behavior Agreement (part of Registration Form or downloadable)
• PA Reference Form (first-time PA only)

Thank you for completing the Benton Day Camp 2024 Program Aide Application.