PA and PAITs Information
 

Program Aides-in-Training (PAIT) - Girls entering 7th grade in the fall of 2008 are eligible as PAITs.  They will complete the "Program Aide Core and Specialization Training".  The training teaches the girls about leadership and how to work with younger girls.  They also complete the "Girl Scout Program Aide Outdoor Specialty Training".  Two days during the week of camp, the PAITs are placed in units to 'shadow' the PA's and are able to observe what the role of a PA is like.  On the last day of camp, the girls that successfully complete the training and activities as a PAIT receive their Program Aide Pin at the Flag ceremony.  To earn their Program Aide Patch, the girls must then complete 25 hours of service as a PA at either Mountaindale East or another Girl Scout Camp the following year.  

PAITs are generally placed in units in the order that COMPLETE registration is received.

Program Aide (PA) - Girls entering the 8th grade or higher in the fall of 2008 that have completed Council or Day Camp sponsored "Program Aide Core and Specialization Training" and "Girl Scout Program Aide Outdoor Specialty Training".  New PAs are usually placed with experienced PAs  in Units, and also in resource areas such as cooking, crafts, song stations, fire, and others to help hone their leadership skills.  PAs work with adult Leaders to help campers have a safe and fun camping experience.  PAs also have "Star Time" to teach a song, game or other activity.

Unit Leaders depend on their PAs to help keep things organized and moving at a comfortable pace for everyone.  Although PAs are older and have more responsibilities than the average camper, there are some basic rules and things to keep in mind as a Leader and as a Program Aide:

  • PAs can Not be left alone with the Unit, they are not adults!

  • PAs can lead a song or a game with the girls as long as they have notice or a suggestion to do so.

  • PAs can help plan for Unit time, possibly even meeting with you before camp.

  • PAs can take a pair or very small group of girls to the BIF (restroom) or Nurse.

  • PAs should be allowed short breaks throughout the day

  • Leaders need short breaks and planning time as well, PAs can teach skills or lead an activity that you have both agreed and feel comfortable with.

  • Leaders shouldn't make the PAs their "go-for", and PA's should always be willing to lend a hand for whatever reasonable tasks need to be done. 

All Program Aides are required to attend the Volunteer Training and PA Overnight.  For those members wishing to be Program Aides, please complete the Day Camp Program Aide Application along with the standard Day Camp Registration and Health form and send with payment.  All Program Aides are required to attend the Volunteer Training and PA Overnight.  If there is a situation that arises making it impossible to stay overnight, then please let the directors know via email or telephone ASAP so that an exclusion decision can be made.  If you can not come and stay overnight for reasons beyond your control, then please attend as much of the training and overnight activity as possible.  Directors will hold the final decision on whether a camper can still perform PA duties if the training and overnight are not attended.

PAs are generally placed in units in the order that COMPLETE registration is received.  In order to fulfill the registration requirements for a PA, you must complete the standard Registration, Health Form and the PA Application.  These forms are available for those not wishing to register online in the Forms section of the General Information page (or through the standard Columbia River Council site which is located in the Links page). Submit the forms and application with payment to the registrar. The last day for PA registration is April 30, 2008 (or until camp is full!)

 

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