Rainbow Adventure Day Camp (RADC) is a GIRL-LED camp!
What is a Program Aide (PA)?
Program Aides are 7th-12th grade Girl Scouts (collectively referred to as PAs) who are developing leadership skills and confidence as they lead 1st-6th grade campers in all camp activities. These teen Girl Scouts learn to communicate clearly, teach activities and work to develop an understanding of the abilities and characteristics of younger girls. At camp, PAs lead either groups of younger girls (units) or activities such as crafts, outdoor skills, songs, games and more. PAs work under the guidance of adult volunteers who provide support and mentorship.
PAs progress through multiple levels of developmentally-appropriate training starting in 7th grade. By 11th grade, experienced PAs may choose to help train younger PA Explorers.
PA Progression
Explorer PA The Explorer program is for scouts entering 7th or 8th grade with no prior PA experience or training. The Explorer program teaches basic leadership skills while allowing scouts to also have some less structured fun. During camp, Explorers complete the PA Core Workshop, earn their Leadership in Action (LiA) Award, learn about leadership opportunities at camp and plan a fun activity just for their group.
PA Explorers do NOT attend pre camp training
PA Explorers pay reduced camp fee of $100
Apprentice PA The Apprentice PA program integrates less experienced PAs into the camp units under the mentorship of an experienced Lead PA and with support from adult volunteers. Each Apprentice PA will choose to work with campers in a unit or at an activity station. Apprentice PAs have time to meet with advisors to learn how to deal with leadership challenges and to share their experiences. Girl Scouts who have previously completed LiA and Core Training will receive their PA Award at the end of camp.
Apprentices attend pre camp training based on prior Rainbow Adventure Day Camp (RADC) experience.
Apprentices attend camp at no charge
Lead PA: Lead PAs are our most experienced PAs. They work with campers in a unit or at an activity station, mentor Apprentice PAs and receive support from adult volunteers.
Lead PAs attend pre camp training based on prior RADC experience.
Lead PAs attend camp at no charge
Volunteer in Training (VIT): 11th-12th grade Girl Scouts with camp leadership experience and wish to take a larger leadership role at camp. VITs must take VIT Core Training through GSWW before camp and may plan and run activities, train PAs, assist the Camp Director, or define a role in collaboration with camp adults.
VITs attend pre camp training based on prior RADC experience
VITs attend camp at no charge
Steering Committee Be part of the team that decides what we’ll be doing at camp this year! Have a great idea for crafts? Want to share your favorite camp recipe? We need your input! PAs will share their ideas with adult advisors and partner with adult activity leaders to implement those ideas. Explorers, Apprentices and Leads are welcome to participate in the Steering Committee. If you wish to participate in the Steering Committee and not work as a PA, please contact [email protected]
Applying to be a PA
Application Deadlines (Applications received after the deadline will not be accepted)
February 19, 2020: Steering Committee applications due
February 23, 2020: PA applications and references due
Application Process We do our best to accommodate all Girl Scouts interested in the PA program who are in SU420 or 421 or who have previously attended Kirkland Rainbow Adventure Day Camp. Scouts from outside SU420 or 421 will be accepted if we have extra space.
Step 1: Fill out the application -Application MUST be filled out by the girl applicant. She should fill out the application to the best of her ability. -We use the application/reference process to understand girls’ interests and which areas they need support and training. We realize that some girls will have little or no experience working with younger girls. That’s OK!
Step 2: Submit the application by February 23th (or February 19th for Steering Committee) -Girls should submit the application directly, rather than having a parent do it for her. This allows her to take the first steps in demonstrating readiness for the PA program. -PAs are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Get your application in early!!
Step 3: Give the reference form to an un-related adult with whom you have worked closely -Make sure s/he knows the deadline of February 23th. -Girls who have been an Apprentice or Lead PA at RADC for 2+ years do NOT need to submit a reference.
Step 4: When your application and reference are complete, you will receive confirmation from [email protected]
Step 5: In early March, you will receive registration information, including your PA level (Explorer, Apprentice, Lead) -Registration must be completed by a parent or guardian.
Mandatory Training
Training Dates for Apprentice and Lead PAs (Explorers do not attend pre camp training)
May 3, 2-3pm - RADC Overview Mandatory for PAs who have never worked as an Apprentice or Lead PA at RADC
May 3, 3-5pm - Basic PA Training Mandatory for all First and some Second year Apprentices, only
June 6, 9-11am - PA/Adult Meeting Mandatory for all PAs
July 5, 3-5pm - All-Hands Meeting Mandatory for all PAs
July 10, evening- Thank Pool Pool Party Encouraged for all PAs, including Explorers
Steering Committee Meeting
March 22, 3-5pm - Planning meeting Mandatory for all Steering Committee members
RADC PA Program Mission Statement
We strive to provide a leadership development program that teaches Girl Scouts of all abilities how to work with younger girls as positive role-models. We understand that Girl Scouts come to the program with a variety of skills and experience, and we want to help every Girl Scout meet their leadership goals and potential. We will do our best to provide leadership development to all Girl Scouts who are truly motivated to work with younger girls.