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Program Aides and LITs
Girl Scouts is all about leadership. You started on the leadership path as Daisy's, or Brownies or Juniors, as you began to understand and develop your values, use your knowledge and skills to explore the world, and care about and team up with others to make the world a better place.
There are many programs in Girl Scouts available to help progress along your leadership path. Being a Program Aide is a great way to get started! From there you can move on to become an Leader-in-Training (LIT) and more.
Day Camp Junior Program Aides (JPA): completed 5th (JPA1) and 6th (JPA2)
The Junior Program Aide is being offered at several day camps as an option for girls that have completed 5th and 6th grade who are registered day campers. During the week of camp, the JPAs spend half their time in camp program and half learning about what a Program Aide does. Skills include leading songs and games, flag ceremonies, how to work with younger campers and more.
The final level of the JPA program(JPA3) is offered to girls in the 7th grade that have completed JPA1 and JPA2. This training is the Camp Elective piece that is part of the traditional PA program (see Program Aides below) and allows the JPAs to become PAs without having to repeat many things they have already learned.
Jr. Program Aide Registration (Summer Camp Catalog)
Program Aides: For girls that have completed 6th grade and are entering (or in) 7th grade or above.
Program Aides are trained Girl Scouts, able to offer help with most aspects of Brownie/Junior day camp and program. They are a key part of camp and troop leadership.
They may receive additional training from the camp director prior to camp for volunteer driven camps. PAs are considered campers, not volunteers, and must complete all registration, health forms and mark the PA (program aide) box on the Camp Registration Form.
PAs are also able to volunteer for non-camp activities and events where leadership is needed.
Each girl must have completed the 6th grade and participated in the Basic Program Aide training and the Camp Elective training to be eligible for camp leadership opportunities. If you do not want to be a PA at camp, you will only need the Basic training for events and troop leadership.
PA training process:
- Candidate must complete 6th grade first.
- Click a training date from the list below and register for it using the online process. If you are interested in being a PA at camp, be sure to sign up for a training that also offers the Camp Elective training. Fall trainings are for girls that have just completed 6th grade (current 7th graders). There will be a make-up training in the spring if you are unable to participate in the fall.
- Complete the Program Aide Application (below) and follow the instructions for submission.
- Attend a Basic Program Aide training (and the Camp Elective training for girls interested in being a camp PA) in the Fall to become eligible to PA at events and for troops.
- Complete 7th grade to become eligible to PA at camp (if you've completed the Camp Elective).
- Attend a day camp during the summer.
Program Aide Application: You need both Basic Program Aide and Camp Elective trainings to PA at a day camp, but you are only required to fill out one application.
Trainings
Colorado Springs:
- Colorado Springs Service Center: March 13. Basic program aide training. This training is Sat. 9-5pm.
Northern Colorado:
- Meadow Mountain Ranch/Allenspark: May 15-16. Basic program aide training plus camp elective. This training is overnight.
Other trainings will be posted as they are scheduled.
Due to the high level of interest in this program, you may be placed on a wait-list. Please submit an electronic or paper copy of your application as soon as you decide you are interested in this program. Do not wait to submit your application, even if you have not yet registered or received your registration confirmation. Delay of your application may cause your registration spot to be filled by someone on the wait-list.
You may recieve an application and/or a registration receipt, but you will not receive a final confirmation until after the deadline. This confirmation will be accompanied with a packing list and any additional information and will only be sent if we have received both your registration and application.
Leader-In-Training (LIT)
The LIT may be earned through serving as a Unit Leader at a day camp session (for candidates interested in being an LIT at camp); or by attending an adult Leadership Essentials training (for candidates interested in troop and event leadership). Review the LIT workbook and satisfy the following requirements before you begin your LIT experience:
- Registered Girl Scouts entering 10th grade or older.
- Completion of Basic Program Aide Training and a minimum of 25 hours of experience as a PA.
- Acquisition of a mentor who agrees to support and guide you.
- Completion GSUSA Online Volunteer Orientation, Nuts and Bolts (1.5 hrs.), and Leadership Essentials (1.5 hrs.).
Leadership training information page.
Help Wanted
Program Aides needed!
Program Aid at Wings Over the Rockies
If you have any questions please contact Kim Petau, Denver, at 303-607-4847.
For Program Aide training information around the state, please contact your regional staff representative:
- Ft. Collins: Sarah Wells at 970-212-2351 or Katie Doak at 970-212-2350
- Pueblo and Colorado Springs: Marty Lockhart at 719-597-8603 x 30
- Western Slope: Mary Ann Deard at 1-800-288-0463
- Eastern Colorado: Peg Peterson at 970-522-5233
- Southern Colorado: Kimber Begano at 888-896-9228 or 719-846-9228
- Grand Junction: Karen Rose at 970-242-4461