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Program Aide (PA) and Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Programs
Hey, older Girl Scouts! Ready to be a role model for younger campers?
The program aide (PA) and counselor-in-training (CIT) programs are progression-based opportunities
which give older girls the chance to be involved in leadership, problem-solving, and learning scenarios at
our day camps and resident camps. PA and CIT programs run during the regular sessions of camp (refer
to each camp’s section in the camp guide for information on camp sessions and dates). Please read the
following information on both programs to learn the distinction between PAs and CITs as well as pre-
requisites and how to apply.
PA Program
(Grades 7-8)
CIT Program
(Grades 9-12)
Prerequisite PA
Training required
for PAs & CITs
Camp Orientation
for PAs & CITs
El Ranchito YES YES YES YES
Marine Landing NO YES YES YES
Mariposa YES YES YES YES
Camp Osito Rancho NO YES YES NO
La Casita YES NO YES YES
Summer Cam
Experiences
CAMP GUIDE | PROGRAM AIDE & COUNSELOR-IN-TRAINING
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Required Prerequisite Training for
Program Aides (PAs) and Counselors-in-Training (CITs)
Girls wishing to become either a PA or CIT must complete a one-time program aide training, which will help
prepare girls for the leadership experience and outline their responsibilities. If girls have completed the
training in past years, they DO NOT need to complete it again. There are two ways to complete the training:
▶ If you have 10 or more girls who need
to be trained, use our PA-to-Go, a do-it-
yourself way to complete the PA training
with the help of an adult volunteer. Find the
online reservation application and more
information here: girlscoutsla.org/pa
▶ Attend a scheduled training led by council
staff at a GSGLA service center or day camp.
Visit girlscoutsla.org/events and search for
“Program Aide” (in the yellow “Leadership &
Awards” category). Please note: spaces are
limited in these trainings; renting the PA-to-
Go is recommended.
Program Aide (PA), Grades 7-8
Day camp program aides work with and share their knowledge and talents with younger girls, while
gaining valuable experience under adult supervision. The PA program is offered at day camps: Mariposa,
El Ranchito, and La Casita (NOTE: Camp Osito Rancho and Marine Landing DO NOT accept PAs; girls
entering grades 7–8 are considered campers at both camps). To become a PA, girls must have completed
a required one-time program aide training. PAs earn community service and leadership hours while
satisfying school volunteer and Girl Scout leadership requirements.
Counselor-in-Training (CIT), Grades 9-12
Girls interested in a future job as a camp counselor or who want to expand their leadership skills may
participate in our CIT I (entering grades 9–10) or CIT II (entering grades 11–12) summer leadership experience.
The CIT program is offered at day camps—El Ranchito, Marine Landing, Mariposa—AND resident camp, Camp
Osito Rancho. The program creates a progression that prepares Senior and Ambassador Girl Scouts for roles
in youth leadership in and outside of camp. Although much of the time at camp will be focused on the CIT
curriculum, girls will have the opportunity to participate in other activities specific to the camp they are
attending. Regardless of age, all CITs must complete a one-time program aide training.
or
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To become a PA or CIT at Mariposa, El Ranchito and La Casita, OR to become a CIT at Marine Landing:
Complete the required prerequisite PA training—through PA-to-Go or by attending an in-person
program aide training. (Yes, CITs must complete this, too.)
Complete an online PA/CIT application at girlscoutsla.org/summercamp. This application gets sent
directly to the camp director of the camp you’re applying to. You will be able to register for specific
weeks which are available on a first-come, first-served basis. There will be a PayPal link at the end of
the application. If you are applying for campership, please fill out the e-form, select Financial Aid as
payment, and submit your completed application ASAP.
Wait for a confirmation email from GSGLA to confirm your registration.
Attend a mandatory orientation prior to her first day at camp. Orientation dates are listed on the
application as well as on the GSGLA events calendar (girlscoutsla.org/events). You will receive a
confirmation via email after submitting the application.
To become a CIT for our resident camp, Camp Osito Rancho*:
Complete the required prerequisite PA training—through PA-to-Go or by attending an in-person
program aide training. (Yes, CITs must complete this, too.)
Complete an online resident camp CIT application at girlscoutsla.org/summercamp. The
application will be sent to the Osito camp director. You will be able to request specific weeks
which are available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are applying for a campership, please
complete the e-form and campership application ASAP.
Wait for a confirmation email from the Osito Rancho camp director, which you will receive within two
weeks after submission. The email will have direct links to register and pay for your approved weeks
at camp.
Using the links provided by the camp director, register through eBiz for each approved week. The
links are valid for two weeks from when you receive them, so please ensure you register within this
timeframe, or your CIT spots may be lost.
Attend the CIT orientation on the first day of camp at Osito Rancho. (There is no orientation prior to
coming to Osito for your CIT camp session.)
Steps to Become a Day camp Program Aide (PA)
or Counselor-in-Training (CIT)
Steps to Become an Overnight Camp
Counselor-in-Training (CIT)
