Patti and Allan Herbert Wellness Center

A Program Aide (PA) is an assistant to a Counselor, or Counselor-in-training. PA's work with two counselors, fellow PA's, and their camper group each day. PA's work collaboratively with other camp staff to ensure that campers have a safe and fun camp experience.  

Program Aides must be at least 14 years of age and/or entering the 9th grade.  Proof of age is required.  PAs are expected to volunteer for the entire two-week period to which you are assigned.

Program Aide's immediate supervisors are the Counselors assigned to your group or instructor of your area.  Any questions, problems, etc., should first be directed to the Counselor/Instructor/Operations Director.  If additional assistance is needed, Program Aides can speak with the assistant camp director who oversees Program Aides.

Program Aides are expected to abide by the following rules:

1. Attendance -  8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday for a full two-week session.  PAs are expect to arrive on time and ready to volunteer.  PAs are asked to arrive early on Carnival day, and often are able to leave early once camp dismissal is concluded. 

2. Uniform -  Two camp staff T-shirts will be provided. Additional shirts may be purchased for $5.  PAs must also wear shorts (of appropriate length; no denim) and comfortable sneakers daily.

3. Participation -  PAs are expected to participate in all camp activities with enthusiasm and energy!

4. Attend a mandatory information session (Monday morning of first session at 8 a.m.) and attend mandatory  training the Saturday before the first day of camp (session 1).

5. Adhere to general expectations of a professional work environment.

6. Bring lunch daily. For your safety, PAs are not allowed to leave the facility.  Food may not be ordered, but PAs are able to purchase items from the juice bar if the desire.

*The above list is a sampling of expectations.  For more detailed information about Program Aide expectations, please contact our camp staff. 

• check campers in and out  
• organize snack breaks 
• escort campers to other venues, rest room, locker rooms, etc. 
• assist in instruction of activities 
• participate in activities with campers (i.e. warm-ups) 
• participate in Friday Extravaganza 
• assist arts and crafts, wellness, and movement 
• assist children who need extra instruction (i.e. how to hold a baseball bat) 
• bring a disruptive child to the attention of the counselor 
• model good behavior and sportsmanship 
• assist with supervision of campers while in the locker room during swimming 
• assist with equipment set-up, carnival days and sport days 
• assist with clean-up after activities are concluded 
• other duties as assigned

• administer first aid to an injured camper 
• discipline a camper physically
• use profanity or other inappropriate language
• leave the group without informing the Counselors 
• take a large number of children by him/herself 
• fool around or cause campers to misbehave during activities 
• use cellular phones or other electronic devices during camp hours

There are probably as many reasons for your participation in this program as there are Program Aides. Whether you need volunteer service hours for your school, you get easily bored and enjoy a lot of activity, or you just want to get out of the house for the summer this can be an incredible experience!

In addition to all the benefits of having work experience for your future resume and job references, you will have the opportunity to meet new friends your own age with whom you will be working as fellow Program Aides. This is a volunteer position that can be used toward satisfying your school requirements for community service.

Although it is sometimes difficult to do so because of the hectic nature of some activities, you will be allowed one "off period" each day which you may take either during swimming or recreational games. Please feel free at this time to swim, play racquetball, or work out. We encourage you to take the opportunity to get to know the counselors, find out what college life is like, what their career goals and their majors are as a beginning to your own exploration in this area in the near future.

Official community service letters detailing the service and number of hours completed are given to volunteers on their final day of volunteer work.

High school students interested in becoming a Program Aide should complete a Program Aide application and submit it to the Mini Canes Recreational Sports Camp staff prior to the listed application deadline. Before completing the application, students should be certain that they are able to attend the entire two-week period of each sessions he/she is requesting.  Camp staff will do their best to fulfill applicant preferences for placement, so it is important that applicants list which session(s) they prefer, as well as which session(s) they are unable to attend.  When possible, requests for multiple sessions will be honored.

 Aside from the application form, Program Aide applications should also include two reference forms from either a teacher, coach, or other adult unrelated to the applicant; an activity interest form; a parent consent form; a recent photo of the applicant; proof of age; and the one-time $25 application fee.  

Returning Program Aides do not need to resubmit reference forms, proof of age, or an application fee. 

Applicants should fill out their application themselves, with the exception of the reference forms and parental consent forms. References should be provided by non-family members, such as a school teacher or coach.  Applicants accepted into the program will be notified within two weeks of the April 2nd deadline via a mailed acceptance letter. 

Applications will be available in February of 2010.