Teen service and leadership are vital to building healthy communities and a better world. Camp Fire’s Teen Service and Leadership Programs provide a variety of opportunities to help teens develop into effective and engaged citizens now. Opportunities for teens at our summer camps are based on grade level in the Fall. Some opportunities can help pay for camp, others are considered camp programs, so fees apply.
Jr PALs Program, Camp Dart-Lo (6th – 8th grade, 3 weeks, reduced camp fees apply)
Sr. PALs Program, Camp Dart-Lo (7th - 9th grade, 2 weeks, reduced camp fees apply)
The Program Aides in Learning (PAL) program at Camp Dart-Lo is intended to be a step up from the traditional camp program. The PAL program offers middle-school age campers training and experience in taking a lead in the Camp Dart-Lo community. Campers work on a progression of knowledge and skills in communication, problem-solving, working with children, planning, and leading activities, personal growth, goal management, and reflection. While camp serves as the context for learning and practicing leadership skills, the experience gained through participation in the PAL Program is intended to extend beyond camp into other curricular areas and activities (youth groups, student body leadership, etc.) The PAL Program is a two-year program; 3 weeks in the first year (JR) and 2 weeks in the second (SR). This program requires a registration fee.
CA Program, Camp Dart-Lo (10th grade or higher, must have completed the PAL Program)
The Counselor Assistant (CA) Program at Camp Dart-Lo offers youth the opportunity to utilize skills learned in the PAL Program. CAs are assigned to specific camper groups each session and become assistants to their counselor and role models to the campers. CAs will improve their skills in persistence, patience, conflict resolution, guidance, planning/ leading activities, problem solving, goal management, and reflection. CAs must complete an application process, provide recommendations, and participate in an interview with Camp Leadership to be accepted into the program; this translates to real world experience. There is a one-time-per summer fee associated with this program for CAs appointed for the season.
Dishwashers (8th grade and up, camp fees waived)
Camp Sweyolakan’s Dishwasher Program invites youth going into grades 8-12 to earn their session at camp by washing dishes prior to, and following, each camp meal. Dishwashers will work closely with three other campers each day of the program for all three meals. Dishwashers will gain skills in accountability, efficiency, conflict resolution, teamwork, time management, resiliency, problem solving, goal management, and reflection. Dishwashers must complete an application process and provide recommendations to be accepted into the program; this translates to real world experience. This program does not require a registration fee; assignments are limited to 1-4 sessions per Dishwasher.
Buglers (8th grade and up, camp fees waived)
Camp Sweyolakan’s Bugler Program invites youth going into grades 8-12 to earn their session at camp by playing their instrument (bugle, trumpet, etc.) each morning to signal wake up and at night to signal lights out. Buglers gain skills in time management, accountability, performance, and reliability. Buglers must complete an application process, audition, and provide recommendations to be accepted into the program; this translates to real world experience. This program does not require a registration fee; assignments are limited to 1-4 sessions per Bugler.
KAiT Trainees (11th grade and up, camp fees waived)
The Kitchen Assistant in Training (KAiT) Program is a newly created program entering its inaugural year at Camp Sweyolakan in 2023. This program is intended to create an environment that is beneficial to youth seeking skill development in the culinary industry while meeting high quality and safety standards as they earn their to camp. This opportunity is available to all youth going into their Junior and Senior year in high school. KAiTs will learn to work in a diverse environment and develop communications skills, maintain a food safe environment and inventory control, be able to make menu adjustments to fit dietary needs and restrictions, be independent self-starters, work as a team and with a team, gain confidence and initiative. KAiTs will spend 8 hours each day in the kitchen building skills. KAiTs must complete an application process and provide recommendations to be accepted into the program; this translates to real world experience. This program does not require a registration fee; assignments are limited to 1-2 sessions per KAiT.
Junior Counselor in Training (Jr. CIT), Camp Sweyolakan, application required (3 weeks, reduced camp fees apply)
Senior Counselor in Training (Sr. CIT), Camp Sweyolakan, application required (4 weeks, reduced camp fees apply) CLOSED.
The Counselor in Training (CIT) Program at Camp Sweyolakan offers youth going into their Junior and Senior year in high school the opportunity to learn leadership skills in a safe and supportive environment. CITs work on a progression of knowledge and skills in communication, problem-solving, time management, accountability, preparedness, working with children, planning/leading activities, working as a team, conflict resolution, and personal growth. While camp serves as the context for learning and practicing leadership skills, the experience gained through participation in the CIT Program is intended to extend beyond camp into other curricular areas and activities (youth groups, student body leadership, etc.) The CIT Program is a two-year program; 3 weeks in the first year (JR) and 4 weeks in the second (SR). CITs must complete an application process and provide recommendations to be accepted into the program; this translates to real world experience. This program requires a registration fee.
The Intern Program at Camp Sweyolakan is by invitation only for graduated CITs. It provides youth the opportunity to hone their skills under the guidance of veteran counselors. This program does not require a registration fee; assignments are limited to sessions 5 through 7.