CAPs
Dates: June 16-August 1(2 week sessions)
Hours: 8:30 am-3:30 pm
Location: Wisconsin Avenue campus
Fees: $400/2-week session
Deposit: $100/session
The Counselor Assistant Program (CAP) is a hands-on leadership program for students Grades 8-10 that provides participants experience working with young children under the mentorship of a lead teacher. In addition to helping with camp activities, CAPs assist counselors with daily tasks such as carpool and snack. Participants also meet each day to reflect upon their experience in the classroom and to plan a Friday activity for the Junior Explorer program. Once a week, CAPs participate in half-day leadership seminars covering leadership styles, communication skills including résumé writing, interviewing, peer counselor training, and mediation. Throughout the summer, all CAPs are welcome to attend the weekly leadership seminars regardless of the session in which they are participating.
Selected second-year CAPs will serve as mentors for the first-year CAPs and will also assist with the CAP orientation. 
There are three two-week sessions. First year CAPs may choose one of these sessions, and may also attend the add-on one-week session to extend their experience. Second-year CAPs may work for multiple sessions. There is a mandatory orientation for CAPs. Any candidate chosen to be a CAP who cannot attend this orientation may not participate in the program.
Application Process
Only 15 applicants will be accepted into the program (returning and new CAPs combined). The selection process includes the following: submission of CAP application completed by the applicant, an interview, and an on-site evaluation with Sidwell’s after school program, located on Sidwell’s Lower School campus in Bethesda. Interviews will be scheduled monthly and applicants will be accepted on a rolling admission basis. If an applicant is not accepted into the program, the deposit is returned in full. Selected CAPs from 2007 are invited to participate in the second year program. Selection is based on the candidate’s leadership skills exhibited as a first-year CAP. Selected second-year CAPs will receive 2008 information by January.
