Make The Most Out of The Summer, Earning, Learning and Growing By: Jamie Cohen

By Jamie Cohen

As summer approaches many teens are on the lookout for opportunities to make money, gain experience, make connections, and make the most of their free time. Whether you value  money for college, enjoying financial independence, or saving money for a first car, summer jobs also offer valuable life lessons.

Lifeguard: For strong swimmers, lifeguarding at local pools, beaches, or water parks, is a rewarding job that teaches responsibility and decision-making. Becoming a lifeguard is an intriguing job for teens, now not only offering a competitive wage, but also developing life- saving skills such as first aid and CPR. 

Lifeguards are responsible for ensuring the safety of swimmers at pools, beaches, water parks, and lakes. Their responsibilities include monitoring swimming areas, enforcing safety rules, performing rescues, providing first aid, testing the water for chlorine and PH, and maintaining cleanliness around the facility.

Requirements: To become a lifeguard you need to be at least fifteen years old by the end of your training course.

Pass a swimming skills assessment. Which includes swimming a certain distance, treading water, retrieving objects from the bottom of the pool, and performing rescues.

Complete a lifeguard training course, such as those offered by the American Red Cross, YMCA, or Candlewood Management. These courses will cover rescue techniques, CPR, AED, and first aid. 

Hourly Wage: Around $18.00 per hour but may vary by company.   

Camp Counselor: Camp Counselors are responsible for supervising and guiding campers through daily activities. Camp Counselors ensure the safety of campers and provide a positive environment.

Key Responsibilities Include:

 Leading Activities: Organizing and facilitating games, sports, crafts, lunch, and dismissal.

Providing Support: Offering emotional encouragement for campers and addressing any bullying or behavioral issues.

Ensuring Safety: Monitoring campers and addressing any unsafe behavior to prevent accidents. Camp Counselors must respond to emergencies if necessary by contacting the nurse or emergency services.   

Maintain Equipment: Setting up and maintaining equipment for recreational activities.

Requirements: To become a camp counselor you must be sixteen years old; some positions may require eighteen and older.

Prior experience working with children is not required, but helpful. Strong Communication, leadership, and organizational abilities. 

Certifications: First Aid and CPR are often required or preferred.

Hourly Wage: Approximately $18.00, but may vary depending on location.

If you are interested in becoming a camp counselor contact your local Recreation Center. YMCA, Frog Bridge, pool clubs, or Ivy League.

   Retail Associate: Retail Associate is a popular summer job for teens who prefer working indoors, offering valuable experience in customer service, sales, and teamwork.

Responsibilities: Customer assistance such as greeting customers, answering questions about products and store policies, and assuring an enjoyable shopping experience. 

Sales Transactions: Processing Returns and purchases at the cash register ensuring accuracy in transactions.

Merchandise Management: Restocking shelves, organizing displays, and maintaining cleanliness in the store.

Issue Resolution: Acknowledging customers’ complaints and contacting a store manager if needed.

Skills and Qualifications: Include communication by effectively interacting with customers and team members.

Customer Service: Provide a positive shopping experience for customers.

Adaptability: Being able to adjust to a store or company's needs.

Opportunities: Teens can explore working at various retail stores and establishments.

Department Stores: Such as Macy’s or Kohl’s.

Grocery Stores: Such as Wegmans and ShopRite.

Specialty Retailers: Such as GameStop or Claire’s.

Job Listings can be found on company websites or job boards like Indeed or ZipRecruiter.

Hourly Wage: Most stores pay about $17.50 an hour but companies vary.