Summer time is a perfect time to get a job, volunteer, or do community service.If you are under the age of 16, this article is for you. Sometimes it can be hard to find jobs when you are not 16 because that is the working age of many businesses in Charlottesville. Do not fear! — I did the work for you! So keep reading to find out some jobs you can do this summer!
In pursuit of finding the best job opportunities to share I was able to speak with Kala Somerville, the director of Computers 4 Kids, as well as Mr. Wilkerson, one of the counselors here, at Charlottesville High School. Without further ado…. here are some exciting options they recommended:
Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Opportunities:
Many summer camps and programs offer Counselor-in-Training positions, providing important experience for you in leadership, communication, and teamwork. As a CIT, you’ll assist the counselors with activities and more! This will allow you to gain insight into the workings of a camp environment and will sometimes give you extra reputableness if you want to work at that camp as an actual counselor in years to come!
Fry’s Spring Beach Club:
FSBC is just an example, but many private facilities in our area hire teens to assist with various tasks, such as lifeguard support, front desk duties, or maintaining the grounds. This is a great option that I will be doing this summer, and I’ve heard a lot of people recommend it especially if you already spend a lot of time at a place like this!
Babysitter:
Babysitting is a classic summer job for teens! I’ve found it’s really great because you get flexible hours and it’s perfect if you love kids too! A lot of families need part-time summer care, so reach out to families in your neighborhood ahead of time and ask if you can set up a weekly babysitting schedule for the summer with them!
Catering:
Catering companies often need extra help during the busy summer season. Tasks may include setting up for events, serving food, and assisting with cleanup. Working in catering is a pretty unique job, but it can be a lot of fun and I know a lot of teens that do it!
Sports Referee:
If you have a passion for sports, you should consider becoming a referee for local youth leagues or recreational programs. Refereeing offers the opportunity to stay active, learn the rules of the game(or chances are you already know them), and earn money while officiating matches.
Volunteering:
Volunteering is a fulfilling way to spend your summer while making a positive impact in your community and it looks great on your college applications! Websites like https://www.volunteermatch.org/ offer a wide range of volunteer opportunities tailored to teens in Charlottesville. Whether you’re passionate about environmental conservation, animal welfare, or social justice, there’s a volunteer opportunity waiting for you.
Light House Studio:
If you already have experience with filmmaking, Light House Studio invites teens to help create films for local nonprofits and businesses. If you are interested in this, you will pitch ideas, write a script, storyboard, film, and edit a final project.
They will then show this film at live screenings, online, and even on local television. You can find more information at https://lighthousestudio.org/freelance.
I hope this article highlighted how many options there are for summer jobs and opportunities that actually interest you! When I was first thinking of a job I was discouraged that Starbucks, Chick Fil A, and my other favorite places only hired ages 16 & up. However, this article strives to emphasize that age shouldn’t deter you. On a similar note, if you didn’t discover a job that you like in this article, don’t let it restrict you. There are so many other opportunities and chances are, if you reach out to a local organization or business, you will be able to make this summer a rewarding and memorable experience!
