Did you know that park districts are one of the largest employers of youth in Illinois?  The Naperville Park District relies on teens as referees in our popular soccer program, as lifeguards, swim instructors, and guest services staff at Centennial Beach, as camp assistants, and in park maintenance.  Click here to check current job opportunities.

The Park District also offers classes to help get you start your own business as a babysitter.  In addition, keep in mind that there are classes to help you discover your talent for painting, cooking, music, or other activities that may lead to a career or a lifetime hobby. Click here for more information about Park District programs.

Although many high school students are busy with activities at their own schools, we know that they sometimes need something to do that’s just fun, different, and open to students from the whole community.   The Park District’s Youth Ambassadors plan community-wide special events for teens each year, such as Battle of the Bands, the Bags Tournament, and the Mr. Naperville contest. 

How do you get involved with the Youth Ambassadors?  To serve as one of the Youth Ambassadors from one of Naperville’s high schools requires a teacher recommendation, good academic standing, and leadership experience, either through a club, sport, or other activity. However, any student can participate in the annual events, and attendees are welcome to bring friends. 

One of the Youth Ambassadors representing Neuqua Valley High School this year, senior Keenan Kassar, said, “serving as a Youth Ambassador has been a great experience over all.”  The recent Leadership Conference for Youth Ambassadors and other student leaders was a productive time, according to Keenan, involving “lots of ideas…and great conversation.” 
 
The Youth Ambassadors Leadership Conference was held on Feb. 18 at the Riverwalk Community Center in downtown Naperville. Over 100 students attended, hearing keynote speaker, Mike Selep, CEO of the Illinois Park and Recreation Association, and then brainstorming ways to incorporate the ideas into their specific clubs and activities and at their respective schools.

Lauren Bast, a Youth Ambassador from Waubonsie Valley High School, and also a senior, said that the Leadership Conference is the Youth Ambassador event she looks forward to the most.  “It’s the one opportunity we have to get together with kids from all of the Naperville high schools, from every kind of activity.” 

In addition to serving as a Youth Ambassador, Lauren has been involved with the Park District as a volunteer throughout her high school years. The summer prior to her freshman year, Lauren won a Naperville Park District photo contest and then began taking photographs of special events and programs for the Park District.  “I love my photo assignments,” said Lauren.  “It gives me an excuse to go where I normally would not go.” 

Lauren’s photos have appeared on the front cover of the Park District Program Guide many times.  At last summer’s dedication event for the WNBA’s Candace Parker (a former Naperville resident), Lauren served as the official Park District photographer, and once again, her photo was used for the Winter 2010 Program Guide cover.  Her experience as a volunteer has proved invaluable in preparing her for a career in photography.  “At the Candace Parker event, I got to be with the press, and learn from the professionals.  It was a great experience,” said Lauren. 

The Park District offers many volunteer opportunities to middle and high school students, ranging from simple, one-time projects, such as stuffing envelopes, to creative assignments, such as photography, and positions with ongoing responsibility, such as coaching a sport.  Click here for more information about volunteering at the Naperville Park District.

For teens looking for work, fun, or volunteer opportunities, your Park District offers a variety of activities and ideas.  Our staff is open to suggestions, and welcomes your ideas and enthusiasm.
   
                                       

          2010 Youth Ambassadors Leadership Conference