Looking to get your teenager away from the screens and electronics this summer? A summer job is a good way to gain real-life skills, structure, and empowerment … and, of course, make some money to sock away. In the Rochester area, there are employers looking for summer help to assist them during their busiest season. But first up, here are two things to keep in mind to ensure the employment process goes smoothly:
1. Get a work permit
If your teen is under 18, a work permit is necessary. Most employers will assist your teen in this process, providing the necessary paperwork.
The New York State Department of Labor’s requirements for obtaining a work permit include proof of age and an up-to-date physical, so have these documents ready before applying for jobs.
2. Match your interests to your job
This may be your teen’s first glimpse into the world of work and we, as parents, want them to take on their new responsibility in stride. However, since teens are relinquishing their summer vacation, they should enjoy the experience. In considering summer-job options, talk with your child about jobs that match his or her interests.
Whether he or she is into sports, animals, nature, reading, or working with children, many businesses and organizations in the Rochester area can provide a job matching your teen’s interests. Here’s a sampling of summer jobs options to explore:
Rides, slides, and games
Seabreeze Amusement Park defines summer fun and your teen could enjoy the fun every day. This combo amusement park and waterpark offers a variety of positions — if your teen is a bit of a thrill seeker, a ride operator or game operator could be a good fit for them. There are also a variety of food-service jobs within the park.
If your teen is a good swimmer and likes spending time in and around water, then they might wish to get certified to be a lifeguard or waterpark attendant. The YMCA of Greater Rochester offers classes for certification.
While he or she will be outside in the sun (and rain), the job perks include free rides and slides, crew parties, and incentives and discounts. If you’re closer to Canandaigua, check out Roseland Waterpark for a summer gig.
Goin’ Camping
YMCA of Greater Rochester Camps a good fit for a teen who likes younger kids and is looking for an engaging environment with an opportunity to learn and grow.
Whether interested in adventure courses, arts and crafts, sports, waterfront activities, science, or hiking, the YMCA has a variety of positions available for your teen at one of many YMCA day-camp locations in the Rochester area — which span eastside to the westside from Pittsford to Hilton, and south to north from Rochester to Webster.
Kids Rock
If your teen enjoys working with children but is looking for something that has more flexible hours, then finding a job as a babysitter or nanny might be for them. However, this type of responsibility, requires a certification in babysitting before applying for the position.
There are in-person and online classes offering certification through the American Red Cross and in-person classes through town community-education programs. The in-person classes may be more beneficial as they provide emergency training, such as what to do when a child is stung by a bee or has an asthma attack.
Get the scoop
Ice cream is synonymous with summer. Local ice cream parlors include Abbotts, Bruster’s, Shark’s, Rita’s Italian Ice, Twisters, Wickham Farms, and LuGia’s, plus all the fro-yo joints. (Your scooping arm will be stronger than ever … and your customer-service skills getting polished will be the sprinkles on top!)
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