Spring is upon us and summer cannot be left behind. The economy is not yet at its best. Summer jobs can be hard to find for kids ages 13-18. Here are some ideas for summer activities for tweens and teens.

Summer camps for younger children often need camp counselors. Teenagers make great camp goers because young children look up to them. Search for summer camps in your area. Your local YMCA may offer day camps, and there are many types of camps that offer one- or two-week stays. Counseling positions may not always be a paid position, but a volunteer position looks great on a college application. Church camp, asthma camp, and a local camp offered for city kids are all possibilities worth considering for a summer activity.

Write your resume and include all the skills in which you have experience. As a tween or teen, you may not feel qualified to add much to a resume, but think about the things you love to do or do well.

* You are artistic? Volunteer to teach an art class at your library.

* Do you love sports? Offer to be a volunteer coach or assistant for minor league or softball leagues.

* What about animals, do you have a stroke or a love for dogs, horses, birds? Put up fliers at your local vet office and offer to sit pets for other people going on vacation. Ask your parents for permission to start your own pet sitting or dog walking business. Create a flyer on your home computer and ask your friends to help spread the word about your new business. This may be the perfect opportunity to develop responsibility.

* Offer to mow the lawn or do yard chores for your neighbors. It’s hard for older adults to find reliable help for small jobs like lawn care, weeding, washing windows, or cleaning foundations. If you have an interest in business, there are ways to start a small business with no start-up money if it meets consumer needs. Brainstorm with a friend for other service ideas.

The tween/adolescence is the best time to start thinking about related skills, passions, and careers. If a paid job is out of the question in these economic times, volunteering in areas of interest will help you discover what you’re best at and what you love to do. Volunteering is a fulfilling option and provides you with invaluable experiences.

Other places to consider giving your time this summer:

nursing homes

hospitals

churches

neighbours

Community centers

senior centers

local food pantry

animal shelters

Potential places to look for paid jobs for ages 14+:

local restaurants

Blinds

Library

Car dealerships (vehicles are often washed and cleaned by younger employees during the summer)

Baby sister

care homes

Local pool/sale stalls

Imagination, passion, desire, and work ethic help teens search for employment or opportunities for summer activities. Look for areas of interest and discover needs that others are not meeting. You just might find the right job or activity to make your summer meaningful to others, fun, and profitable too.