Is your child too old for camp, but too young to work? There are plenty of ways to learn and keep busy this summer, and maybe even earn a little money. While many restaurants and retail businesses begin hiring at 16, there are options for kids as young as 12 to start getting work experience in the DMV. And paid positions can start as young as 14.
Kids ages 14 to 15 who want a paid position will need a Virginia work permit. Arlington county provides several resources for new-to-employment residents. The Arlington Employment Center regularly posts openings specifically for teens on its teen job board and helps teens with resumes, applications and interviews, including one-on-one resume review sessions. Teens can also check the Arlingteens page for opportunities with outside employers.
Here are few ways enterprising young teens can get their feet wet in the job pool this summer.
Be a Counselor In Training
There are plenty of places to volunteer as a CIT (Counselor in Training) and gain experience managing campers and activities. At emPOWER Kids in Alexandria, tweens can start training to be counselors as young as 12. Those who’ve volunteered for 50 hours can start earning a paycheck at age 14. At Knights of Columbus Camps, teens ages 13 to 15 can be part- or full-time volunteers. And those in grades 9 through 11 can be CITs at the Arlington Outdoor Lab overnight summer camp. Want more options? Check with Volunteer Arlington for CIT and other community service jobs for big kids over the summer. Falls Church residents can look into Summer Fun Playground, which pairs youth volunteers with counselors. At NOVA Parks, teens can volunteer as an LIT (Leader in Training) at Camp Overlook or at Meadowlark Botanical Garden starting at age 15.
Work As a Paid Counselor
Teens who’ve reached the age of 15 or 16 can start earning money as paid camp staff. Arlington Parks and Recreation hires students for entry-level camp positions at age 15. Positions are limited and preference goes to previous camp volunteers.  The YMCA of Metropolitan Washington and YMCA Alexandria pay junior camp counselors starting at age 16 and 17, respectively, to help campers have fun, learn and make new friends at the Y’s various camps around NoVA. Other camps that hire teens include Congressional Camp, Knights of Columbus, emPOWER Kids, Educational Theatre Company and Summer Camp at Episcopal in Alexandria.
Arlington’s TEAM Program
Sponsored by the Arlington Department of Parks and Recreation, the TEAM (Teen Entrepreneurial Amusement Management) program, hires teens to help with a variety of amusement equipment rentals. Kids ages 14 to 18 develop leadership and business skills by helping with events, inflatables, face painting and concessions.
Be a Lifeguard
APS Aquatics requires a lifeguard to be 15 years old and possess a current certification in American Red Cross Lifeguard Training. Find positions mornings, afternoons and evenings on weekdays and weekends at all three facilities: Wakefield, Washington-Liberty and Yorktown high schools. For county jobs, lifeguards typically need to be at least 15 or 16 years old and possess a current American Red Cross Lifeguard Training certification. Look for open shifts across the county through the Arlington County Lifeguard Board on Indeed. NOVA Parks hires lifeguards at 15 for its five pools, the closest of which is Ocean Dunes Waterpark at Upton Hills Regional Park.
Teach Swimming Lessons
APS Aquatics also hires swim instructors starting at age 16 for its swim classes for babies, toddlers, preschoolers and children. Candidates must have proficiency in all four strokes and pass an instructor training program. Private swim schools, such as Goldfish Swim School, Aqua Tots and Big Blue Swim School, train and hire teens to work as swim instructors, as well as front desk representatives and lifeguards.
Work for NOVA Parks
The agency that owns and manages more than 30 regional parks throughout Northern Virginia hires teens starting at age 14 to work in its five waterparks. The jobs come with free uniforms and free training. Sun-loving teens can start working as attendants at age 14; lifeguards must be at least 15, and those age 16 qualify to work as cooks.
Be a Referee
Youngsters who know a lot about soccer, baseball or basketball can build leadership skills and earn money officiating. Arlington Soccer Association , McLean Youth Soccer and Virginia Youth Soccer referees can be as young as 13. Arlington Little League and McLean Little League recruit youth umpires in the spring and summer.
Help Falls Church Neighbors
Kids in grades 9 to 12 can earn money by signing up for Falls Church’s Teen Work List. Residents contact the city when they need help with jobs such as babysitting, yard work, dog-walking and snow shoveling. The city will then contact workers on the list whenever job opportunities arise.
Volunteer at the Library
Get some work experience on that resume, earn community service hours and learn job skills. At Arlington Public Library, teens can work behind the scenes preparing take-and-make craft kits or kits for children’s programs. Teen workers also provide assitance during programs such as story time, kids clubs and special events.
