Having just graduated high school and looking for a good summer job, Cayla Greenfield joined her mom, a teacher, as a camp counselor for the summer with the St. Charles Park District.
From there, she was hooked.
Each day, greeting her first and second grade campers was an adventure she loved, and she built great bonds with her fellow counselors, too. After a few summers of working for the camp, and still not sure what direction she wanted to take in college, she remembered a conversation with her dad who suggested she major in parks and recreation. Greenfield said it was a lightbulb moment, realizing she could build a career doing something she loved.
“I love working with people,” Greenfield said.
From that first summer job as a camp counselor in 2012 to internships and a full-time position, Greenfield is the Sportsplex supervisor for the St. Charles Park District.
And it all started with a summer job.
Students and adults of all ages may find their perfect match and a great way to spend the summer with seasonal and part-time jobs available at the St. Charles Park District. The park district will host an Employment Expo from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 26, at the Pottawatomie Community Center in St. Charles. The expo is a great chance to learn about available jobs, ask questions and start an application.
“There is an opportunity for everybody,” said Taylor Krawczyk, recreation supervisor for the St. Charles Park District.
One doesn’t need to wait for the expo. Many job positions are listed on the website (stcparks.org). Krawczyk said the park district aims to hire between 400 to 600 seasonal employees – from camp counselors and lifeguards to working at the boat rentals, the mini golf location and park maintenance.
A job with the park district is more than a great way to earn some extra income. It can be an opportunity to make an impact on the community. Working with children as a camp counselor or a before- and after-school care assistant is the opportunity to be a role model, Krawczyk said.
Every job is a great way to gain experience and build skills, Greenfield said.
Teens and young adults starting their first summer job will learn responsibility and people skills while gaining work experience.
“It boosted my confidence going through the application, interviewing and training process,” Greenfield said.
For many young people working a summer job, it is an opportunity to make new friends.
“We had such a close group of camp counselors that after work once a week, we’d meet to play sand volleyball. It was such fun,” Greenfield said. “You make so many memories. I had the best summer job and it was so much fun.”