After nine summers going away for camp my seventeen-year-old is staying home to focus on his sports this year. We told him that he couldn’t just workout and play video games, he needed a job. At his same age, our daughter already had four years of a successful backyard girls’ camp (plus babysitting) under her belt; jobs that provided her with gas and spending money all year-long. But so far we were his sole bank.
Obviously earning money, learning responsibility, gaining experience and building a resume are great reasons for a teen to get a job. But I’ve noticed some other huge benefits already and he hasn’t even officially started!
As a new YMCA hire he is required to become CPR certified, go through child abuse prevention training and orientation before working in his position as a day camp counselor. Of course all the training is great learning in and of itself, but the less obvious reasons my teen needed a summer job are these:
- An Opportunity to Rise to the Occasion
He was at school when he found out the hiring director wanted to interview him that very day. It would be his first interview of any kind. So with only a short time between school and his slotted time he rushed home for my interview prep pep-talk. But in that time he also had to throw together a holiday themed costume to wear per their instructions. Totally outside his comfort zone, but clearly a way for them to evaluate his creativity and ability to engage with the kids.
What he didn’t know is in addition to the actual interview questions, he would be required to lead the kids in the after-school program in a game. In the end (over an hour) through adaptability, initiative and quick-thinking (all skills that don’t come naturally to him) he secured the job on the spot! This opportunity to rise to the occasion (and I’m sure many more) will carry with him into future interviews, and other new or uncomfortable situations he will face.
2. An Opportunity to practice Communicating Clearly
After being hired, the director informed him that he would receive several emails with important instructions about the required training. He had never needed to check his email much, but I urged (okay, maybe nagged) him to stay on top of the emails and respond in a timely manner.
Well, right of the bat he realized the CPR training time was not going to work. But he was confused about who to notify of this change and didn’t let the right person know. Of course, I was nervous he would get fired before he even started, but it all worked out. What he learned (and hopefully now won’t need my nagging!) was the importance of speaking up with questions and communicating clearly.
3. An Opportunity for Adulting
The location for the CPR training was downtown, about 30 minutes from our house. I knew from personal experience that parking was confusing, as was finding the actual classroom. But, he thought because he had the address plugged into his phone and the information in the email I was being ridiculous in telling him to leave an hour early. So he didn’t.
Turns out he should’ve listened. With only ten minutes before class started (they said no late arrivers would be admitted) he called stressed over not finding the right parking lot. “I told you so!” was screaming though my head. My husband told him just to find a place to park where he won’t get towed and then run! Thankfully even being late he was admitted into the classroom. The bigger panic came four hours later when he finished, walked outside and couldn’t find his car… at 9pm downtown, alone!
But by the time he got home, he was all smiles. He had navigated through it and passed the CPR exam. He had done it all on his own! A confidence boost and an experience he needs more and more of over these next two-year before he flies from the nest.
When he decided to leave an hour early for today’s orientation at another unknown location I smiled big inside (maybe he also learned mom is always right!). He still has a whole summer of learning ahead, and I hadn’t even considered how this job would mature him.
My boy is growing up, and I love my front-row seat.
