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Article by Elena Ferrarin
Communications Coordinator
Northbrook Park District
Having a summer job with the Northbrook Park District — such as lifeguard, swim instructor and camp counselor — is a fun and rewarding experience that teaches valuable skills under the guidance of supportive supervisors.
That’s what summer employees say as they encourage others to apply for open positions.
“Even when I had 6am shifts I didn’t mind getting up at 5am because I enjoyed going to work,” said Hannah Levin, 19, who started three years ago as a lifeguard and swim instructor, and now supervises swim instructors and coordinates swim lessons.
Camp site director Luke Denten, 23, agreed. This will be his fourth summer with the park district after starting as camp counselor and moving up to assistant site director.
“It’s a lot of fun,” Luke said. “All the kids are unique and different. You form relationships with them, and they definitely look up to the counselors. And working with the other counselors, you get your ‘little family’ of counselors who always help each other out, which is really nice.”
Park district managers said they take pride in providing a valuable and enjoyable professional experience for summer employees.
The work atmosphere at the aquatic facilities is warm and friendly, Recreation Supervisor Bridgette Sterba said. “Lifeguards, instructors and cashiers collaborate closely, often enjoying conversations and playing games during in-services. With families and children having fun in the pool, it creates a lively and positive environment for the staff to work in.”
Maintaining a strong work ethic is crucial, and safety is the top priority of the job, she added.
The park district offers 23 summer camp options, which allows counselors to find the best fit for them, Recreation Supervisor Matt Papale said.
“The camp environment differs slightly at each location, but at every camp, you will get to interact with kids, plan and run fun games and activities, and participate in all the events throughout the day,” he said.
Camp counselors learn valuable skills like leadership, time management, accountability and planning, he said. “The skills you learn from camp can transfer over to a wide variety of careers outside of the park and recreation world,” Papale said.
The summer employees said they indeed have gained important life and work skills working at the park district.
“I learned how to be a leader,” Hannah said. “It teaches you patience, and it also helps you in the long run, because you can deal with a lot more scenarios that you thought you could deal with.”
Working as a counselor helps develop communication skills, Luke said.
“Counselors have to interact with the campers’ parents, whether it’s pick up or drop off, and that really helps them to get out of their shell, whether it’s public speaking or talking to other people. A lot of the younger counselors struggle with that, and that really helps them open up.”
Martin Sarmiento, 17, who will return as a lifeguard and swim instructor for his third summer with the park district, agreed.
“You have to make sure you communicate with managers, and you also communicate with patrons and customer service,” Martin said. “I definitely apply that in other parts of my life, because communication works in anything interpersonal.”
Forging friendships is a great part of the job, the summer employees said.
“I always enjoy going to work and seeing my coworkers. I became friends with a lot of them,” Hannah said.
“I have gotten to meet a lot of new people and have a lot of fun while carrying out our important responsibilities,” Martin said. “The work environment has been very supportive and enthusiastic. I always look forward to coming in to work every day.”
Working for the Northbrook Park District comes with several perks for employees, including part-timers, such as free membership for Techny Prairie Activity Center, Meadowhill Aquatic Center and the Sports Center Pool; golf discounts at Heritage Oaks Golf Club and free golf Monday through Friday at Anetsberger Golf Course; unlimited play at batting cages; free attendance for drop-in programs such public skate; dog park membership; and discounts on program registration.
To view open positions, visit nbparks.org/jobs.