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If you have a teen who's been looking for a meaningful summer activity — or if you're a teenager yourself and want something more than scrolling to do this summer — Burlington Parks and Recreation has a program for you.

The department is actively recruiting for two roles: paid staff positions for applicants who are 16 or older as of May 1, and a revamped volunteer program called Leaders in Training for students who have completed 8th grade.

At a Glance
  • Leaders in Training (volunteer): Must have completed 8th grade
  • Summer staff (paid): Must be 16 or older as of May 1, 2026
  • Interviews being scheduled now
  • Apply now

Program coordinator Jeff DiSalvo says the Leaders in Training program has been intentionally redesigned this year. While in the past, volunteer roles could feel passive, the intent this yera is to make them more substantive.

"We want them to get something out of it — more like job experience, so they get a feel for what it's like," said DiSalvo.

What "Leaders in Training" Actually Means

Think of it like a counselor-in-training program at a summer camp. Participants will go through a formal application and interview process, which DiSalvo says is itself part of the point: giving young people experience with what a job interview actually feels like.

From there, LITs will receive more in-depth training during orientation week than in years past. The department is also hoping to designate a dedicated Leaders in Training coordinator — someone whose job is specifically to support and develop the LITs throughout the summer.

Beyond the LIT program, Burlington's Parks and Recreation Department is still hiring paid summer staff for applicants who are at least 16 as of May 1. DiSalvo says interviews are being scheduled now, with a goal of wrapping up before the calendar flips to a new month. If you or someone you know is interested, sooner is better — the timeline is tight.

Summer programming is a cornerstone of Burlington's community calendar, and the people running it — including the youngest ones — set the tone. If you've got a rising freshman with leadership potential, or a 16-year-old looking for their first real job, this is worth a look.

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