Agoura Teens Are VIP This Summer

Ask Julie Garcia what she did last summer, and she will proudly say: "I did office work."

Instead of soaking up the sun at Zuma Beach or cooling off with a lemonade at the local Starbucks, the University of California, Irvine junior spent her days volunteering at the Agoura Hills Recreation Center.

"I worked with the day camps, supervising the kids," Garcia said. "It turned out to be really fun."

Garcia, an Art History major and Management minor, has spent four consecutive summers as a member of Volunteers Inspire Progress. This year will be no exception.

Garcia is one of 60 youths, ages 11 to 17, who will be volunteering this year. Many will work in the Recreation Center office, serve as counselors at City of Agoura Hills day camps, and help run the Department of Community Service's special events throughout the summer.

"I think it's a great way to get that experience of what work is like," said Garcia. 

Operating in Agoura Hills for over 20 years, Volunteers Inspire Progress originally started as a program to help Agoura Hills youth like Garcia gain valuable work experience in the city's Department of Community Service. Participation has ebbed and flowed over the years, said Director of Community Services Amy Brink, with the highest enrollment at 125 volunteers. 

"Teen volunteers absolutely enhance everything we do over the summer," Brink said.

Set up "like a first job," applicants are required to dress professionally and endure a "tough" interview before being placed by the Department. 

"The program helps them make valuable use of their free time during the summer, when they are too old for summer camp but too young to work," said Brink.

Parks and Recreation began advertising the program in April. Applications were accepted and training began in May. Volunteer opportunities will continue this summer until August 20.