Facing the prospect of being bored and broke while on summer break from school? If you're 14 - 16 years old, Holly Springs Parks and Recreation may have a solution.

The department's Summer Work Crew program combines paid work with field trips related to state and local government and other outings. The application period opened on Feb. 7.

Kids transitioning from middle to high school get an introduction to the working world, but in settings that include Bass Lake Park. They spread mulch on park trails, do painting and small construction projects, and handle similar tasks on Town property.

"We're trying to target motivated kids because there's nothing for them to do," said Sabrina Thompson, manager of Bass Lake Park. "They're too young to get a real job and too old for summer camp."

A dozen spots are open for each of two four-week sessions. Hours are weekdays, 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Holly Springs residents get preference for selection.

Crew members must be able to work outside for up to eight hours in a day and lift up to 40 pounds. They must commit to an entire four-week session.

It's important that applicants indicate the session(s) for which they are applying:

Session 1 - June 15-19, June 22-26, June 29-July 3 & July 6-10

Session 2 - July 13-17, July 20-24, July 27-31 & Aug. 3-7

Crew members earn $6.55 an hour.

Applications will be accepted Feb. 7 - April 9.  Applicants must write an essay and provide letters of recommendation. Interviews begin April 24.

The process helps prepare students for job-seeking, said Stacy Gray, park naturalist at Bass Lake. Summer crew members learn good work habits while gaining experience that looks good on college applications.

Seventy percent of the time, work crew members will be on the job. The other 30 percent includes team-building exercises and outings such as the state Legislature in Raleigh and the state zoo in Asheboro.

"It just gives them a head start on things and they see what local government is all about and get involved in the community," Thompson said.

For more information, contact:

Sabrina Thompson
Park Manager, Bass Lake Park
(919) 557-2905
sabrina.thompson@hollyspringsnc.us

Stephanie Wage
(919) 557-2906