ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. -This time of year, many teens are looking for summer jobs.
Although the job market for teens is limited, especially during times of economic uncertainty, they can gain work experience and make money with tried and true summer occupations like baby sitting and dog walking.
"Because most places on post require employees to be at least 18 years old, job opportunities are limited," said APG's Youth Workforce Preparation Specialist Jay McKinney. "For those who are entrepreneurially inclined, doing odd jobs can be a source of extra money."
Baby sitting on post
APG's residential policy states that children ages 7 and younger require someone who is 13 years or older to be responsible for them; 12-year-old children may baby sit children 8 and older. For more information on APG's residential policy, refer to the APG Resident Responsibility Guide distributed through Picerne Military Housing.
SKIES Unlimited Program Associate Lauren Kateley said teens who successfully complete the American Red Cross Babysitter's Course or the Child, Youth and School Services/4-H Babysitter's Course can be added to the CYSS baby sitter referral list with their parents' permission. The list is maintained by CYSS Central Registration.
"These courses are designed to provide the necessary information for teens to become capable, caring, trustworthy and responsible sitters," Kateley said. "They will also help teens develop the confidence needed to handle possible emergency situations when babysitting."
The next baby sitting courses offered through SKIES, for ages 13 to 18, will take place at APG North Aug. 13 to 15 at the CYSS Admin Bldg. 2503 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and at the APG South youth center from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 20-22.
This class is free to DoD cardholders and their Family members. For more information, contact Kateley at 410-278-4589.
Teens can also find American Red Cross Babysitters classes offered in their area at http://www.redcross.org/services/hss/courses/babyindex.html.
Chris Sollers of the APG Safety Office said good baby sitters are always safety conscious. He urges teens to consult their parents before accepting any job.
"You should know the Family your teen will be working for," Sollers said. "Be sure to ask, 'can my teen handle the number and ages of the children, the length of the job, and the responsibilities? Will my teen be safe in the house or the neighborhood?' The baby sitter's parents should know the name and address where the teen will be baby sitting and the expected return time." Sollers said before the baby sitter is alone with the children, he or she should acquire the phone number and address of prospective employers, contact information for an immediately available adult and emergency services contact info, including the Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222).
"It is also the baby sitter's responsibility to know the location of children's rooms, off-limit areas, phones, first aid supplies," he said. "It is extremely important to be aware of any allergies or dietary restrictions the children may have. The children's health is in the baby sitter's hands during their time on the job."
Sollers said baby sitters should also clarify the Family's house rules, including those for television, computer, visitors, phone calls and the children's routines.
Dog walking and pet sitting
Dog walking is another way teens can make money on post. A brightly colored, reflective vest or belt is required when walking on APG. Using headphones or earplugs is prohibited.
"These rules are in place for the safety of the pedestrian; drivers sometimes just don't see them," Sollers said.
He added that dog walkers should always be aware of their surroundings, and constantly scan the ground for trash, chicken bones and glass, which any dog would love to pick up. They must also be aware of traffic, otheranimals or people, and how the dog they are walking will react. Dog walkers and pet sitters should be comfortable with the size and species of the pet. The dog should know and obey the basic commands of "sit," "walk," and "stay."
"Walking a hyper 80-pound retriever is a whole different matter than walking a dachshund," Sollers said. "A big dog may be able to drag a person off their feet, or pull away from the leash. Some smaller breeds can only walk for limited distances, especially in extreme temperatures. Some people may be uncomfortable taking care of unusual pets. Feeding and cleaning up after a kitten is a far different matter than feeding a python."
Sollers added that in hot weather dog walkers should allow the pet to rest in the shade periodically.
"Canines do not perspire as humans do. They can only cool themselves off by panting, drinking water and being in the shade," he said.
Sollers cautions dog walkers against letting dogs drink from puddles and ponds, because of possible harmful pollutants.
"Dogs and dog walkers should stay away from un-mown areas; these are hot-spots for ticks which can carry many different diseases. Lyme disease is prevalent in our locale," he said.
Plan ahead for summer work
McKinney said teens should start planning for summer work early. Because most places on post require employees to be at least 18 years old, CYSS' Hired! Apprenticeship Program is popular with teens.
This program provides 15 to 18- year-old youth with meaningful, professionally managed career-exploration opportunities in Morale, Welfare and Recreation facilities and other organizations located on APG.
"It is difficult for teens in this age group to find a job. Usually this is their first time working," he said. "The summer term filled quickly, with 47 teens enrolled in the program."
McKinney suggests that next year, teens should start the orientation and application process in March if they want to participate in the 2013 summer term. Teens who want to participate in the HIRED! program this year can sign up for the fall term in July. Teens not currently enrolled in the program can still participate in career training sessions and college tours.
For more information, visit www. apgmwr.com or call McKinney at 410-278-3250.
Social Sharing