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Lifeguarding is often seen as a casual summer job, but it’s much more than that; it's a vital service that saves lives and ensures safety at pools, beaches, and aquatic facilities. Lifeguards are the first responders in aquatic emergencies. They are trained to prevent accidents, respond swiftly to incidents, and provide critical first aid. The role of a lifeguard requires a unique set of skills and extensive training, making lifeguard certification programs essential for anyone looking to pursue this rewarding career.

In 2018, J staff member Sarah Segestrom died by suicide at the age of 16. The loss of Sarah had a profound impact on our community, with teens, parents, grandparents, and educators seeking support in helping themselves and those they care about through mental health struggles.

5 years ago, Sarah’s journey and memory inspired the creation of the Wellness Summit, a program with goals of opening up honest lines of communication around mental health and reducing the stigma around mental illness. Over the last five years, the Wellness Summit has been a forum for sharing grief, learning about the impact of mental health, and finding ways to cope as a community.

Does the idea of sitting at a desk all day make you feel physically sick? Are you happiest when spending time outside, being active, with other people? Do you enjoy working with a team of supportive, like-minded people? Are you a student looking for a seasonal job that is both enjoyable and will make a good addition to your resume? If the answer to any of those questions is "yes," then a job as a camp counselor might be the right fit for you. As a member of a summer camp staff team at a place like Siegel JCC, you'll get to experience a truly unique opportunity to grow as a leader and a person—while also having the time of your life. 

For parents of adolescents and pre-teens, the question of what to do with your kid over the summer can be a stressful one. Kids at that age are too old for daycare, but too young for a job. And while some older kids are trustworthy and mature enough to be left at home alone, many parents worry that leaving them to their own devices will keep them on their devices all day, every day—not a great way to spend a summer. 
Even as they mature, kids can still benefit from structured, positive activities, time to socialize, and supervision by trusted adults. If you're looking for something that checks all those boxes, summer camps for older kids offer all that and more. Here, we've outlined a few of the benefits of summer camp for teens and adolescents.

Looking for a summer program for your teen? Here are a few of our favorites!