Spend your Summer with the City of San Antonio

Published on May 03, 2023

SAN ANTONIO (May 3, 2023) — Local youths are invited to spend their summer with the City of San Antonio. Several City departments have begun hiring for seasonal employment and will host special summer programming and camps.

 “The City of San Antonio is calling on our local youth to join the action and get involved,” said City Manager Erik Wash. “Whether you love sports, reading, arts, dance or want to earn some extra money this summer, we’ve got a program or job for you.”

SUMMER RECREATION AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS

San Antonio Parks & Recreation Summer Youth Program

The San Antonio Parks and Recreation Summer Youth Program is offered for youth ages 6-12 at school sites and 6-14 at community centers. All registered participants will receive two meals daily. Activities include traditional sports, active games, craft projects, art exploration, along with math and science enrichment. 

Those seeking a reduced fee must provide the required documentation in person for review prior to registration. Documentation to qualify for a reduced fee must be provided each year. Registration is now open. For more information, fees, dates and locations, visit SAParksandRec.com.

San Antonio Public Library

San Antonio Public Library’s (SAPL) annual summer program is back from June 1 – July 31. Featuring programs and activities for all ages, Summer with SAPL encourages San Antonio and Bexar County residents to set and work toward summer goals with their local library. Programs and activities will be available at every SAPL location in June and July. Children will receive a free book when starting their Summer with SAPL journey.

Teen Summer is also available for teenagers ages 13 – 18. Participants of Teen Summer will get a special edition teen-designed t-shirt by visiting any SAPL location. Sign-up incentives for Summer with SAPL and Teen Summer are available at all locations on a first come, first serve basis. More information is available at MySAPLs.org/Summer.

JOBS FOR YOUTHS NOW AVAILABLE

Summer Youth Program Staff and Lifeguards

Positions are available for summer youth program staff and lifeguards. The Summer Youth Program is hiring staff 18 and up for site supervisors, site staff to work with participants in their various age groups, as well as art, math and science instructors. The starting pay for these positions is $17.50 per hour.
 
The City is also hiring staff 16 and up for lifeguards and pool supervisors. Additional incentives are being offered to Aquatics positions such as a $500 incentive, paid training, and uniform stipends. Parks has hosted monthly Lifeguard Clinics since October 2022 to assist in obtaining Red Cross certification.
 
The City is hosting a Summer Job Fair & Lifeguard Clinic on Saturday, May 20 at the Ramon V. Quintero Community Center, 3100 Hiawatha from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Attendees can learn about summer jobs, chat with hiring managers, receive assistance with completing their job applications and interview on the spot.
 
Those interested can apply for available summer jobs before the event by visiting SanAntonio.gov/CareerCenter. To learn more about the Parks and Recreation Department, visit SAParksandRec.com. For questions about the positions or application assistance, call 210-207-8705.

San Antonio Department of Human Services

The City’s Department of Human Services (DHS) offers two main programs for the youth, and work alongside delegate agencies to provide summer programing across San Antonio during the summer and year-round. The ambassador summer internship program focuses on funding summer internships for college students who completed at least two semesters of college. The City received more than 600 applications to fill 200 placements. Positions have reached capacity.
 
In addition, the City’s NXT Level: AlamoPROMISE Scholars partners with Alamo Colleges District to provide the region’s only non-traditional pathway for young adults to participate in AlamoPROMISE, which provides tuition-free academic certificates and associate’s degrees.

SUMMER CAMPS

San Antonio Police Department Camp

San Antonio Police Department’s (SAPD) Summer Camp opens this summer to high school students ages 14 to 17 who are interested in law enforcement. The camp gives participants a firsthand look at what a career with SAPD is like.

• Camp one: June 12 – 14
• Camp two: July 10 - 12

The camp will be held Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. until noon. Different units provide instruction to the students throughout the day, including police scenarios, meeting with specialized units and conquering the training academy obstacle course. The camp is designed to take the attendees through the process or “life” of an officer from application and academy to patrol to follow up and specialty units. More information and registration is available on SAPD’s website.
 
SAPD also offers the Public Safety Corps (PSC) program, an year-round leadership initiative for 14-21 year old youths interested in community service and a career in law enforcement. The program includes community service events and projects, public service exercises, scenario training and law enforcement competitions. Close to 50 of SAPD’s officers are alumni from this program. To obtain more information on how to join the program, contact the nearest SAFFE substation.

San Antonio Fire Department

The San Antonio Fire Department’s (SAFD) popular program, Hero Like Her and Hero Camp are back this summer and have already reached registration capacity. Local teens will experience firefighter training exercises and will learn more about fire prevention and safety. More information is available at HeroLikeHer.com.

• Hero Like Her Camp One: June 10 & 11 
• Hero Like Her Camp Two: July 8 & 9
• Hero Camp One (co-ed): June 24 & 25
• Hero Camp Two (co-ed): July 22 & 23

San Antonio Municipal Court

The San Antonio Municipal Court provides educational opportunities for youth. Those who receive Class C offenses can be court ordered to attend youth activities as a condition of probation. The activities are scheduled with City departments and include educational and cultural topics, such as learning about geology, nature walks and visiting historical sites like the San Antonio Missions. Transportation is provided by Municipal Court Juvenile Case Managers.
 
Also offered year-round, the Court provides youth and parent classes that focus on building healthy communication between parents and their youths, as well as enrichment classes that help youths navigate difficult topics such as teen dating, underage driving and human trafficking.
 
The Court also hosts a Peer Court. Teen defendants can plead no contest or guilty and have their case heard by their peers. The Peer Court offers allows participants to resolve legal issues before they result in formal juvenile court proceedings.

Location is at Municipal Court or based on availability at the St. Mary’s University School of Law
Follows academic calendar and takes place on Saturday’s 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

San Antonio Metropolitan Health District

The Metro Health Department youth programing is year-round and includes the Mayor’s Fitness Council Student Ambassador Program, which aims to improve the health of San Antonio by providing students with the opportunity to represent the Mayor’s Fitness Council and encourages healthy living at their school campus, at home, and in their surrounding communities.
 
The student ambassador program is a two-year program that students in middle and high school can participate in to create a health and wellness focused service project that meets a need at their school campus or in the community. Additionally, the department offers the Project Worth program. The program’s mission promotes child and teen health and well-being through education, collaboration, and empowerment.