VOLUNTEER - Junior Leader Program

The City of Appleton Parks and Recreation Department is proud to offer our Playground Junior Leader Volunteer Program.

This structured volunteer opportunity is designed for motivated youth ages 14–16 who are interested in developing leadership skills, gaining hands-on experience working with children, and learning what it takes to be a positive and responsible role model within our community recreation programs.

Junior Leaders will participate in a brief 10-minute Microsoft Teams meet-and-greet interview in May to ensure they understand the expectations, time commitment, and professional standards required of this volunteer role.

This volunteer opportunity is ideal for youth interested in future employment with the Parks and Recreation Department, education, coaching, or leadership roles within the community. Junior Leaders will gain valuable experience in teamwork, responsibility, communication, and youth engagement.

Examples of Duties

Examples of Duties:
Junior Leaders will work alongside Playground Leaders to support daily programming and help create a safe, welcoming, and engaging environment for all participants.
Responsibilities include:

• Setting a positive example for younger children through respectful behavior and leadership.
• Assisting Playground Leaders with organizing and facilitating activities such as sports, games, arts and crafts, and group events.
• Supporting special events and field trips as assigned.
• Helping maintain a clean and organized park environment (garbage pick-up, light shelter clean-up, equipment organization).
• Encouraging participation and inclusion among all children.
• Demonstrating responsibility, punctuality, and professionalism at all times.

Typical Qualifications

Typical Qualifications:
To serve as a Junior Leader Volunteer, applicants must meet the following expectations:

• Be between 14 and 16 years of age.
• Demonstrate maturity, reliability, and a willingness to learn.
• Have an interest in working with children (experience in teaching, babysitting, or coaching preferred but not required).
• Be energetic, enthusiastic, and able to work collaboratively with staff and peers.
• Be comfortable assisting in the supervision of children ages 6–13.
• Follow and help enforce all park and playground program rules.
• Accept and follow direction from Playground Leaders.
• Commit to a consistent weekly schedule.

Supplemental Information

Commitment Requirements:

• Minimum commitment of 6 hours per week.
• Program runs Wednesday, June 10 – Thursday, August 13.
• Mandatory 2-hour orientation on Tuesday, June 9.
• Participation in a 10-minute virtual Microsoft Teams interview in May. Date and Time will be determined later.