What does it take to become a youth recreation leader?
To be a youth recreation leader, you:
- Must be 16 years or older.
- Must be currently attending high school or have a high school diploma or equivalent. (Note: Kids Inc. hours start earlier than high school release time)
- Applicants with previous childcare or education assistant experience also qualify for Team Lead position.
Not exactly sure what this takes? Talk to a recruiter or read the drop-down information below.
What does a youth recreation leader do?
During the school year:
After a full day of school, kids need some down time to be care-free and our youth recreation leaders lead activities while creating a safe and enriching environment. The Youth Recreation Leader is responsible for instructing classes and leading activities. You will interact with youth through developmentally appropriate crafts, games, and/or other planned activities.
You’ll learn to :
- Create daily plans for classes and activities
- Adapt activities as needed to meet the abilities and needs of individuals
- Communicate effectively with the public, including parents and guardians
See the job description for more information.
In the summer:
In the summer, we have even more fun with full- and partial-day camp programs. We offer themes and activities to engage children and spark curiosity. Programs may be offered indoors or outdoors with field trips too. For many families, summers in our camps is an annual tradition.
See the job description for more information.
What are the hours?
During the school year:
Kids Inc. operates after school Monday to Friday from September to June.
Three schedules available (part-time hours)
| Monday through Friday | 15 – 20 hours per week |
| Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday | 10 – 15 hours per week |
| Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday | 10 – 15 hours per week |
Kids Inc. Hours
| Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday | 2 pm to 5:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 12:30 pm to 5:30 pm |
No school days hours vary.
In the summer:
Hours may vary, but are typically Monday to Friday from morning to late afternoon, mid-June through August.
What's the hiring process like?
Great question! Thanks for reviewing this position.
You can request your interview now.
You can also complete an application on our Current Job Opportunities webpage. Applicants are asked to provide certification that they are a veteran or disabled veteran to receive veteran’s preference. Your application and submitted responses to the supplemental questions will be the information we use for our evaluation.
Training:
Next, you’ll begin your training as a paid employee. Youth recreation leaders work in a small team and training will begin and continue as needed so you feel supported and confident. Hurray!
Did you know that afterschool Kids Inc. positions offer paid scholarships and internships for high school and college students?
That’s right! If you’re a current Bend La-Pine high school student or a COCC or OSU-Cascades college student, there are opportunities for paid employment and internships or scholarships.
COCC & OSU-Cascades Students:
- Kids Inc. Youth Recreation Leader 2 or 3 paid employment
- Up to $5,250 annual paid scholarship
- Learn more.
Bend La-Pine high school students:
- Kids Inc. Youth Recreation Leader 1 paid internship
- School credit
- Learn more.
Looking for school year and/or year-round employment?
No matter the season, Bend Park and Recreation youth recreation leaders are on the job providing outstanding programming and care for children.
If you are looking for school year and/or year-round employment, we’d love to connect with you about opportunities in the Kids INC afterschool childcare program. For 2023-24 school year positions, openings posted in mid-July.
Take the next step!
Questions? We’re here to help!
For Recruitment and Application Questions:
Our District Office hours are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, closed on holidays.
BPRD RecruitingHiring questions? Call or email:
Send email to
Bend Park and Recreation District is an Equal Opportunity Employer
The District is committed to equal opportunity for all persons. It is the District’s policy to employ, retain, promote, terminate and otherwise treat all employees and job applicants on the basis of merit, qualifications, and competence. This policy shall be applied without regard to any individual’s gender, gender identity (individual’s actual gender identity, appearance, expression or behavior differs from that traditionally associated with the individual’s sex at birth, or is transitioning gender), sexual orientation, race, color, religion, veteran status, national origin, age, marital status, political affiliation, or physical or mental disability or which, with reasonable accommodation, does not prevent the employee from adequately performing the essential functions of the position, or any other status protected by the law unless based on a bona fide occupational qualification.