Three Classic Summer Jobs For Teens

Are you a teenager wondering how to spend the summer? You can't go wrong with these classic teen jobs. (Air conditioning not included.)

Lifeguard

Being a lifeguard looks like the easiest teen job out there. You sit on a high chair, twirl your whistle and tan-right? Actually, there's a bit more to it. Becoming a lifeguard requires extensive training, including swimming tests, written tests and CPR certification. Once you have your basic certification, (in most places you must be at least 15 years old), you have to decide what kind of lifeguard job fits you best.

Working at a hotel pool or small community pool is a good choice for teens looking for a relaxing lifeguarding job. There are generally fewer swimmers and no diving area or deep end. This job can be boring-on overcast days you may find yourself playing a lot of solitaire-but be careful to stay alert. You may also be responsible for testing the water each hour, adjusting pool chemicals and cleaning the bathrooms (fun).

Working at a big pool or water park is the perfect job for teenagers who want an action-packed day. You'll be part of a large lifeguard team watching hundreds of people, including hordes of rambunctious kids. You may also administer swimming tests and teach swimming lessons (this can earn you a little extra cash). Staying alert is essential-you will have to rescue people.

Teens who are serious adrenaline junkies should look into beach lifeguarding jobs. You have to be in top physical shape for these positions; applicants often have to compete for open positions in swimming and running tests. Beach lifeguard pay is usually high for a teen job, from $16 to $25 per hour.

Theme park worker

There are tons of summer job opportunities for teens in amusement parks-the trick is picking one you'll enjoy. Do you have the stamina to prance around in a SpongeBob SquarePants costume all day? Can you handle wearing lederhosen and serving bratwurst? How about shouting "Please keep your hands inside the car at all times" 500 times a day?

Parks offer seasonal teen jobs in admissions, clean-up, food service, games , security and more. The work itself can be repetitive and the pay is generally a dollar or two above minimum wage, but the people-watching's always entertaining. You may meet teens from other countries who come to the U.S. to work. Hey, it's good to have a friend in Spain!

The best part of having a theme park job is the perks, like free park admission. If you're a roller coaster junkie, you may start coming to work even on your days off. And you'll suddenly become more popular when your friends find out you have a stack of free tickets.

Camp counselor

One of the best summer jobs for teens is working as a camp counselor. In just three months you bond with kids, get in shape and make close friends. You might even find a little romance on a moonlit canoe trip. Did we mention you're living far away from your parents?

There are hundreds of summer camps in the U.S.-some single-sex, some co-ed. Some camps focus on athletics or riding and some are designed for campers with disabilities. Not sure if singing "Kumbaya" is really your thing? Adventurous teens should check out jobs at wilderness camps, which focus more on physical challenges and outdoor survival.

The salary depends on your title but generally ranges from $1800 to $3000 for the summer. Compared to other teen jobs, that works out to a pretty paltry hourly wage, considering you're on duty almost 24-7. Room and board is typically free, however. On your days off you can have fun with your fellow counselors by hiking, swimming or catching a movie in town.

The downsides? Cleaning the bathrooms, dealing with pushy parents and handling that one kid who throws rocks at hornets' nests and cheats at Capture the Flag.