{"id":203115,"date":"2026-03-04T01:50:09","date_gmt":"2026-03-04T01:50:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/203115\/"},"modified":"2026-03-04T01:50:09","modified_gmt":"2026-03-04T01:50:09","slug":"teen-volunteer-opportunities-with-prds-sidekicks-program","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/203115\/","title":{"rendered":"Teen volunteer opportunities with PRD\u2019s Sidekicks program"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Piedmont Recreation Department is looking for teens who have a passion for working with children to make a difference as a summer volunteer with PRD\u2019s Sidekicks program. The Sidekicks program offers adaptive classes, workshops, and summer camps specifically designed for neurodiverse children \u2013 none of which would be possible without the support of teen volunteers, or \u201cTeen Sidekicks.\u201d<\/p>\n

Teen Sidekicks assist experienced instructors in ensuring a safe, fun, and inclusive recreation experience for adaptive programming participants. As a summer Teen Sidekick, you\u2019d help campers navigate an environment that they may at times find overwhelming by doing things like:
\u2022 Taking a break with a child who becomes overstimulated
\u2022 Supporting campers to work at their own pace by explaining activities and helping with project tasks (or further specialize in areas of interest)
\u2022 Offering encouragement, support, and lots of high-fives!
\u2022 Encouraging peer-to-peer engagement to foster new friendships<\/p>\n

Serving as a Teen Sidekick is a great way to complete required volunteer hours and build experience for college applications. Sidekicks program staff ensure that each Teen Sidekick has the tools they need to succeed, offering guidance, training, feedback, and one-on-one consultations throughout their volunteer experience.<\/p>\n

\"\"Teen sidekicks recognized by City Council last year<\/p>\n

Apply online by Sunday, March 29
To apply to be a Summer 2026 Teen Sidekick, submit your application online by Sunday, March 29. Volunteers must:
\u2022 Complete an interview with PRD staff
\u2022 Attend a required training and orientation on May 13, 6pm (if accepted)
\u2022 Commit to volunteering at least one week during the summer (morning or afternoon)
\u2022 Have a genuine commitment to helping children enjoy recreational activities<\/p>\n

The ideal Sidekick is responsible, punctual, patient, and enjoys working with children. Sidekicks must turn 14 by June 1, 2026 or be entering 9th grade in the fall. Experience working with elementary-aged children is a bonus, but not required.<\/p>\n

Please share this opportunity with any teens in your network who may be a good fit. The
application is available HERE<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Sidekicks adaptive programming: because recreation is for everyone
PRD\u2019s Sidekicks program began in 2021 with the aim of providing a \u201cwhole child\u201d experience for neurodiverse kids \u2013 offering opportunities to create connections with peers, feel welcomed, and thrive in recreational interests outside of school, just like their classmates and siblings.<\/p>\n

Adaptive programs are meticulously designed to meet the unique needs of neurodiverse children. Each class and camp is held in a facility carefully chosen to limit distractions, while the curriculum and pace of activities are modified to support kids and build confidence as they learn new skills.<\/p>\n

Building on adaptive classes and workshops offered throughout the year, the Summer Sidekicks program provides the opportunity for neurodiverse children to experience a fun and enriching camp experience. Over a third of last year\u2019s Sidekicks campers attended camp for the very first time!<\/p>\n

Get more information HERE<\/a>. Contact Recreation Supervisor Eva Phalen at ephalen@piedmont.ca.gov with any questions<\/p>\n

\"\"Adaptive tennis session<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The Piedmont Recreation Department is looking for teens who have a passion for working with children to make…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":203116,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[34],"tags":[143,145,144],"class_list":["post-203115","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-oakland","tag-oakland","tag-oakland-headlines","tag-oakland-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/203115","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=203115"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/203115\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/203116"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=203115"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=203115"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=203115"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}