By: Greg Stanczyk, Program Manager
Teen Camp was established as its own day camp in the summer of 2015. This program has not only proven its success through a response in registration with 6 field trips a session, but also from our teen guided experiences. Last year, our Teen Camp competed against Oak Park teens in a Cardboard Boat Regatta at our Pool on Pacific! Teens constructed cardboard boats and paddles by utilizing lose articles designated by the Program Manager and his Site-Supervisors. Site-Supervisors observed as our teen campers took the lead as they discussed and designed their approach to their cardboard boat challenge.
Program Manager, Greg Stanczyk, says, “Teen Camp is all about developing life skills, while participating in new recreational and leisure pursuits. Our teen campers see the benefits of working in a group environment and learn how to manage their behaviors when given increased responsibly. When we have a field trip in downtown Chicago our camp utilizes public transportation routes like the Metra Train, CTA Bus Routes and even a Water Taxis. The Park District of Franklin Park’s hope that as our former teen campers apply for seasonal employment opportunities in our day camp and aquatic environments when they become of age.”