Since 1991, the White Center Teen Program has provided leadership training and first-time employment opportunity to youth in underserved King County communities. Since its inception, the WCTP has hired and trained more than 150 recreation aides to support programs in White Center and Skyway. This summer, 2 teen leaders and 10 Rec Aides supported activities at Skyway Park. 

Summer Rec Aides from the White Center Teen Program
with Parks staff table at Skyway Park.

While programs varied throughout the weeks, Rec Aides led sports and athletic activities and facilitated arts, crafts, storytelling, and games. “One family attended program every day we were in the park and thanked us for making their summer,” says Rec Aide Landon Saephan.

This summer, the aides led a visit to the Skyway Library where they shared youth games like monster masks, mancala boards, flappy birds, and frog tales. They also created Skyway Park tees that feature local flora and fauna, which were printed by the local company Left Coast Screen Printing.

Jimmy Phan and Landon Saephan show off
Skyway Park t-shirts printed by a local company.

The aides also supported recent special events like the Juneteenth Celebration at Campbell Hill Elm, the Skyway Park Field Day, and the Health and Safety Fair hosted by the Skyway Fire Department.

Summer Rec Aides welcome families to the Picnic Shelter at Skyway Park.

Recruitment for the Rec Aides program takes place every spring. Reach out to Darlene Sellers at darlene.sellers@kingcounty.gov, if you know a teen who’s interested!