July 15, 2026 | By Dani Young, Communications and Marketing Specialist

A unique summer work experience allows teen participants from our Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) to give back to the camp many of them attended as children.

Advantage CLE Tennis and Education hosts a summer camp that offers the perfect blend of recreation and learning. Serving children ages 6–13, the program combines tennis, wellness, literacy, poetry and STEM activities to create a well-rounded summer experience. Campers also enjoy special events throughout the summer, including field day, talent show and carnival days.

The camp provides such a lasting impact, many campers return as junior counselors, including three SYEP participants this year who had been going to the camp since they were six years old.

“It feels amazing,” SYEP participant Kalia said. “It feels like you get a part of all the adult conversations and all the activities they do. And it's a different experience other than being a camper.”

Our SYEP participants serve as junior camp counselors and classroom assistants, supervising children, assisting with classroom activities and supporting camp staff.

“We love having teens on our staff through Y.O.U.,” said Jenna Alfieri, Academic Program & Marketing Director. “Our teens are able to bond and connect with our students who look up to them as mentors and keep the energy going throughout the summer months.”

“It’s very rewarding and heart-warming to see our past campers now in a role as staff members,” Alfieri added “It encapsulates everything we do and the family we create here at summer camp and we’re honored to give them this job experience through Y.O.U.”

For many counselors, the annual talent show is one of the highlights of the summer.

“My favorite part right now is us doing the talent show,” said Jamiya, who is in her second year working with Y.O.U. and Advantage CLE. “I'm in like 6 or 7 different ones. I'm in a lot of dances and have learned a lot. It will be very fun.” As a camper, she had especially enjoyed the Poetry Slams, where kids had the opportunity to use their voice and express how they feel.

“I'm in the talent show with them,” Kalia added. “So we're dancing and you gotta interact, make them smile, have fun. That’s probably the best part is making them smile, making sure they have fun and being there for them.”

SYEP participant Arimani said that she enjoys working with the kids and her favorite part is “that every kid gets along here”.

They all agreed working at a camp is a great first job experience, providing a fun opportunity to get out of the house and earn some money.

“Yes, I recommend Y.O.U.,” Kalia said. “It's a great experience. At orientation, you find out what job we're going to. It's a good experience. You can get excited and get nervous about what job you're going to attend — and you don’t know where you’re go. So, it's fun to, like, get a surprise.”

Jamiya said, “I recommend going to a camp if you do it because I feel like you're going to have fun, you’re really going to get into it and you’re gonna wanna go back. I love it.”

Each of the participants interviewed said that patience was the number one skill they have learned in their work experience.

“Patience. A lot of patience,” Arimani, an incoming freshman, said. “And every kid is not the same. You don’t know what the kids have going on at home.”

“I feel like if you're working at a camp, don't just be in it for the money,” Arimani added. “Because the kids take patience. If you come in here, whatever’s going on outside, leave it outside. Because the kids need your undivided attention.”

Kalia noted that she also learned how to be more confident being in front of big crowds and being around kids. “So that's a new skill too, learning how to interact and socialize with other people.”

Although tennis is a central part of camp, our participants say experience with the sport isn't necessary.

“If you feel like you can't find yourself in a sport, you can probably find yourself in tennis,” Jamiya said, adding that though she is more of a basketball type, she would like to get more into tennis as well. She hopes to get into a nursing program and dreams of playing basketball at college.

Even early on in their career journey, many of the SYEP participants noted they are interested in exploring nursing or being a teacher.

Our participants say they recommend the program for both campers and counselors.

“Overall, my experience is very good. I really like it here,” Kalia said. “I love all the kids. They're very happy, joyful, and they make me learn new things every day.”

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