Bend Park and Recreation District seeking teen volunteers, urging summer safety in parks, on Deschutes River

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Summer is quickly approaching, meaning the Bend Park and Recreation District is shifting into high gear.

"We love having teen volunteers involved with our programs at the pools and with some of our youth recreation activities," Kim Johnson, BPRD's community engagement supervisor said Monday.

This summer, your teen could be one of the 60 volunteers that help out BPRD each summer. Volunteers range from ages 12 to 18. 

Teens can be involved as volunteers at Cougar Camp located in Shevlin Park and the art-rageous art camps held at Cascade Middle School.

Youth Recreation Supervisor, Mackenzie Torres said, "A lot of students come back every year looking forward to Cougar Camp and being that kind of mentor, and something they look forward to coming to every day."

Cougar Camp volunteers go fishing with campers ages 7 to 12 years old, go on bike rides and help them with skits.

There's also opportunities to help with the Junior Lifeguard and Swim Instructor Aide programs, held at the Juniper Swim & Fitness Center and Larkspur Community Center pools.

Johnson said, "Some opportunities, like our Junior Lifeguard program, require that you attend some training and then volunteer throughout the summer. Some opportunities you can sign up for and you're volunteering for a week at a time."

 Most of the volunteer opportunities will start around June 24th. 

While it is currently windy in the High Desert, the weather will start to pick up, becoming sunnier and having a reason to float on the river and floating on the river comes with responsibilities. There are do's and dont's when it comes to it.

Last summer, park officials say they contacted 237 people who they suspected of drinking in parks.

Park Steward Manage, Jeff Hagler said, "It is a park rule and a city ordinance that no alcohol is allowed in the parks."

BPRD park stewards and others will be at Riverbend Park Wednesday. They will be educating park and river users about rules and safety practices.

Hagler said, "We encourage people they can do what they want to do before and after. But when you're in the park, just come and have a fun time without alcohol. It'll help everybody else to have a fun time as well."

Drinking in the park can lead to exclusion from all park district property for 30 days or longer. Citations and arrests are also possible from Bend Police. If you're caught drinking on the river, you could receive a citation and fine.