Summer Camp Programming and Reaccreditation Intern - On-Site Summer 2026 Internship

Intern Sarasota County is proud to be #VaultRanked as one of the Top 150 Internships for 2026!

Department:

Parks Recreation and Natural Resources

About Our Job

Looking for a fun and exciting internship? The Recreation and Neighborhood Parks (RNP) division of the Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources (PRNR) department has an incredible opportunity for students majoring in recreation, education, or nonprofit management. This internship offers comprehensive experience in the recreation field through involvement in planning, reporting, and implementing programs and events. This intern will play a key role in organizing the annual Back-to-School Resource Fair, assist with reporting and coordinating activities for the summer reading program, and assist with tasks related to ACA (American Camp Association) reaccreditation. They will be involved in many aspects of summer camp, including training and on-site help. There will also be opportunities to assist with Therapeutic Recreation programs. Additionally, they will have the chance to collaborate with other divisions within PRNR, gaining valuable exposure to the broader scope of recreation services. Interns will develop essential skills in program and event management, customer service, teamwork, problem-solving, written communication, project management, and critical thinking. 

This role also includes collaboration with RNP and other divisions within Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources, giving you exposure to a variety of functions within the department and allowing you to develop a well-rounded skill set. By the end of the internship, you'll have valuable hands-on experience in operations management, problem-solving, and teamwork.

Job Description:

Are you interested in getting hands-on experience in your chosen field? Do you want to make a difference in your community?

Intern Sarasota County is dedicated to providing students with an unsurpassed learning experience and insight into the dynamic world of public sector employment.

Develop new skills you can apply in the workplace. Gain skills that will enhance your resume and increase your career options while exploring public service! Observe and participate in tasks and responsibilities performed daily by skilled professionals. Experience workplace culture, office dynamics, and business etiquette.

Your internship will include impactful hands-on work within a department, networking, professional development, and building long lasting connections with other interns, mentors, and Sarasota County team members.

Department Responsibilities:

• Display leadership in planning and directing recreational activities while assisting with the planning process and/or implementation of youth, adult, senior, and family programming for the Recreation and Neighborhood Parks division.
• Provide highest level of customer service to participants.
• Participate in the planning committee for Back-to-School Resource Fair.  
• Prepare weekly reports and other documents such as activity and statistical reports for the Summer Reading Program.
• Plan and implement activities for National Summer Learning Week.
• Coordinate and ensure compliance with ACA reaccreditation standards.    
• Attend meetings that include division staff meetings, staff training and department meetings.
• Assist with Therapeutic Recreation programs.
• Support administrative tasks of special projects and reports.
• Perform related work as required.
• Collaborate with your department colleagues to make and influence real changes.

Internship Program Responsibilities:

• A presentation to the County Administrator and other County Leadership staff is required at the close of the internship program on Friday, August 7, 2026.
• Participate in all organized intern events and trainings.

Your Internship Includes: 

• In-person, on-site work!
• Competitive wage 
• Hands-on work experience
• Professional headshot
• 1-1 mentoring with county staff
• Professional Development Events:
  • Civics 101 & Facility Tour
  • Own Your Career
  • Business Etiquette & Professional Networking
  • Philanthropy & Your Career
  • Board of County Commission Public Hearing Session
  • Speaking for Success
• Opportunity to job shadow in other departments

Location: Twin Lakes Park, 6700 Clark Road, Sarasota

Learn more about the internship program at: scgov.net/intern

About You

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ages 16-17 with parental consent, or 18 and above.
• Eligible to work in the United States – we love local, national, and international students!
• Active, enrolled student.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Programming experience.
• Enjoys working with children.

Subject to Passing Substance Screening: This position is subject to passing a pre-employment substance screening. An applicant who fails to pass a required drug screening test shall be disqualified from employment for a period of five (5) years.

About Everything Else

• Program Dates: The 2026 internship program will begin on May 18, 2026 and end on August 7, 2026.  
• Internship Hours: 40 hours/week. Schedule will vary Monday-Saturday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Hours may vary due to special events, camp operations and other needs.
• Pay Range: $15 per hour (high school student) up to $20 per hour (Grad/Masters student), based on your credit hours earned.