Van Buren Township’s The R.E.A.L. program (Realizing Exceptionally Amazing Leaders) has been around since 2017, and it continues to be a popular initiative with those who are fortunate enough to be accepted into the program.

The summer youth employment program helps young people aged 14-24 gain experience in being employed while also helping out senior citizens in the community. It continues to evolve by offering team building activities – in the first week alone, the participants receive CPR/First Aid/AED training and certifications, and poison ivy identification, as well as training on the yard work equipment.

The R.E.A.L. program lasts for six weeks, and participants are guaranteed 20 hours a week. Van Buren Township staff provide transportation daily to each work, conference and training location.

Job responsibilities include being able to work outdoors, performing light yard and park maintenance. Participants are supervised by township staff during all work and breaktime activities.

Crew members receive competitive hourly wages, with an increase for those participating in the program for a second year. The program also provides the opportunity to be a group leader, with an elevated wage given for the extra responsibilities of the position.

Applications are reviewed by the Director of Parks as well as members of the Community Services Department. Interviews take place at township hall in the afternoon and evenings to allow those in school or working during the day an opportunity to participate.

We are looking for individuals who:
Have a great attitude and work ethic
Can perform the job responsibilities

“Throughout the summer, our REAL crew not only learned about work ethic, they also learned how to interact with our seniors, and to be respectful in a variety of situations,” said Jason Locke, director of parks, about the 2024 season. “As a group, we discussed the situations that we were working in, how to evaluate what needed to be done, and how to prioritize tasks as well as personal needs while working in various weather conditions.”

Applications for The R.E.A.L program are due by May 28. Interviews will be the first week of June. To learn more, contact Director Locke at jlocke@vbtmi.gov or by phone at (734) 643-9495.

“I am looking forward to another great summer with our summer youth employment program, The R.E.A.L.!” he said.