Angela Wilson
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (July 12/02) - Take a moment and ask 22-year-old Cory Holzer what he thinks of his summer job and he'll tell you he likes it. He likes it a lot.

"I'd say I enjoy kids and it's been lots of fun. It's good to be outside and be active...I think I'm outgoing. I think kids find me approachable and I think kids have fun with me. I think they find me understanding."

Holzer works as a counsellor for the City of Yellowknife's playground program. The program is basically a day camp for children ages five through 12.

"We have the kids from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.," he said. "We play games, go on field trips, go swimming, mini- golfing. We have fun with the kids and keep them busy."

This will be Holzer's second year working for the playground program and said the job's right up his alley.

"I worked for the city three years ago," he explained. "I did outdoor labour. I saw this program and I figured it would be a good opportunity considering my interests."

Holzer has been attending the teacher education program for the past two years through a joint program with the University of Saskatchewan and Aurora College here in Yellowknife.

Money isn't everything when looking for a summer job, he said.

"A lot of my friends are attracted to the money of the government jobs," said Holzer. "What attracts me is the opportunity to deal with the kids and be outdoors. I find the days go by quicker. You're more active, you get to enjoy the outdoors."

What draws him to work with kids? Holzer said it's all about their attitudes.

"I guess their outlook on life," he said. "Things are really simple. I find kids a lot of fun. There's no stress involved in dealing with the kids with me. Some people get really stressed out with kids, but not me."

During the time they're at the program, the children participate in a wide range of activities, including arts and crafts, parachute games, baseball, mini golfing, playing in the playground, and, Holzer's personal favourite, swimming at Ruth Inch Memorial Pool.

"I really like going to swim with the kids," he said. "It's a good time."

The kids swim three times a week during the public swim at the pool. Holzer said the kids just love the water.

"It's very rare there is a kid who doesn't want to go swimming. It's the highlight of the week, especially with the hot summer days. It's nice to cool off."

Holzer said he's heard a lot of positive feedback from parents of children involved in the program.

"A lot of parents say their kids are so exhausted when they get home because they've been having so much fun," he said.

"The parents like to know their kids are outside and having fun instead of being indoors."

Holzer said besides working with the kids, his summer job has been wonderful for one other reason.

"It's a great opportunity to get experience," he said.