Children and teens aged 8-17 can earn “rec bucks” in the city of Lafayette, Indiana (56,000), by spending an hour a day during the summer working at one of three aquatic facilities or a recreation center. The students perform such manual tasks as wiping down lounge chairs by the pool or picking up small pieces of trash. They do not operate machinery or use chemicals. The students earn enough rec bucks in an hour to obtain free admission to one of the aquatic facilities. Rec bucks can also be redeemed for snacks at recreation facility concession stands, amusement rides, and park-sponsored programs. The city also sells rec bucks in the form of gift certificates, and sends them to local social service agencies for distribution to at-risk children. Last year, in exchange for rec bucks, 160 youngsters did volunteer work under the supervision of a college student. Some “graduates” of the program have returned to work for the city. Ted Bumbleburg Interim Parks Superintendent City of Lafayette 1915 Scott Street Lafayette, IN 47904 Phone: 765/807-1503 Fax: 765/807-1513 E-mail: tbumbleburg@city.lafayette.in.us Web site: www.city.lafayette.in.us/park/Parks/Volunteer/index.htm