Penfield Recreation Summer Camp and Aquatics teams receive special recognition from Supervisor Jeff Leenhouts in the August Staff Spotlight feature

Penfield, New York – As the summer season winds down and the school year edges closer, the Penfield community is pausing to celebrate the people who worked tirelessly to make this summer both memorable and meaningful. In the August Staff Spotlight, Supervisor Jeff Leenhouts placed well-deserved recognition on the Penfield Recreation Summer Camp and Aquatics teams, whose dedication ensures that hundreds of local children experience safe, engaging, and joyful summer days.

For Penfield Recreation, the months of July and August mark the peak of activity. Between day camps, swim lessons, and endless hours of games and learning, these programs are at the heart of the town’s summer rhythm. What most don’t see, however, is the effort behind the scenes—long hours of planning, early mornings filled with preparation, and the ongoing teamwork needed to keep things running smoothly. Nearly 70 seasonal staff members carried that responsibility this summer, building an atmosphere where campers and swimmers alike could learn, grow, and create lasting friendships.

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It’s more than just logistics. It’s about human connection. The counselors, lifeguards, and program staff invest themselves fully, creating spaces that children look forward to returning to every single day. “Counselors develop such a connection with the kids, and I am so lucky to be part of this work,” said Penfield Community Center Summer Camp Site Director AJ Kimmins. “It’s more than a summer job. This work has positively impacted me in so many ways, including inspiring me to become a teacher.”

That spirit of mentorship and encouragement is what sets Penfield’s summer programming apart. For many staff members, this work goes far beyond a seasonal role—it shapes career goals, sparks passions, and strengthens community ties. At the same time, for children and their families, it provides reassurance that their kids are in caring hands.

The town made sure that those efforts didn’t go unnoticed. On August 8, an appreciation breakfast was held to recognize the entire team and to shine a spotlight on several counselors who stood out during the summer session. Award winners included:

• Katie Belair – Pee Wee Site Award
• Payton Szczepaniak – Scribner Site Award
• Connor Cook – Scribner Site Award
• Morgan Szydlowski – PCC Site Award
• Jay Slaven – PCC Site Award
• Sadie Siracusa – Art Appreciation Award
• Connor Chans – Phil Palmer Award

These names represent just a fraction of the impact, but they reflect the commitment across the board. Each counselor, whether recognized formally or not, played a role in shaping experiences that kids will carry with them long after the summer fades.

“The memories made at Penfield Rec will stick with kids for the rest of their lives,” added Supervisor Jeff Leenhouts. “We are fortunate to have an amazing group working our summer programming, and I want to thank them for everything they do.”

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The acknowledgment underscores an important truth: community programs thrive because of people. Without the energy, patience, and creativity of the Summer Camp and Aquatics staff, the scale and success of Penfield’s summer offerings simply wouldn’t be possible.

As families look back on camp songs, swim lessons, and countless small adventures from this season, the staff’s impact is everywhere. From building confidence in the pool to fostering new friendships on the playground, their work has left a lasting imprint.

Another summer has come and gone, but the gratitude remains. Thanks to the Penfield Recreation team, hundreds of children spent these months not just occupied, but enriched—learning, laughing, and growing in a safe and welcoming environment.

And with this recognition, the message is clear: Penfield Recreation staff, both in summer camp and aquatics, are more than seasonal employees. They are mentors, role models, and community builders.