Piedmont proclaims Sept. 3 "Teen Sidekick Day," honoring teen volunteers who support neurodiverse campers

Mayor Jennifer Kavanaugh opened the meeting and read a proclamation declaring Sept. 3, 2024, "Teen Sidekick Day" to recognize the city recreation department’s Sidekicks program for supporting neurodiverse school‑age children.

"The Piedmont rec department offered 5 adaptive camps during the summer of 2024 exclusively for neurodiverse campers and during these adaptive camps, 34 teen sidekicks assisted camp instructors with activities to provide an amazing camp experience for 25 campers," the proclamation states. Recreation Supervisor Eva Phelan introduced the teens and described the program’s growth from two after‑school programs into year‑round and summer offerings. "I'm Eva Phelan. I'm the recreation supervisor for the Piedmont Recreation Department," she told the council. Phelan said every program detail — from facility specifications to instructor training — is designed to be inclusive and safe.

Two teen volunteers and a parent spoke about their experiences. Hannah Sweeting described returning for a third summer and the personal rewards of watching campers develop social and recreational skills. "Sidekicks isn't just a learning experience... it's learning how to communicate with parents and staff, how to problem solve," she said. Joseph Seal, a high school senior and three‑year volunteer, said continuity mattered: he described a camper who began in tennis camp at age six and later returned to camps on his own — a sign the program had fostered lasting growth.

A parent who identified herself as Nhu praised the teen volunteers for being "responsible and empathetic" and said the program enabled her son to join after‑school and summer activities. The council invited the volunteers and families to a group photograph after the proclamation. The recognition highlights the city's investment in inclusive youth programming and the role of volunteers in expanding access to recreation for neurodiverse children.