Hometown Hero: VIP Volunteer Kaitlin Young

On a Sunday in July, 13-year-old Kaitlin Young sits in the Kid Zone of the city of Agoura Hills' Concert in the Park event, supervising crafts projects along with her fellow VIP volunteers. 

"Today we're doing shakers," Young explains to her young guests, while decorating her own homemade tambourine with feathers. "I really love working with kids. This is my first year, and I absolutely love it." 

Young's enthusiasm shows in her weekly commitment of 20 to 30 hours per week. She helps with the city's Concert and Picnic in the Park series, as well as volunteers at the Reyes Adobe Museum and the Recreation Center office. 

"She is amazing—so mature, so outgoing," said Director of Community Services Amy Jones-Brink, who is a high school best friend of Young's mother. "I can't believe she's not even 14 yet."  

Young is one of 60 youths, ages 11 to 17, who will be volunteering this summer.

Operating in Agoura Hills for over 20 years, Volunteers Inspire Progress originally started as a program to help Agoura Hills kids gain valuable work experience and explore possible future vocations. 

"The program helps them make valuable use of their free time during the summer," said Brink, "when they are too old for summer camp, but too young to work."

Although Young turns 14 next month, she sounds like she is well into her twenties as she describes her many future interests and possible future careers. 

"Long-term, I do want to go to college. I've gotten into psychology and political science. I love English literature, and astronomy. I am way into the stars," Young said, pausing before continuing. "I think about being a college professor. I would like to teach many things, so we'll see."

Young's hobbies include reading, writing short stories, and painting.  She also loves music and considers learning an instrument, possibly guitar.  Next school year, when she starts high school, she would like to get into sports, probably soccer or volleyball.

The Young Family is considering a move to Ventura, but Young will be back next summer, no matter where her family lives, she said. Her mom has already promised to drive her down. 

"This is a great program," she said. "I recommend it to anyone."