WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-Lessons from lemonade

Burlington, Vermont - August 13, 2010

Remember what it was like to have summers off as a kid? To have no responsibilities? Some teens in Burlington can't say so.

"I love making lemonade," said Brandon McDonald, 14.

The kids are hard at work as part of a summer program through Burlington's King Street Center. The King Street Lemonade Stand is a more than 10-year-old tradition on the Church Street Marketplace.

"On the weekdays, it's not that busy, but on the weekends, it gets really busy," explained Tenzin Gurmey, 17.

King Street runs after-school and summer programs for a range of ages. The goal is providing a safe and encouraging environment. The center's free teen job club lands participants a summer gig here.

"It's better than just hanging home and doing nothing, honestly. Because that bores me," said McDonald.

The job program gives resume writing advice, interview practice, and chances for career and college exploration.

"When I apply for different jobs, it'll help me do better, because I already know how it feels to have a job," said Benjamin Nduwayo, 15.

Sales fund the operation and payroll. King Street advisors do help out back at the office, but for the most part, the teens are in charge of keeping track of their materials, ordering the fruit, making change-- and all-important customer service policies.

"If you lose focus, you'd mess up on the order," McDonald said. "And that wouldn't be good."

It's a precious window for enjoying their lemonade, limeade, orangeade and citrus blends, though; the operation closes for the season soon.

"It's really nice," Gurmey said.

At the King Street Lemonade Stand, the Made in Vermont treats are only part of the reason for being here. It's the lessons from the lemonade that make for a sweet summer for these kids.

"Now I know how jobs are like," Nduwayo said.

The lemonade stand is open from 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. outside Leunig's Bistro every day but Wednesday. A small serving is $3 and a large is $3.50.

Jack Thurston - WCAX News - Made in Vermont