I always had problems with summer jobs, regardless of the economy. I don't go to school remotely near where I live, and I've always felt as if I'm being punished for going to a school that wasn't UF, FSU, Auburn, or Alabama. I don't get jobs that aren't retail because the interviewer's "never heard" of the school I go to.
So, I usually work retail for about 10 weeks, being led by someone who's younger than I am. For two summers, I worked at this horrid swimwear place, where the other employees were bound for Jerry Springer.
It's getting better. I've locked in a good job where I go to school, which is a lot more bearable in the summer.
The whole job thing is why I'm going straight to grad school after I graduate.
Maybe temp work is where it's at for you?