If a person acts like a brat, it's not typically a good thing. But a group of kids in Phoenix are changing the way their community feels about Brats. They're the Bridge House Brats and they're serving their community by cleaning and welcoming boaters, among other things. Our Iris St. Meran tells us why it's cool to be a brat, at least in Phoenix.

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PHOENIX, N.Y. -- Monday through Saturday, a group of about 70 kids make sure this area along the Oswego Canal stays clean.

"We have to water plants. If there's recyclables, bottles and cans, we take them and with the money, we give it back to the Bridge House," said Bridge House Brat Daniel Frawley.

Giving back is what being a Bridge House Brat is all about. The program started about 10 years ago to give youth living nearby something to do and allow them to have a stake in their neighborhood. It's grown in popularity because these kids know it's good to be bratty.

Bridge House Brat Meganne Murphy said, "When you think of a Bridge House Brat, they're caring and they're responsible. They respect their community. They pick up everything and they're just good."

The Bridge House Brats are only here during the summer, but the skills they receive in this short amount of time will be valuable in the future.

Bridge House Brats Director Cathy Lee said, "They fill out an application. And they have an interview just like a real job. And they're told the good parts and bad parts about a job because maybe they don't want to do garbage."

They learn what it means to be part of a team and leadership skills. One brat is already thinking about his future.

Tyler Gabriele said, "I might take over Cathy's spot one day."

But in the meantime, they make sure these visitors from Virginia feel at home on their return trip to the Lock.

"We stop by here just because it's a nice place and we enjoy it. We feel welcomed," said Kilmarnock, Virginia resident Floyd Hollister.

And that's what these youngsters would call the Bridge House Brat treatment.

They're always looking for new brats to add to the program. To learn more about what they do on the Lock, visit www.bridgehousebrats.com.