Summer Programs Offer Growth, Enrichment

Summer Programs Offer Growth, Enrichment

By Ellie Boynton, Director of Content, TeenLife

As spring approaches and the school year enters its last few months, daydreams about summer plans emerge. These precious free months present opportunities to relax and reflect, and also to learn and grow and try something new—maybe something not available at school. Our database on TeenLife.com contains over a thousand different summer programs of all categories. Some of the possibilities are outlined here.

Develop Independence – All kinds of summer programs provide opportunities to develop self-awareness and self-confidence. From your traditional overnight camp amidst the mountains and lakes of New England to overseas travel, teens can grow from the experience of living away from family and taking on new responsibilities. "Simply put, camp changes lives," says Peg L. Smith, American Camp Association's® chief executive officer. "Camp, and the experience of camp, define us, even as adults. Camp has changed many lives, introduced people to new passions and broadened horizons."

Help the World – Many programs include a community service component, from mentoring children to working on a farm, building houses and other community buildings, and helping the elderly. One program allows you to share your athletic skill and experience and develop mentoring relationships with inner-city children.

Pursue a Passion – Have an interest in go-kart racing, glass blowing, filmmaking, or Japanese culture? Or sports casting or fencing or debate? Entrepreneurship or the circus? There is a program for you that will give you expert guidance in pursuing your hobby or interest.

Develop or Strengthen Your Skills – Many programs have a specific curriculum with expert staff to teach skills. A program exists for just about any sport, any musical instrument, any academic subject, and any art form. TeenLife has listings for internships, a flute orchestra, creative writing, musical theatre, biotechnology, ballet, modern dance, Spanish, soccer, guitar, lacrosse, opera, and tennis.

Explore a Different Culture – There are many overseas opportunities, which give teens the chance to improve language skills, learn about different cultures, serve needy populations, practice rock climbing or soccer, or simply travel to new places. TeenLife's website includes programs in locations as diverse as Australia, Brazil, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Ecuador, England, Fiji, France, Germany, Ghana, India, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, Singapore, South Africa, and Spain.

Thinking about college? – A pre-college residential campus experience may be for you. You can spend several weeks living in a dorm and taking courses for college credit. There are also many academic enrichment, test prep, and study skills programs.

Matt Degreeff, director of college counseling at the Middlesex School says:

My best piece of advice is that I recommend that students pursue summer opportunities that are true to themselves, their interests, and their passions, so they can link them back to what they do in their school communities. It needs to be authentic. Spending time at a program where you meet other kids who are jazzed up about the same interests and passions and then want to dig more deeply into it can only enhance a young person's growth and development. For some students, it is the first time they have been surrounded by other kids who care as deeply as them about something that is important to them.

For more specific ideas, view our 2010 Guide to Summer Programs for many opportunities!