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There is Still Time to Plan Your Teen’s Summer ......!
May arrived early this year. Everyone was busy with work, school, and sports, and now the summer is almost upon us, and your teen has not yet made plans. Do not despair! It is not too late. While some programs may be filled, there are still many options open for your teenager.
First, you must narrow down the choices. The options are more varied now than ever before. Your teenager needs a combination of work and play to keep mentally, emotionally and physically stimulated all summer long. Which of the following interests him/her: academics, community service, internships, language, leadership, specialties or travel?
If your teen would like to pursue academics over the summer months, he/she must choose the type. Enrichment classes offer either credit or non-credit value for high school and college. Gifted curricula are also available, as well as research opportunities. These programs typically take place on college or boarding school campuses, as do remedial courses, which can assist students in areas of need. Another option is college prep courses: SAT tutoring, diagnostic tests, as well as college application writing, essay and creative writing workshops, and college tours. These are offered as stand-alone options or in tandem with enrichment programs.
There is a growing interest in community service programs for the summer. These involve hands-on projects where students volunteer their time physically and mentally, to assist underprivileged, handicapped or indigent communities and/or people. Some of these programs may be integrated into an academic enrichment curriculum; most take place in rural areas both in the U.S., abroad and some third world nations. Options can involve foreign language and/or home stays as well.
If your teen is ready for independence and responsibility, internships are a great option to consider. These are in-field opportunities where qualified teens get hands-on experience in a variety of occupations and careers. Focuses can include: advertising, architecture, business, culinary arts, education, entertainment, fashion, film, finance, hospitality, journalism, sports management, theatre, veterinary medicine and more. Most internship programs require a minimum of age 16 and/or completion of the high school sophomore grade.
Leadership programs include courses offered in academic enrichment programs, field-like opportunities in academic settings that give students exposure to leaders in different industries and hands-on experience in mock/role playing scenarios. Focuses include art, business, engineering, forensic science, international diplomacy, law, medicine and health care, politics and more. Another option involves outdoor leadership skills taught in advanced adventure trips that may require previous experience and a minimum age.
Specialties are very popular, as students and athletes hone their particular skills, so that they can market themselves to colleges and coaches. Alternatively, others work on skills that need improving. Most take place on private/boarding school and university properties domestically and abroad, and are run by separate organizations or schools/universities themselves. Examples include: academics, arts, disciplinary, fitness/nutrition, special needs, and sports.
Language programs have long been popular amongst teens. There are learning and/or immersion options. Locations are typically in countries of the spoken language; settings are rural, suburban, coastal or urban. Residential or home stay options, as well as a combination of both, are available. Some programs combine travel and/or community service with language study, exposing students to different dialects and culture variations.
Teen tours and wilderness/adventure trips offer an organized way to visit places a teen may not otherwise experience. Consider your child’s primary reason for travel—socialization, touring, physical interests, cultural exposure; be sure to investigate the types of teens who are typically attracted to these various programs.
Finally, your child may want to combine more than one of these options so that they can accomplish multiple objectives
