By: Dana Leshem, Summer 365 Group Leader
School’s out for summer, school’s out forever… or so they wish! But that doesn’t mean that your teen has to sit on the couch, glued to the TV. Studies have shown how important it is for kids to be active over the summer, not only for their physical health, but also to keep up their brain activity. There are so many amazing summer programs for teens, there is no reason for your child to spend a single summer indoors. And trust us, once they get out there, they will grow and mature in ways that you may have never expected… and they’ll even thank you for it! It’s a win-win summer situation!
Teen Tours / Teen Travel
Imagine your teenager exploring the country, or even the world, while making friendships that will last a lifetime. We work with incredible programs that offer amazing trips geared towards teens, aged 12-18. Your child could bike through the Grand Canyon, taste the best foods in Italy, or even live with a family in Spain. These trips give teens the worldly experience they are yearning for, while providing them a safe and fun environment in which they can adventure, grow, and learn.
Specialty Programs / Specialty Camps
Whether your teen is a budding photographer, aspiring entrepreneur, or the next Top Chef, there is a summer program that will fuel their creative minds. If your teen excels at a certain activity, why not encourage them to pursue it? There are summer programs and camps for teens that offer amazing activities to cater to your teen’s specific interests.
Internship
There are programs that offer internships in some of the biggest cities in the world — New York, LA, London, and Shanghai — and will allow your child to get their foot in the door of “the real world,” while gaining immense knowledge and exposure to whatever industry suits them. Budding fashionistas and entrepreneurs can get the chance to learn from the best in the industry, and even start putting together a resume for the future. It’s an invaluable experience of learning and growth that your teen won’t stop raving about.
Community Service
Community service programs offer amazing, fulfilling, and meaningful experiences for teens who want to give back over the summer. Trips are offered within the United States or in places such as Costa Rica and South America, and are a great way for teens to have these eye-opening experiences. Your teen can truly make a difference in the world, and will come back from the summer as a more mature, well-rounded version of themselves
Academic Experiences
Academic and enrichment programs empower young people with the tools they need to succeed. From the University of Michigan, to Cambridge, to UCLA, various companies offer top-notch programs for students who want to further their education, and get that exposure to college and dorm life, all in a safe, age-appropriate environment. Teens can take SAT prep, classes such as Business, Painting, Sports Management, or Musicology, and follow their passions while they prepare for the college years ahead of them. These programs also offer recreational activities, including weekend excursions, to help bring balance to ambition. We have teen programs at colleges across the country and around the world.
Working at camp
If your teen wants to earn a little cash for the summer, why not send them to work at a sleepaway camp, or even your town’s day camp? This is a great way for teens to gain a sense of responsibility, and to learn the value of having a paying job. But, it’s a perfect balance because they will gain these skills while still being outdoors, playing, running, and having so much fun. Teens who have worked at camp have great experiences bonding with their campers and bringing them the joy they felt at camp themselves.
