Do your kids vegetate in front of the TV with siliva slipping from there mouth in an Xbox or Playstation induced coma over summer break? Hopefully, at the minimum, you force your kid's to encounter the great outdoors, even if it's just your back yard. They need some form of non-digital stimulational, and should do something other than mindlessly disengage completely from their academics.
Certainly, to be fair, all kids and adults, especially those of us that work with them all year long, need a mental break from the rigors of school. Yet, we still to need stay sharp over the summer.
With that in mind, take the time now, while you're planning that great summer vacation (which is also a great activity to keep them sharp), make some time to also help your kid's "Swing into Summer" by having them take part in a summer activity. If you can't afford to pay for a camp, have them journal about your vacation adventures, or do a little photo-journalism on their next trip to the museum or ball park. That being said, there are a great number of free programs, fundraising opportunities and still other orginazations that offer scholarships or reduced fees for those with financial need.
At any rate, your kids can and should earn some college credit, travel, go to an activity based camp or take part in a volunteer program. There are many great opportunities to stay active and to continue their personal growth and development, the time to plan is now...so don't wait. Find a program or activity that is not only fun, but also challenging and personally enriching. When it comes time to submit college applications these summer adventures often set your kid appart from the rest.
Summer Camps and Opportunities Websites:
http://myfootpath.com/life-experiences/ (resource guide)
www.petersons.com/summerop/ (search tool)
There are countless sources for summer activities, camps, schools, travel, and employment that will provide your student with an enriching, educational and fun summer. Whatever their interests are, there are many great programs that will meet their needs. Summer programs will not only provide them with the opportunity to develop their current skills, sense of confidence and self-worth, but provide them with a once in a lifetime memory. Think about what kind of activity you're looking for and then peruse them by using the myfootpath or petersons websites found above, search for "Summer programs for High School students" using any of the search engines found on the web such as google, bing etc. or stop by your local guidance counselor's office to look through the numerous applications and information packets that they have compiled.
Below you'll find just a few of the many summer programs of note:
Northwestern University Experience College Various programs
University of Chicago Language Program 15+ language programs
Indiana State University Summer Honors Two week seminars
Southern Illinois University Architecture Camps
US Military Academy Leaders Seminar 2 week long sessions
Washington University Summer Scholars 4 week long sessions
Bradley University Summer Enrichment Nursing, Engineering...
Pratt Institute( New York) Pre-College Program
Jr. Statesmen Foundation Political Debate National Program
Grinnell College Summer Institute Preview College life
Western Illinois Univ. Adventures in Filmmaking
Boston University PROMYS (Math/Science)
Savannah College of Art & Design Rising Star Various Sessions
Chicago College of Pharmacy in cooperation with Walgreen and Osco Drug Career Explorers Program
Student's who complete the program receive a $1,200 stipend
UC Santa Barbara, UCLA, UC San Diego, University of Michigan, Georgetown University, University of Vermont, Cambridge University, and the University of Sydney (Australia) Summer Discovery featuring Discovery Works Community service Research Mentorship Pre-College Program
Brown University, Harvard University, Georgetown University Pre-College Program Various programs
Northern Illinois University Academic Camps 6 Academic Areas
Lake Forest College Writing & Thinking Workshop
Outward Bound Adventure Outdoor
http://www.outwardbound.org/
Habitat for Humanity Volunteer Program
www.habitat.org/cd/local
Kendall College Culinary College
Purdue University Excel Enrichment Programs for Gifted and Talented Youth
www.purdue.edu/geri
Eastern Illinois University Leadership & College Prep Camp for Minority students
