Unlocking Opportunities for Teens: Finding the Right Summer Experience
The teenage years—from middle to high school—are a crucial time for personal growth and self-discovery. With the right programs, every teen can develop their skills, interests, and future aspirations while still having fun. There are generally four types of teens, and through tailored programming, each can be guided toward college preparedness with a strong sense of direction.
Teen Sleepaway Camps
For first-time campers and those looking for a break from the pressures of the school year, sleepaway camps provide a chance to stay young, playful, and relaxed. These programs typically accept children 12 and older and offer a mix of traditional activities with flexible programming, ensuring teens enjoy their summer in a fun and low-pressure environment.
Pre-College Programs
For academically inclined teens, pre-college programs offer enrichment and hands-on experiences in a campus setting. Students usually live in dormitories and participate in a combination of academic courses, athletics, workshops, and travel. These programs range from general enrichment to intensive study in a chosen field. Our P2P Program—Passion to Proficiency for Teens allows us to design a customized experience to help future college applicants build their resumes and refine their interests.
Travel & Outdoor Adventure Programs
From teen tours and language immersion to hiking, backpacking, and community service, adventure programs allow teens to explore the world with purpose. It’s important to select an age-appropriate group, as there is a significant difference in maturity between younger high school students and those about to graduate. These experiences can also complement pre-college programs by providing hands-on, real-world applications of classroom learning.
Life-Changing Experiences
Whether within the U.S. or abroad, transformational travel programs can open a teen’s eyes to different cultures, challenges, and perspectives. These programs can be tailored to meet specific interests, housing preferences, location, duration, and budget. Meaningful travel experiences often inspire teens to appreciate their opportunities and find ways to contribute to the world.
Specialty Programs
For teens passionate about a specific skill or field, specialty camps offer intensive summer training in everything from ballet to baseball, cooking to coding, and fine arts to field hockey. These programs provide an opportunity for skill development that can be continued throughout the school year, helping teens build strong credentials for their future.
Gap Year Programs
Taking a gap year between high school and college has become an increasingly popular option for personal growth and exploration. If this is a path you’re considering, we have vetted programs worldwide that offer safe, enriching, and age-appropriate experiences to help students gain independence and valuable life skills.
Special Needs Programs
For children with unique learning or social needs—including ADD, ADHD, AS, HFA, LD, or PDD-NOS—finding the right camp is essential. Early identification and intervention can make a significant difference, and we can help find a summer program that empowers your child in a supportive environment. All conversations are strictly confidential.