School's Out For Summer! Now What?
In the immortal words of Alice Cooper, “School's out for summer!” He did not, however, have the foresight to ask, “But what the heck should I do with my kids?” Not to worry, I have some ideas for you. Before you start booking your kids into summer school, coding camps, and academic enrichment programs, read this first. Because summer is a great opportunity for many reasons, not just to get ahead in math.
Summer is a time for having FUN. Especially after the year that we’ve had. We all need to let loose and play. Especially your kids. And it’s not at all a waste of time. Play is scientifically proven to be good for kids so make sure they get to do it a lot this summer - preferably outside.
Before I go on with my list, I’ll just add a disclaimer that I am also a college counselor and understand that summers can’t be completely footloose and fancy-free. Even though I wish they could be. They are a time, for many students, to “resume-build”. But I’d like to think there’s a more meaningful way to do this than to collect a bunch of achievements.
Now back to my list.
Summer can be a time to grow a skill. I often ask my students, what’s something you think you can spend 10,000 hours doing? And btw, playing League of Legends, doesn’t count. This question gets them thinking about how they like spending their time. Reading, painting, singing, running? Excellent! Set a goal and make it happen.
Summer is also an opportunity to try something new and get out of your comfort zone. I’m always encouraging my students to challenge themselves. Whether that means getting a job, going to camp with a bunch of new kids, or participating in an outdoor adventure, facing our fears and overcoming challenges (within reason) is never a bad idea. The added bonus is that these experiences provide great fodder for college essays and help kids mature and grow.
Summer is also a time to be intentional. I often ask my students, what’s a personal goal you have for yourself this summer? I get a myriad of answers in response: develop better personal habits like exercise and sleep, be more comfortable in my body, be nicer to my brother, learn to manage my stress, just to name a few. Summer is a great time for self-reflection and personal growth. For most teens, it’s just a matter of helping them identify what these areas of growth might be and making a plan to attend to them.
Summer is also a great time to bond and reconnect as a family. So beyond a family vacation, I highly recommend setting aside some time to do good in your community. Whether that’s formally through a program or organization or informally through helping out an elderly neighbor. Helping others is good for us and will help bring your family closer together.
Notice that I left academic enrichment off the list. That’s intentional and because students nowadays are over-enriched. And just like Wonder Bread, all that enrichment makes them bland and kind of soft and boring. Not to totally yuck on pre-college programs or summer school - there are times when these programs are appropriate. But it seems to me that these programs are disproportionately emphasized given all the wonders that summer can hold. Sometimes the best experience for a student is one that’s not organized or formally recognized in any way. Two of the most memorable college interviews I had were with an applicant who dumpster-dived, (dumpster-dove?) over the summer and refurbished trash and another who worked at Target. Their summer experiences were not only fun, but they were challenging and engaging in ways they never expected.
So before you shell out beaucoup bucks for some fancy pre-college program, just remember that sometimes trash can turn into treasure. If you need some helping figuring out your teen’s summer plans, reach out and connect with one of our coaches.