High school is a period of personal growth and exploration, and one of the best ways to take advantage of this time is by joining a summer program. During the school term, students are juggling multiple subjects, projects, and assignments, with little time to immerse themselves in specific interests or career paths that may not be part of the standard curriculum.
Summer programs bridge the gap between traditional school years and a professional career. Students can explore their interests, gain meaningful experiences, and enhance their college applications as well as develop new skills and build confidence. In this article, we’ll share expert advice on summer program options and how to choose an experience that will make your summer not only worthwhile, but unforgettable.
Summer program options
The world is your oyster when it comes to summer programs. There are wide-ranging options available across global locations, from academic programs that provide college credits, to adventure camps for thrill seekers, or art camps if you wish to explore artistic endeavors. Immersing yourself in a foreign language by attending an overseas summer program or completing a gap year before college can also offer unique experiences.
Choosing the right summer program can seem challenging with so many options available. Understanding the pros and cons of each program type can help you to make informed decisions and ensure you make the most out of the experience. Here are seven summer program categories to consider to help you get started:
1. Academic courses
Looking to get a head start in the upcoming school year or boost your college application? Academic summer programs are ideal for students eager to deepen their knowledge in a specific subject or those seeking an alternative to conventional classroom learning. These camps offer an opportunity to concentrate on a particular field and build expertise during the course. Available in a wide range of disciplines, academic summer courses cover subjects such as business, mathematics, STEM, medicine, law, history, psychology, international relations, foreign languages, and computer science.
2. Research internships
Producing novel scholarly research is considered the pinnacle of academic success. Typically college students complete their first research projects - their dissertations, as the crowning achievement of their degree. In order to complete a research paper students must have acquired a variety of technical, analytical, and communication skills. A number of academic programs offer high school students the opportunity to be trained by expert mentors to write and publish original research. The ability to produce original research is an impressive testament to a high school student’s college readiness, and elite universities accept such students at significantly higher rates.
3. Art camps
Summer art programs offer the perfect opportunity to explore artistic interests in a focused environment, whether that involves theatre, mixed media, painting, dancing, or crafting. During school, it can be difficult to immerse yourself fully in an artistic endeavor, so the chance to express yourself freely and nurture your creative side is true gold. Art summer camps also encourage mindfulness and focus, improve fine motor skills, and enhance problem-solving skills as students devise unique art concepts and execute projects.
4. Adventure camps
If you’re a thrill seeker looking for a fun, high-energy, and exciting summer, an adventure camp could be the perfect fit. Adventure camps are similar to traditional outdoor camps, but include a focused sporting or exploration element such as canoeing, rock climbing, hiking, or rafting. These programs not only allow you to enjoy nature and hone your outdoor skills, you’ll also build teamwork, leadership, self-awareness, and risk-taking capabilities. For an extra thrill, you can experience an adventure camp in another state or country.
5. Sports programs
Dreaming of shooting hoops for the NBA, scoring goals on the soccer field, or improving your swim times in the pool? Sports camps offer the chance to work with top-level coaches, often at colleges and universities with amazing facilities across global locations. The range of sports on offer is diverse, with programs catering to beginners, intermediate, or advanced students. Discipline, teamwork, leadership, and perseverance are all valuable skills that can be gained on a sports camp, as well as the opportunity to have fun with fellow athletes.
6. Traditional summer camp
Traditional summer camps offer many activities, with many allowing students to create their own schedules. Outdoor activities, crafts, sports, talent shows, debating, and team building are typically available, combined with camping in a beautiful setting and toasting s’mores on the fire at night with new friends. Traditional programs are perfect for students looking to experiment and try new things as well as build their independence.
7. Gap year
Transitioning from high school to college is the traditional route for the majority of students, but a gap year before college can be an amazing opportunity. Exploring your interests, learning new skills, and investing time in personal growth can be invigorating and allow you to approach college with renewed energy and a sense of purpose. The options for your gap year are limitless. From academic, business, and career exploration, through to community service, environmental conservation, travel, arts-based programs, and much more.
8. Pre-college summer experiences
Many colleges offer summer programs that give high school students an opportunity to get a taster of college-level education and campus life before taking the plunge. Diverse academic interests are catered for on a pre-college program, from STEM subjects to visual or liberal arts. There is often the opportunity to stay in a dorm room, meet new people, and get a taste of college life. Attending these programs can also serve as a signal to the school of your interest, and if you do well show them that you are adequately prepared to tackle college-level study. As admission to these programs is often competitive so it’s a good idea to apply as early as possible.
Choosing the right summer program
Now that you have information on the different types of summer programs available, it’s a good idea to self-reflect and think about which summer program will be the right one for you. Here are some factors to consider when making your decision:
Identify your interests and goals
Take some time to reflect on what you hope to gain from your summer program experience
What are your interests? What experiences do you hope to gain? Which subjects excite you? Answering these questions will help you find a program that fully aligns with your goals and objectives. Maybe you’re passionate about criminal justice, so a summer law program could be the perfect choice. Perhaps, you’re unsure about your future career and would like to spread your wings and try new things, so a residential summer camp with a range of activities could prove to be an insightful summer experience.
Virtual versus in-person program delivery
Increasing popularity of virtual summer programs means that you have just as many options to complete your summer program online or in-person. Working out which method of program delivery works best for you will ensure you make the most out of your summer experience. Programs are typically delivered online, daily, or in residential settings.
Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of these options:
| Pros | Cons |
Residential |
· Immersive experience that allows you to study a subject in-depth and offers more time to build friendships and enjoy camp activities.
· Promotes independence, resilience, and the development of essential life skills, including personal care.
|
· If you suffer from homesickness or have problems adapting to new environments, this could negatively impact your experience.
· More time-consuming and higher cost implications. Tricky if you have a busy summer and a tight budget. |
Daily |
· More flexible. Offers a structured and engaging camp experience, with the option to return home in the evening.
· Day camps tend to be more affordable than residential programs in fees as well as travel and living expenses. |
· Camp needs to be within commuting distance, so this will narrow your options in terms of program choice.
· Fewer chances for developing independence, self-reliance, and building character away from home.
|
Online |
· Perfect if you have an interest in a specialized subject or want to work with a particular instructor or expert in your chosen field.
· Convenient and cost-effective. Virtual programs can be completed from any location and are typically less costly than residential or day camps. |
· Many online summer programs are self-paced, so if you struggle with self-motivation this may negatively impact your performance.
· Reduced opportunity for face-to-face interactions and the chance to build long lasting friendships.
|
Location, location, location
Location is everything! Summer programs are available across the world, but narrowing down your options to specific cities, countries, or even language preferences (English-speaking or not) can be tricky. Do you have a destination in mind that you'd like to explore, or a place where you may want to study in the future? If so, a summer school in that location could be great. Alternatively, you may want to choose an overseas destination that will serve as a family vacation and allow you attend a summer program too.
Location is particularly important if you’ve decided to complete a gap year before college. Consider whether you would prefer to stay closer to home or travel abroad for this extended period of time as well as whether you would like to travel solo or in a group. Regardless of the location you choose, always complete research to learn about the area, people, language, and culture as well as travel, accommodation, and any visa requirements.
Calculate costs
Luckily, summer programs are available to suit a wide variety of budgets. Some programs may be free or offer scholarships that cover attendance or partial costs, typically opportunities for gifted or underrepresented students. Others may charge anything up to $13,000, such as a pre-college, residential summer program in a prestigious college.
When planning a gap year, it’s always a good idea to make a detailed list of your finances. This should include program fees in addition to daily meals, transport, accommodation, and general living expenses. It’s worth factoring in that you can secure some valuable part-time work to support your gap year and family and friends may also offer you some financial support too.
Virtual summer programs offer a convenient and cost-effective option for students on a tight budget, with many offering the chance to work with world-class instructors from the comfort of your own home or while on vacation. All you need is a laptop, internet connection, and a quiet place to work. Online programs tend to have lower fees, with the added bonus of no travel or accommodation costs.
Competition can be tough for top-rated summer programs, so it’s always best to apply early with a strong application. Allow at least four to six months before the program starts to prepare your application. With this approach you may also secure a multi-session, sibling/friend, or early-bird discount to help you cut down your costs.
Do your research
Once you have your summer program criteria established, you’ll be keen to start your search and find the perfect opportunity. Conducting some research and creating a shortlist is the first step. Here are some research methods to try out:
Start out by checking online via Google and social media platforms to find camps that meet your criteria.
Attend local camp fairs to speak with different camp representatives. Ask plenty of questions and request additional information, such as testimonials or newsletters.
Arrange camp tours so that you can see camp facilities and meet some of the team.
Ask family, friends, teachers, or your school counsellor if they can recommend a great summer program.
While selecting a summer program based on your unique needs and preferences, it’s also a good idea to seek out some independent reviews to see if the program really can deliver on its promises. Check out video testimonials or written reviews on social media platforms and online summer camp directories to get the inside view. There are also online lists of the ‘best summer programs’ that you can review and compare to see if your top picks appear or some new options present themselves. If you decide to enlist an agent to guide your summer school search, then ask them for feedback and recommendations from previous clients.
Check the small print
Before you take the plunge and apply for your top summer program, make sure to check the cancellation and deferment policies to see what will happen if you need to change your plans. Life is unpredictable, so you never know if you might need to cancel or postpone your program. In particular, check what refunds are available if you need to cancel or defer. Are there any options to defer your course? Could you secure a refund on your deposit? What are the timescales associated with these options?
Prepare your application
The types of programs are quite diverse, so each will have its own application process as well as the criteria provided by the program provider. Some programs may just be a form filling exercise; while others may require essays, transcripts, letters of recommendation, immigration documents, liability waivers, or additional evidence for acceptance. Check with the individual program for details to ensure you tick all the boxes.
Conclusion - Summer programs for teens
Choosing the perfect summer program for your teen is an important decision, but with our ultimate guide you should find this process a lot easier. Investing time and energy is well worth the effort as summer programs not only create great memories; they also have a positive impact on your personal and professional development.
There are many different summer programs out there. Always do your research and self-reflect to ensure you find a summer program that fully meets your unique needs and requirements. Factors such as program delivery, location, cost, cancellation/deferment policies, and application requirements are important to bear in mind when making your final decision.