Selecting summer activities for your tween or teen can be daunting.
How do you find that perfect balance of fun, safety, structure, and personal growth? For many parents, summer camps for teens are the answer. They create the space your teenagers need to practice independence and still offer focused programs with supervision and support. However, like almost anything for teens, there’s
an immense variety. Follow a plan so you aren’t overwhelmed and can make clear, confident decisions.
We’ve created a plan to empower parents and guide families as they prepare their teens for a successful summer filled with positive growth experiences.
What Should I Think About First When Choosing Among Teen Summer Camps?
The search starts with determining which summer experience will best serve your tween or teenager. Options include outdoor adventure, STEM-focused, art, leadership, academic classes, or travel-centered. Your child’s personality, passions, and comfort level can help you narrow down the field.
Some teenagers want to stretch themselves, while others want to connect in creative or academic ways. Some want independence, while others seek a fun, social experience. Ask your teenager what they envision for their summer. They will buy into the program, and benefit most, if they are involved in making the decision.
What Does a Great Teen Summer Program Look Like?
Safety, supervision, and positive growth experiences are increasingly important as your tween or teen starts to venture out more independently each summer. You’ll want to make sure the program follows best practices and has:
- Experienced, well-trained staff members
- Open and honest communication with families
- A healthy balance of activity and rest
- Kids being challenged: provided with opportunities for growth, not just entertainment
- Age-appropriate rules that respect and encourage independence while recognizing common-sense safety
What Should I Include on a Teen Camp Packing List?
Loading up for a tween or teen is considerably different from making sure you’ve got mushroom soup and bathtub crayons for your 10-year-old. Generally speaking, teens and tweens need supplies for outdoor activities, hygiene, and independent living.
- Appropriate outdoor clothes and layers
- Sturdy shoes
- Water bottle
- Sunblock and regular day-to-day hygiene items
- Journal to capture experiences and process
- Swimsuit and quick-dry towels
- Daypack for independent outings
How Can Parents Prepare Their Teens Emotionally for Summer Camp?
If you live with a teenager, you surely know about their moods by now. Hence, you must also know the importance of keeping in touch with them emotionally. Teens often feel excitement mixed with nerves, especially if it’s their first time away from familiar routines. Talk openly about what they’re looking forward to and what they’re unsure about. Discuss common scenarios: meeting new people, navigating group activities, or managing downtime; so they feel equipped rather than anxious.
How Do You Know if Teen Camps Are a Match?
Once you have narrowed down your options, evaluate whether each teen camp is the right fit for your teen based on the activities, size, schedule, information, and level of supervision and independence. Look closely at the schedules and program options, and find out how activities are chosen, how big the groups are, and what the camp’s system is for balancing supervision and freedom. Many camps are now offering parent Q&As or information sessions on Zoom; take advantage of these to find out about health precautions, staff training on issues like sexual harassment or emotional health, and whether or not they provide staff. If your child has a hard time socially or emotionally, ask specifically about how they help kids like this fit in and have a good time.
A Summer of Independence and Growth
Quality summer camps for teens help them have a summer of confidence, resilience, and independence; and also allow parents to take control of their kids’ summer in the right kind of way. With a little time and effort on the front end (listing what to bring and how to make friends, for example) and some supplies, as well as active listening earlier on (not just when they’re in panic mode before they go), parents can instead focus on how to make camp sessions a success. The result will be a worthwhile summer that will help your teen grow now, and be ready for even more growth later on.
