It’s time to think about summer plans. If you have an older teen or someone who is off to college there are many positions available as camp counselors open now. This is an excellent opportunity to learn some independence and responsibility, and to learn gratitude.
For campers- thinking ahead may allow scholarships for those in need.
The American Camp Association is the accreditation organization for camps in the US and offers a search by camp type, price, age, length of stay, and whether it is sleep away or day.
Cool stuff:
- AAVE All About Visiting Earth- accredited by the American Camp association, this organization has been around for over 30 years and offers programs in the US, Asia, and Europe to give teenagers an opportunity to experience the world apart from their parents in a supervised setting and learn about different parts of the world
- Abbey Road -Summer language programs in Italy, France, Greece, and Spain
- ASA Academic Study Associates- academic study abroad programs for high schoolers.
- Cal State University Fullerton offers summer programs for kids ages 7-12- programs in sports, art, math, and swimming. Sports camps are all day.
Children older than 12 can volunteer as aides when applications are in on time. - Junior Lifeguards (Huntington Beach) Morning and afternoon sessions. Way cool dude.
- Lazy J Ranch Camp-this is a low tech, lots of fun, very expensive Malibu camp. (sleep away)
- Outward Bound 5 days in Joshua Tree to 81 Days in the Rockies (academic residential programs available) For kids looking for survival challenge- not to mention parents who want an opportunity to show their children that life’s challenges can be tough but also bring growth, and that there is value in teamwork.
- Sea World has adventure resident and day camps that are high on the fun and educational scale for kids who love ocean life/sports.
- Spacecamp This would be ‘the real deal’ in Huntsville, Alabama. They have camps for kids age 7-18, and adult execs. 3 & 5 day camps focusing on team work, flight simulation, confidence building, and communication.
- Supercamp-Like executive team building camp plus study skills for junior high and high school.
- Zoo Camp @ San Diego Zoo- for kids entering K-7 grades, day camp 9-3, extended day 7:30-5:30. Who could get bored at the zoo. Week long sessions are offered throughout the summer. Day camps are also offered at the Wild Animal Park for 1,2,3 or 5 day sessions- which works for families traveling from outside the area.
Volunteering is a great way for kids and teens to learn the value of work, teach gratitude and give back to the community. Volunteering can also show kids what an alternate kind of life might have been.
Search for Volunteer Opportunities:
- Youth Volunteer Network Directory of volunteer opportunities for children, teens, seniors, and groups. Search by zip-code, city or state.
- Volunteer Match – Same as above
- Idealist.org Ideas about ways to volunteer for kids and teens.
- Landmark Volunteer Program -Summer programs nationwide
Volunteer
- Locks of Love Donate your ponytail for people experiencing hair loss from chemotherapy
- CHOC Volunteer at Children’s Hospital Orange County. Must be 16.
Global Projects/Travel
Most are not strictly “volunteer” – (they cost money). Parents should be cautious of sending their child out of the country. Travel experiences can be life-changing for youth – just want to make sure it is life changing in the right direction.
- US Dept. of State Bureau of Cultural & Educational Affairs- youth programs – Links to foreign exchange programs and information about foreign exchange.
- Council for International & Educational Travel – Private organization with standards for youth travel abroad programs.
- Habitat for Humanity Youth Programs You can volunteer at habitat from age 5-25. Find out how.
- Habitat for Humanity International Program
- Amigos
- Global Routes
- Cross Cultural Solutions – Volunteer Abroad 1-12 week programs
- Global Youth Action Network
- Oxfam-For college students