April 28th, 2009 - Finding a Teen Adventure Camp
Choosing the right summer activity for a teen is often more complicated than for a younger child. Yet, the rewards can be even Greater. A teenager is in the midst of an incredible growth spurt. As parents we are always looking to increase our teens emotional, spiritual, intellectual, and social Development. Teen Summer Camp programs are a wonderful way of doing this.
Finding the right summer program for teens is not all that different than that of a ten year old. It is important to find a safe, secure, and appropriate environment. Yet, teens need and are ready for new challenges and increased independence. Yearly, as interests expand and your child matures, reexamine your choice.
All teens are not alike so remember that the needs, interests, and abilities of a thirteen year-old are often very different from that of a seventeen year-old. So, keep in mind your child’s maturity. Supervision in teen programs is often less than for other children programs.
As you know a teenager is part kid and part adult. So planning way in advance may be difficult. Yet, good programs may fill-up fast. Early registration will give you the widest range of selection.
The best way to start is to sit down and listen to your child. Often you can strengthen your relationship with your teenager. Discuss with your child his interests, concerns, and values. You need to talk with your teen about what each of you want the summer to be. Look for opportunities for personal growth as well as just getting better in a sport. Be ready for ” I don’t want to do anything.”
Many teen programs exist its important to try to find the best one. Sometimes you have to really look hard to find the right answer. The internet is a very useful tool for this. It is helpful to know the kind of program you are looking for: sports, serving, traveling, adventure or a little bit of each.
One of the best ways to reconcile your goals with your child’s is to piece together the summer with activities from both of your lists. Although it is more difficult and figuring things out may be more time consuming, your teen will get a broader experience for your work.
If you decide that your teen will stay at home, set up summer rules, expectation, chores, and schedules. This will be especially important and will help you in the long run.
A suggestion is to look at Swift Nature Camp for your Teen next summer. Swift Nature Camp is unique among teen summer camps in that we provide teens a special opportunity to make friends in a relaxed and fun-filled environment, to build self-esteem and independence, and to challenge themselves with new physical and creative activities. We realize teenagers want to do things for themselves and are bored by a “normal” camp. So we provide an Adventure Camp program with loads of opportunities cabins often leave camp and go out into the big open wild and see the Apostle Islands, go to the International Wolf Center or find themselves canoeing down the Mississippi River. Camp for Teens
Last and most importantly remember youth is limited and no adult ever looked back and recalls the good old days of just watching TV all summer!
TO learn more how to select an Summer Camp visit Summer Camp Advice. Kids Camp Information
