March 2025
It happens FAST. After years of filling each summer with the perfect mix of camps, one day you wake up and realize your kid is old enough to be home alone. One second later, you realize 10 weeks is a loooooong time for a kid to be left to their own devices—and you know that’s totally what it would be as they veg out on the phone, game console, and TV on repeat.
Fortunately, there’s a whole world of awesome options to engage and enrich your teen. Here’s a quick starter guide to give you the lay of the land.
1. Consider Counselor-in-Training (CIT) programs for the transition years.
With CIT programs, kids can continue to enjoy the camps they love while gaining more independence and responsibility. CITs join in all of the typical daily camp activities but also help to support and supervise the younger campers. It’s a great way for tweens and teens to build leadership skills and deepen their knowledge in interest areas like animal care, art, or nature.
CIT programs typically cost less than a regular week of camp. Some camps have a tiered system that gives participants a chance to gradually take on more responsibilities as they get more experience under their belt. Requirements vary; some camps welcome newcomers while others require CITs to have previously attended as a regular camper. Checking for CIT options at camps your child has enjoyed attending is a great place to start your search.
2. Find meaning in volunteering.
Volunteering is a great experience at any age and can be especially impactful for teens. Local opportunities abound and include both standalone events and ongoing commitments. Service opportunities often offer more flexibility than a paying job, so you can work them in around trips or other summer activities.
A self-starter mentality tends to be important for a successful volunteer experience, so focus on helping your teen find something that actually piques their interest. If your kid loves being around people, perhaps mentoring kids, visiting seniors, or taking shifts at a museum would be a good fit. If not, consider sorting donations at a food bank or cuddling canines at the local animal shelter. Teens can also use volunteer or internship programs to explore their interests for college and beyond with hands-on experiences in fields like health care or sustainable agriculture. Many non-profit organizations welcome young volunteers, but be sure to check minimum age requirements for volunteering without a parent.
3. Get a job!
A paying job offers the empowerment that comes with taking responsibility AND the empowerment that comes with having money in your pocket. With a few exceptions, 14 is the minimum age for employment in North Carolina. There are some restrictions on the types of work teens can do and the hours they can work, as specified by the N.C. Department of Labor.
Many organizations rely on high schoolers to fill seasonal summer positions, so there are often plenty of openings for camp counselors, lifeguards, and pool or park snack bar attendants. Food service companies like caterers and fast food restaurants also hire young part-time and temporary workers with no experience required. If you’re looking for more occasional or gig-type arrangements, babysitting, pet sitting, and yard work are always good options.
4. Develop skills and knowledge with teen camps.
Even though you don’t need them for childcare anymore, camps offer incredibly enriching experiences for teens. Spending a few days or weeks immersed in a new environment with a cohort of peers is a unique opportunity to learn, try new things, build confidence, and grow both intellectually and socially.
Most teen camps are built around themes such as leadership, STEM, foreign languages, sports, or performing arts. There are plenty of great options locally, as well as opportunities across the country and even abroad if you’re ready to put your teen on a plane. For programs in skill areas like sports, arts, theater, or dance, try asking your child’s coach or studio for leads. For educational or study-abroad programs, it can be helpful to speak with a teacher or guidance counselor. Many colleges and universities also offer programs for high schoolers. In general, specialized teen camps can be pricier than day or overnight camps for younger kids, although some offer scholarships.
5. Remember, it’s the experience that matters.
Of course, all of these things will look great on college and job applications. But more importantly, they look great because they are great—they offer unique opportunities for teens to grow, mature, venture outside their comfort zone, and explore their likes and dislikes, all of which will help to shape their future ambitions and next steps. Instead of focusing on building the resume, try to focus on building the person. The rest will follow.
And: don’t forget, kids (and all of us) need to rest, hang out with friends, and spend time with family. Whatever exciting endeavors your teen decides to pursue, make sure to save some time to relax and recharge.
If your teen is feeling anxious about camp or other summer experiences, check out our conversation with a psychologist about Navigating Camp Anxiety.
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