Summer break is almost here. For teens, that means endless beach days, hanging with friends and no homework. But it’s also a perfect time to tap into their strengths and do something meaningful. Find out how to entice them off the couch and away from YouTube.
Getting Started
Ethan Sawyer, aka College Essay Guy, suggests parents help teens figure out what truly brings them happiness and will help them grow toward a life they desire.
Parents can ask teens: What’s outside their comfort zone that they’d like to try? What makes them happy?
Sawyer finds that teens gravitate toward activities where they can engage and build relationships, meaning and accomplishment.
For college-bound teens, it’s key to develop qualities that colleges value, like collaboration, intellectual curiosity, initiative, and contributing to the community. But most importantly, it’s about getting them to engage in activities that align with their interests and values.
Get a Job
A job is an excellent way to build useful skills. Instead of opting for the typical fast food gig, teens can consider something that aligns with their talents. Here are some ideas:
Entrepreneurship: Start a service business.
Creative projects: Makers can sell their creations on platforms like Etsy.
Practical services: Offer gardening, painting or organizing services for neighbors.
Tech help: Set up their devices or teach basic tech skills to neighbors.
Retail or tutoring: Apply to a favorite retail store or tutor in subjects at which they excel.
Camp counselors: Check local camps to see who is hiring for the summer.
Internships
Summer internships offer real-world experience, helping teens develop valuable skills and pushing them to step outside their comfort zone, boosting confidence.
How to Land an Internship
Create a resume: Ensure their resume includes relevant experience and skills.
Social media: Post about their interests and achievements on platforms like Instagram, asking if anyone has internship leads.
Call local businesses: Making a phone call can be nerve-racking, but it helps you stand out. Teens can call nearby businesses, explain why they admire their work, and offer their skills for an internship opportunity.
Propose a project: Offer to improve a small business’s website or social media.
Classes, Camps and Workshops
Consider workshops or classes to explore new interests or deepen existing ones.
Robotics: For the teen interested in coding, robotics, AI and more. Learn about STEM careers. Consider looking for programs at a college campus or regional summer camps.
Library workshops: Great for creative teens. Today’s libraries offer much more than books, including makerspaces, 3D printers, recording studios, and hands-on workshops that spark creativity and skill-building.
Regional park and rec systems: These can be hidden gems, offering career exploration with life science professionals, outdoor learning experiences, and opportunities for teens to design and lead environmental service projects.
Film production: For thinkers and risk-takers. Check to see if there is a nearby media arts center or college offering camps.
Arts programs: Develop skills in any arts genre, from writing to dance to art. Look to art centers around the region or places such as Lake Erie Ink (lakeerieink.org) for teen programming.
College-Bound Teens
For rising seniors, the best use of summer is getting a head start on the college essay process before senior year begins. Gain peace of mind, time to think deeply, and room for senior year fun.
Avoid “pay-to-play” programs. Instead, focus on authentic experiences that align with skills and interests.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteering is a fantastic way to give back while gaining valuable experience. Here are ideas to match a variety of interests:
Animal Lovers
Conservation center, zoo or aquarium: Many offer volunteer roles for older teens that combine hands-on animal care and conservation efforts with opportunities to develop people skills.
Live near water? Try beach cleanups, water quality testing, and climate action initiatives.
Humane society or animal rescue: Organize a pet supply drive in the community to gather donations. Or, donate time by walking or playing with animals.
Creatives
Assist with community theater: Design sets, costumes, lighting, playbills or social media ads.
Create short videos: Explain a nonprofit’s mission or promote an event. This is a great way to develop communication skills, too.
Artists: Ask schools, businesses, etc. to help beautify your community.
Future Doctors, Nurses
Red Cross: The Red Cross urgently needs blood donations. Teens can help by becoming a Blood Donor Ambassador. Create awareness, register donors and help organize drives.
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT): Join teams nationwide to help with disaster preparedness. Training equips people with skills to assist in major disasters such as fire preparedness, and search and rescue emergencies.
Helpers
Check out food banks, local nonprofit opportunities: Volunteer for food distribution or other community events that give back.
Senior care facilities: Offer to play an instrument, assist with social events or simply visit.
Create Your Own Adventure
For teens who like to work at their own pace on something they love, there are many ways to develop leadership and skills.
Whatever your teen chooses, just encourage them to get out there, gain new skills and make a lasting impact.
