Thoughts of Summer

The temperatures announce the beginnings of Spring and the, still distant, Summer. For a teenager summer is three months off. They are not exactly sure what they are off of but that memory lingers on for the rest of our lives.

I think kids need the opportunity to be kids if at all possible. But there are options that are not necessarily contradictory to that concept. A summer job can be fun, teach some responsibility and promote some money sense. There are camps all over the place and for built around almost every theme imaginable.

There are sport camps, computer camps, language camps, speech camps, outdoor adventure camps. If you have a regular camp that is part of the family summer experience, serving as counselor at the camp can be a rewarding opportunity. Concordia Language camps provide a great immersion experience. Some last for a week, some for several. Depending on the age and interests, being away from home for a bit is a good learning opportunity in a rather controlled environment.

Independence, self-reliance, responsibility. and social skills are life-long skills that are beneficial outgrowths of being a camper and usually still having a bunch of fun. Introducing some of the outside the home experiences can be useful when the big break comes in a few short four or less years. Parents should also remember that what happens at camp just might want to stay at camp.

June, July and August lives in our minds forever. I suspect you have your own stories about those times and it is okay if they stay private. We remain learners even during those three months. Maybe you and the family can talk about the learning experiences that are possible during that time.