If you’re ever concerned that your child isn’t doing enough with his or her free time, you’re not alone. The real world makes a lot of demands on kids nowadays, forcing them to be a bit more prepared than you might expect. Parents are always exploring different summer activities, such as joining a sport’s league or public forum debate camp, that could possibly bring about the best return on investment. How can they have fun, learn critical thinking skills, acquire a personal leadership style, and stay engaged for weeks at a time? Thankfully, there’s a few recreational activities that are both fun and enlightening for a young student. Here are a few ways to spend the summer that will impress the admissions department in the fall. 

Volunteer

Learning how a group of people in a community work, learn, and live together is very valuable knowledge to have when approaching the college years. Volunteering sheds light on human connection, regardless if it’s happening on a large or small scale. Volunteering can show a student how to organize, spread a message, and create a better environment for those around them. Students who spend their summers volunteering almost always end up in future leadership roles. They see first hand that change is possible, and it can have positive effects on their community. 

Travel

Traveling over the summer can be easier than you think. There’s all kinds of different programs that host students abroad in different academic, social, or cultural capacities. Students can live with a family and learn different customs and traditions from the locals, volunteer for charitable missions, or apply for grants. Traveling abroad helps students to explore other cultures while learning more about themselves and their own rituals. The growth opportunities are endless when it comes to travel. 

Debate Camp

No matter which avenue your student decides to take on the road to professionalism, they’ll need to be a good communicator. That’s the bottom line. They’ll need to know how to express their ideas, connect with similar views, dispute opposite views, and support all of their points with clear truths. Public forum debate camp can provide this type of environment for students who are both ambitious and vocal about their passions. In addition, public speaking will almost always become apart of their college experience. Spending a summer in a debate camp can give them the tools they need to become strong, clear, and effective speakers. 

Short Summary: How a student spends their summer can have a lasting imprint on their upcoming year. Here’s a few short-term activities that lead to long-term benefits.