Summer Activities for Teens

Too old for a baby sitter but not quite ready to be left home alone all summer. This is the scenario that many parents of teens face every summer as school lets out. With a little planning and research, you can find a way to keep your teen active and safe during the summer.

Communities of all sizes realize that parents are faced with this situation and by looking into local programs you are certain to find something that suits the interest of your teen.

The YMCA/YWCA often offers low cost, well supervised programs. The variety of programs varies from sports related day programs to arts and crafts or leadership development. One of the benefits of attending a "Y" camp is that the teen is often given access to the complete facility while attending the camp. This can mean swimming or a pick-up game of basketball after the camp activities have finished for the day.

Many colleges also offer summer programs that are as varied as the classes that are found on campus. This would be a great place for an eager techie to brush up on their computer skills or an aspiring dancer to attend a dance camp. Several colleges offer overnight camps at a very reasonable price due to having access to dorms for housing.

Local theater groups will often offer a performing arts camp during the summer. Some bring in professional performers to teach and help the children improve their skills. What an opportunity this would be for an aspiring singer or actor. At the end of the camp, the campers will often perform a play or put on a production for friends and family. This could be a great confidence booster for the typically shy teen.

If a camp or sports program doesn't seem like something that your teen would be interested in, maybe volunteering is the answer. Find something that interests your teen and see if they will allow them to volunteer a couple of hours per week. Local animal shelters and hospitals are the first thing that come to mind but the key is to find something that interests your teen.