The last few days have turned L-O-V-E-L-Y in sunny California, and the respite from the rain makes me incredibly grateful. I am excited to announce our Summer Workshops for 2010, as well as our Back-to-School Organizational Workshop schedule. Take a look at our varied offerings, including our Middle School Debate Workshop and our Amazing Writing Workshops for both High School and Middle School Students!
Even though we are in the middle of March (with Spring just around the corner) now is the perfect time to start thinking about summer plans. This past week, I had two conversations with students and parents who were planning on going to academic summer camps because they thought it “would help their chances in college admissions.”
Spending $6,000+ to go to a summer camp just because you think it is going to improve your child’s college admissions odds is ridiculous. Over the years, I have worked with hundreds of kids who have been successful at gaining admission to the schools of their choice, and who spent their summers doing the most varied and wonderful things: Working as a grocery store bag boy. Starting a landscaping business with their friend. Taking art classes. Running a summer art workshop for elementary students. Volunteering with inner-city youth at a summer camp. Teaching dance. Life-guarding. Doing a wilderness expedition.
Start having the conversation with your children about what interests they would like to pursue this summer – preferably outside the classroom, and potentially something they have not been able to explore during the school year.
Remember: there are many ways to plan a meaningful summer, just keep in mind that summer should also be a time o get a chance to relax!! There is *no need* to spend thousands of dollars on a specific academic program or adventure – it will not set your child apart in the college admissions process. A program like that can be a wonderful way to spend a summer, but so can volunteering locally in a neighborhood garden or working in a coffee shop.
