Unlock Summer

Exciting opportunities for kids to grow, explore and give back

Summer break is almost here! For most kids that means endless beach days, hanging out with friends and no homework. But as kids become teens, it’s also the perfect time to tap into their strengths and engage in meaningful activities. There are varying opinions as to when to start thinking about life after high school. Whether your kid is motivated to explore every opportunity in middle school or you birthed a chronic procrastinator, here are helpful tips to entice them to turn some of those beach days and YouTube hours into productive learning opportunities.

Getting Started

Ethan Sawyer, aka College Essay Guy, suggests parents help kids figure out what truly brings them happiness in order to help them grow toward a life they desire.

Ask questions like, What’s outside your comfort zone that you’d like to try? What makes you happy? Where do you see yourself in five years? How about 10? Brainstorm and take notes. Sawyer finds that teens gravitate toward activities where they engage, build relationships, find meaning and accomplishment.

For college-bound students, it’s key to develop qualities and experiences that colleges value, like collaboration, intellectual curiosity, initiative and contributions to the community. But most importantly, it’s about getting kids to engage in activities that align with their interests and values.

Get a Job

Work experience is an excellent way to learn useful life skills. If a typical fast food gig doesn’t align with specific talents and interests, consider these:

• Entrepreneurship: Start a service business like mobile car detailing or pet sitting.

• Creative projects: Makers can sell creations on platforms like Etsy and at local artisan fairs.

• Practical services: Offer gardening, painting, shopping or organizing services for neighbors.

• Tech help: Set up new devices for neighbors or teach basic tech skills to friends of parents.

• Retail or tutoring: Apply to your favorite retail store or tutor younger students in subjects you excel in.

Internships

Summer internships also offer realworld experience, helping teens develop valuable skills and step outside their comfort zone, which boosts confidence. Here are steps to land an internship:

• Create a resume: Ensure your resume includes relevant experience and skills.

• Social media: Post about your interests and achievements on platforms like Instagram, asking for internship leads.

• Call local businesses: Making phone calls may seem nerve-wracking, but it helps you stand out. Call nearby businesses, explain why you admire their work, and offer your skills for an internship opportunity.

College-Bound Students

Want to get ahead in academics or explore challenging coursework in diverse subjects? Explore these programs:

• UCSD Sally Ride Science Academy: Offers courses for kids in grades 3–12, but high schoolers can earn college credits in engineering, sustainability, entrepreneurship and more. https://extendedstudies.ucsd.edu/ educational-programs/sally-ridescience-academy

• UC Scout: Take online AP courses or fulfill A–G requirements for UC and CSU eligibility. Check with your school counselor about adding to transcripts. www.ucscout.org

For high school juniors, the best use of summer is getting a head start on the college essay process. Gain peace of mind and make room for senior year fun. Focus on authentic experiences that align with interests. College Essay Guy’s YouTube channel is a great place to start.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteering is another fantastic way to gain valuable skills and experience.

• Red Cross: Blood donations are urgently needed and teens can help spread the word by becoming Blood Donor Ambassadors who create awareness, register donors and help organize blood drives. www.redcross.org/volunteer/ become-a-volunteer.html

• Living Coast Discovery Center: Ages 16–17 can volunteer in animal care, conservation efforts and horticulture while gaining various skills. Mandatory orientation is May 17. www.thelivingcoast.org

• Surfrider Foundation: Help with beach cleanups, water quality testing and climate action initiatives. https://sandiego.surfrider.org

• Art Reach: Help paint murals to beautify local communities. www.artreachsandiego.org

• Churches: Volunteer for Vacation Bible School (VBS), food distribution or other community events.

• Elder care facilities: Offer to play an instrument, assist with social events or simply visit.

Classes and Workshops

Kids of all ages can take workshops, classes and camps to explore new interests or strengthen existing ones.

• IDEA Labs: Creative kids (all ages) enjoy accessing maker spaces, 3D printers, a recording studio and more (free) through City of San Diego Libraries. www.sandiego.gov/publiclibrary/idea

• DiscoverU Workshops: Kids in grades 9–12 can take workshops in resume writing, automobile maintenance & safety and interview skills in April. Check the schedule and register at www.sandiego.gov/public-library/ discoveru.

• SDSU Free Robotics Camp: Open to students grades 8–12 in southeast San Diego, this camp offers coding, robotics, AI and more. Learn about STEM careers while visiting campus and attending workshops. Deadline to apply: April 30. https://ite.sdsu.edu/oce/ our-programs/robotics-camp

• Eco Ambassadors Program: Hosted by Mission Trails Regional Park, high school students interact with life science professionals as they explore future careers, engage in outdoor learning and design a service project. https://mtrp.org/ecoambassadors

• Teen Filmmaker Boot Camp:  Ages 13–18 explore filmmaking with Media Arts Center in downtown San Diego. Also available: Teen Producers Project.  www.mediaartscenter.org/education

• Writing classes: Grow writing skills in any genre through workshops with San Diego Writers, Ink. www.writeyourstorynow.org

Whatever you choose, get out there and make a lasting impact. Kids are our future! v

Cherie Gough is a writer, mom of two teens and a college essay coach. Find her at www.cheriegough.com.