“This is the time and place to do that because it’s a sheltered, supportive environment, so it’s OK not to be perfect there,” she says. “Nobody is grading them on how fast they get up on water-skis or how quickly they learn to serve on the tennis court. Take this opportunity to really enjoy yourself and try things you wouldn’t normally do.”
6. TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF.
5. CHOOSE WHO YOU WANT TO BE.
7. DON’T BE SURPRISED IF YOU ARE HOMESICK.
Camp represents a clean slate for teenagers, especially if they feel pegged into a certain category at home, Knauf says. It’s a great time to think about how you want to be perceived by a new group of people. It can be freeing, and you could learn something new about yourself. “Teenagers’ biggest issues are probably self-acceptance, and I think one of the opportunities that they have when they go away to camp is to give up the learned behaviors and the personas and the reputation they have at home and start from scratch,” Knauf says. “It’s a real opportunity. If you are squished in a box where you come from, you can get out of that box.”
Without parents there to guide you, you need to take more responsibility for your personal safety and wellbeing, Eiffler says. That includes basics like remembering to apply sunscreen, but it also includes speaking up if you are sick or injured or feel bullied. Don’t keep these things to yourself.
“This is an expected thing that happens to everybody, and if you start to feel sad or that you miss home or that you can’t take whatever it is, camp staff are all trained to deal with that,” Knauf says. As tempting as it might be to call Mom and ask her to come get you, try sticking it out instead. “Just because it is hard isn’t a reason to give up,” Knauf says. “If someone is difficult, remember that learning to deal with difficult people is an important life skill. One of the things that you really learn at summer program is how to be in a whole new place, adapt to that, do well, and thrive.”
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
Be Fearless This Summer
AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND
JULY 19-31, 2020 TWO SUMMER BUSINESS PROGRAMS TO CHOOSE FROM: Snider Enterprise and Leadership Fellows (SELF) Smith Sports and Entertainment Business Program (SEBP) • • • • •
Build your self-confidence and leadership skills Explore business-related fields and disciplines Develop a support network of mentors and peers Experience life on campus Stand out to college recruiters
Enroll today. SPACE IS LIMITED.
go.umd.edu/smithsummerprograms
