What Parents Must Know About Teen
Summer Enrichment Programs
Jason
Lubar, Founder and Executive Director
American
Collegiate Adventures
Choosing
a summer enrichment program for your high-schooler is not a decision to take
lightly. Aside from finding a program that offers everything you want in terms
of courses and activities, you need to make sure it offers that ingredient that
is perhaps most important for any mom or dad: peace of mind.
Here are some important factors you should look for when choosing a summer program for your teen!
Safety & Supervision
Look for low student-to-staff ratios, ease of contact (do the counselors or chaperons carry cell phones, for example?). Are the residential facilities adequately supervised? Ask about whether or not there's a doorman, and whether supervisors live in the residences as well. Check in to whether or not there have been any safety issues with the organization in the past. Does the company have a emergency plan put in place?
Locations of Program (within a city) and Housing (hotel or residence hall or home stay)
Find out about program locations -- not just in terms of the city, but the neighborhood itself. Are housing options and residences in safe neighborhoods? Are activities and classes within walkable distance? If not, is private transportation provided?
Typical Day
Ask about the daily schedule at your prospective summer program. They should account for every hour of every day, whether it's coursework, activities, weekend adventures, transportation time -- even "free time" should be supervised and chaperoned. Are mealtimes adequate? Is the schedule consistent and realistic? Is there enough time for sleep and socializing? Will my child be active or is there too much " down " "Free" Time
Staff
Credentials are key! Who is running the courses? Are they taught by accredited instructors or professionals with a strong pedigree? Do program counselors have experience? Is the program accredited itself? Age and experience of staff
Medical Concerns
How does the program address the daily need (if any) for student on medication? If a student becomes ill or get injured, does it have rapid access to a reputable hospital? Be sure it understands your right, as a parent, to be informed immediately of any medical situation involving your son or daughter! How the program handles the ever prevalent food allergies today such as peanut etc and are members of the staff First Aid and CPR certified.
Program Accreditation
There are professional organizations that confirm the credibility of summer programs. Seeing this endorsement is a "Goodhousekeeping Seal" for the industry. Find out if your prospective program has met these standards. It's confirmation that you're dealing with a credible summer enrichment option!
Transportation
How will your son or daughter get to locations out of state or out of the country? Are there supervised flights from major airports? Are staff on the ground when they arrive, directing your son or daughter to designated charter vehicles, or will they be expected to make their way to the program on their own? Once there, look for programs that provide transportation to and from courses, events and activities rather than just presuming students will use public transportation.
Customer Relations
How accessible is the program staff? Call them up. Email them. Hit them with questions about all the details and expenses. It's your son or daughter and your investment in their summer, so put that program to the test! Do you get honest answers? Do they share testimonials from other families? Can you contact them directly for honest feedback? Do they offer 24hour access to office staff and an emergency number? Do your homework to ensure a safe, fun summer for everyone!
Here are some important factors you should look for when choosing a summer program for your teen!
Safety & Supervision
Look for low student-to-staff ratios, ease of contact (do the counselors or chaperons carry cell phones, for example?). Are the residential facilities adequately supervised? Ask about whether or not there's a doorman, and whether supervisors live in the residences as well. Check in to whether or not there have been any safety issues with the organization in the past. Does the company have a emergency plan put in place?
Locations of Program (within a city) and Housing (hotel or residence hall or home stay)
Find out about program locations -- not just in terms of the city, but the neighborhood itself. Are housing options and residences in safe neighborhoods? Are activities and classes within walkable distance? If not, is private transportation provided?
Typical Day
Ask about the daily schedule at your prospective summer program. They should account for every hour of every day, whether it's coursework, activities, weekend adventures, transportation time -- even "free time" should be supervised and chaperoned. Are mealtimes adequate? Is the schedule consistent and realistic? Is there enough time for sleep and socializing? Will my child be active or is there too much " down " "Free" Time
Staff
Credentials are key! Who is running the courses? Are they taught by accredited instructors or professionals with a strong pedigree? Do program counselors have experience? Is the program accredited itself? Age and experience of staff
Medical Concerns
How does the program address the daily need (if any) for student on medication? If a student becomes ill or get injured, does it have rapid access to a reputable hospital? Be sure it understands your right, as a parent, to be informed immediately of any medical situation involving your son or daughter! How the program handles the ever prevalent food allergies today such as peanut etc and are members of the staff First Aid and CPR certified.
Program Accreditation
There are professional organizations that confirm the credibility of summer programs. Seeing this endorsement is a "Goodhousekeeping Seal" for the industry. Find out if your prospective program has met these standards. It's confirmation that you're dealing with a credible summer enrichment option!
Transportation
How will your son or daughter get to locations out of state or out of the country? Are there supervised flights from major airports? Are staff on the ground when they arrive, directing your son or daughter to designated charter vehicles, or will they be expected to make their way to the program on their own? Once there, look for programs that provide transportation to and from courses, events and activities rather than just presuming students will use public transportation.
Customer Relations
How accessible is the program staff? Call them up. Email them. Hit them with questions about all the details and expenses. It's your son or daughter and your investment in their summer, so put that program to the test! Do you get honest answers? Do they share testimonials from other families? Can you contact them directly for honest feedback? Do they offer 24hour access to office staff and an emergency number? Do your homework to ensure a safe, fun summer for everyone!
Jason
Lubar is the Founder and Executive Director of American Collegiate Adventures (www.acasummer.com). Celebrating its 20th anniversary,
American Collegiate Adventures is the ultimate pre-college program for high
school students.
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