Last spring, I found myself on the hunt for academic summer camps for my teenager. If you’re fortunate enough to be blissfully unaware of the competitive high school scene, let me give you a heads-up: it’s a jungle out there.
And by jungle, I mean it’s all about who can juggle the most activities while maintaining a semblance of sanity. Teens today are expected to thrive in an environment overflowing with AP classes, honor societies, clubs, jobs, community service, and, of course, the pressure to come out of it all as well-adjusted and anxiety-free individuals—before they even step foot in college.
Just when your teen finally collapses in June after enduring yet another grueling school year, it’s time to pile on more resume-boosting activities with “academic summer camps.” Yes, that’s right; it’s an actual thing, and it’s a pretty big deal. Gone are the days when summer meant a break from school and a chance to work at a local burger joint. Now, today’s high schoolers are expected to spend their summers deeply involved in extra academic pursuits, international volunteer work, and community service—alongside a part-time job.
But the reality check doesn’t stop there. Even if your child can handle the demands of a summer academic program, the cost can be staggering. While searching for options for my son, I was hit with a harsh financial reality. A four-day STEM program at a nearby state university cost over $1,700. A two-week residential program in the same field at another institution was priced at more than $3,500.
I usually don’t experience sticker shock when it comes to education expenses, as my kids are in private school and I’m used to hefty tuition bills. But $1,700 for a four-day health science camp? What’s next, a guest lecture from the surgeon general? After exploring various subjects across community colleges and universities, I can confirm that these prices are typical for academic summer camps.
And let’s not forget the summer sports camps, which can feel like an invitation to take out a second mortgage. I mean, does your eight-year-old really need 80 hours of specialized training from a former major league player for just $1,000 a week?
Still not done. If your child has talent in acting or music, be prepared for drama camps that can cost around $500 a week. Who can afford this?
These prices are not only prohibitive for lower-income families; even many middle-class households struggle to send their high-achieving teens to these summer programs. Without the financial means to enhance their college applications, these students may end up at a disadvantage.
What happened to the days of just dropping kids off at the local park for some low-cost summer fun? Why can’t we find affordable options that provide enriching experiences without breaking the bank? Moreover, it seems unfair that some universities prioritize summer enrichment over real-world experience, such as a summer job that teaches essential work ethics.
I would prefer students who have cultivated the value of hard work and responsibility over those who spent their summers in elite programs. Ironically, I bet many affluent families would pay for their kids to learn the value of hard work, if given the chance.
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In summary, the pressure on teens to engage in costly summer programs can feel overwhelming and often excludes families who can’t afford it. It raises the question of what valuable experiences really matter in shaping a well-rounded individual.