The cloud created by the Coronavirus pandemic has dramatically impacted the camp and program landscape and altered the way families are approaching summer. So how can parents of kids and teens make smart decisions and still plan an effective summer in such uncertain times?

The Coronavirus outbreak currently rippling through the country and the world has had a major impact on many day-to-day lives - and at this point it’s unclear what the virus’s impact will be in terms of both longevity and severity. There’s some optimism that the virus may be seasonal and summer’s warmer weather will mark the end of this outbreak, however this is far from a consensus opinion.

How can you effectively plan your teen’s summer with the looming uncertainty of this outbreak on the horizon? Read our article to find out.

The Coronavirus outbreak currently rippling through the country and the world has had a major impact on many day-to-day lives - and at this point it’s unclear what the virus’s impact will be in terms of both longevity and severity. There’s some optimism that the virus may be seasonal and summer’s warmer weather will mark the end of this outbreak, however this is far from a consensus opinion.

Given the uncertainty surrounding this particular outbreak, it may make sense to reach out to your camp’s directors to ensure your comfort level and see what steps they are taking to monitor the situation – here are some questions you can ask your camp director.

There is more to a pre-college summer than exploring a specific topic or interest – it’s vital to remember that other factors can impact a teen’s summer experience as well. Areas like structure and staffing/supervision can play a major role in determining summer fit – and the right fit can play a significant role in developing their college readiness.

As kids approach their late-elementary and early-middle school years, the summer opportunities available to them will multiply exponentially. In addition to traditional overnight camps, options might suddenly include adventure programs, community service options, and academic experiences. As a parent, how can you decide if it’s the right decision to continue to send your child to a traditional summer camp (either for the first time or as a returner), or whether it’s time to explore other opportunities?

Pre-college summer applications can be incredibly varied.  Some programs’ application processes will be minimal – students must simply fill out a personal information section and submit a deposit to secure a space. Other pre-college programs will have a summer application designed to mirror the college counterpart – students will be required to submit transcripts and test scores, or a write a number of essays regarding their interest in the particular program. There are programs with priority deadlines in the fall, or early winter, and programs that will continue accepting and enrolling students well into spring and early summer.

But what does all this mean, and how should a student approach and leverage the pre-college application process to set themselves up for summer success?

For many parents, the upcoming summer means a looming decision about whether to send their children to overnight camp for the first time. However, many families wonder whether their child is mature enough for such an experience.

So how can parents navigate all of these factors in order to make the right camp decision for their child?

Today's students are expected to contribute both inside and outside of the classroom, and demonstrating extracurricular involvement and leadership can be a crucial part of telling a student's story. But how can students find the energy and bandwidth to tackle or spearhead extracurricular opportunities without burning out or compromising their academic performance?

Every parent should have some sense of what they want in a camp when beginning the camp search process. But selecting a summer camp is like buying a home – you may envision your dream home, but when you start attending open houses, you have to confront the reality of what’s available and meets your top needs. So, what factors should parents consider when discerning between “needs” and “wants”?