For the past two weeks, I've given you a pretty big list of the summer activities Edmond has to offer the littlest of kids as well as gradeschoolers. So, I now offer you some ideas for those kids on the brink of independence. Yep, middle and high school kids can definitely benefit from keeping busy this summer.
Cordell Ehrich, Principal at Cimarron Middle School, agrees, saying that not only is keeping older kids engaged during the summer important for keeping them out of trouble, but it’s an opportunity for them to explore new areas of interest to them.
But that's not the only reason you should keep kids involved. For older kids, Ehrich says connecting with peers is critical. “For middle schoolers, the social aspect is especially important to them, so summer activities give them the opportunity to have connected with more friends and have more connections on that first day of school."
So without further yapping, here's some possibilities.
Explore leadership...The Edmond YMCA will offer Camp E.L.I.T.E. (Empowering Leaders In Teamwork and Education), a program for youth 13 - 15 looking to grow as responsible leaders while building confidence. Campers will learn teamwork, service, child guidance, and decision making skills through activities and mentoring during the summer.
Enhance skills...Both the Edmond and Deer Creek School systems offer camps for athletics during the summer, as well as driver's education. Check with the district to see what is available for your child. Also, the Coffee Creek Golf Course, Edmond Racquet Club, Arctic Edge Ice Arena, and Edmond Soccer Club offer private camps and lessons to improve skills.
Learn something new...Kids this age still like to learn new things, and sometimes undiscovered talents and interests can make their way into the limelight during summer camps or classes. The Fine Arts Institute of Edmond and Upstage Theater allow teenagers to explore their artistic sides, while the Francis Tuttle Summer Quest Classes offers everything from babysitter training to crime investigation skills to culinary arts (and much more)!
Do something good...There's no better time than the summer to devote to volunteering. Not only is it great experience and a college application builder, but volunteering gives teens the opportunity to discover the many ways they can make a difference already. Whether it's helping with vacation Bible school, getting involved with a charitable organization, training for a fundraising race, or helping out at a homeless shelter (like the City Rescue Mission), kids get the biggest attitude adjustment when they realize just how much they have.
Get experience...And speaking of gaining experience, summer is a great time to fill out a job application, get experience with job interviews, and earn some money. Learning how to balance work and play can be a great lesson the summer can teach any of us, but especially at an age when independence must be earned.
Well, I hope that helps! I'm a few years off from this age with my own kids, but the wheels are already turning.
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