When I was younger, I used to do summer programs like day camp at the pool. You would get to play activities with other children, and you would get to enjoy summer by spending it with people you didn’t even know at the beginning of summer. When I began high school, another opportunity presented itself. I became a part of a program in which I was able to stay for five weeks on a college campus, excluding the weekends. Through the week, I lived in dorm rooms, took classes, and did fun activities in the evening. I honestly do not know what I would do without summer programs like these because they helped me to grow into the person I am today.
1. You get to be away from home.
Some programs allow you to stay there for days, weeks, or even months at a time, while others are just for the day. No matter what the set-up, the programs get you away from home. They allow you to take a break from family and give you time to breathe. Sometimes, you need this because your parents are too attached to you, but other times, you might need to make the hard decision to leave home because you are too attached to home. I promise, you will survive and so will your parents. Being apart for short periods of time just makes the moments you have together more special.
2. You can be whoever you want to be.
When you are home, you have to behave and be careful of what you say. When you are on your own, you can be your own person. You get to make decisions for yourself and act how you want to act.
3. You have a chance to make new friends.
Summer programs often introduce you to people you have never met. This is your chance to make friends. You have friends from school, but maybe you can meet people from other local areas, or even from a different country.
4. You learn a lot.
Whether the program is learning based or simply a camp for swimming and other outdoor activities, you will learn so much. You will learn about people. You will learn about topics you might cover in school. You will learn things you could never imagine. No matter the camp, you will learn something you did not know before the program.
5. You will grow as a person.
Sometimes, you will face challenges. You might want to leave the summer program. You might cry every day or night you are at the summer program. However, if you stick it out through all the hardships, you will grow. You will learn how to deal with challenging situations, and you grow. I once considered leaving a summer program, but I decided to stick it out. I have completed all four years of that program, and I am currently working my second summer for the same program. I know from experience, that you will grow into a wonderful person through the challenges you face at summer programs.
