Opportunity Guide I Summer, Enrichment & Activities Guide

If your child aspires to run for president one day, loves to take charge of things or enjoys some verbal sparring, consider activities and classes in government, politics and debate. In the beginning, encourage your child to run for student counsel or to start a new school club where he can build leadership skills. There are also a wide array of specialty summer programs that offer courses in politics, current affairs, history and leadership. A motivated, older child might apply for a government internship in her home state, or to work as a congressional page. Volunteer positions with government institutions or museums can help a child sharpen leadership and public speaking skills.

Joining a school speech and debate team is a great way for a child to learn oratory and research skills and as a jumping off point to compete in higher level state and national tournaments. Taken to the highest level, there are intensive summer debate training camps which offer rigorous debate preparation classes and the chance to spar with top debaters.

If your child is interested in foreign languages or international relations, encourage her to join her school’s Model United Nations program. She’ll have the opportunity to interact with peers, hone skills in diplomacy and negotiation, and participate in local through international conferences. Encourage a child who is curious about international affairs to attend a foreign language camp or any of the prestigious international relations/diplomacy camps, many of which are sponsored by selective universities and government groups. An overseas community service trip can provide an opportunity for your child to engage in genuine cultural immersion, meaningful volunteer work, and a real-world international experience.

Does your child long for summer so that he can run a lemonade stand? Does he want to create a new cryptocurrency for his school? If business is in your child’s blood, plenty of meaningful business opportunities await him. Start at school: many schools offer business courses or have business-related clubs. At the high school level, nationally-recognized business associations offer a wide variety of exciting learning activities and competition opportunities. A child can also gain insight and excellent business experience by taking a business position (e.g. business/finance manager or team manager) in a school club or sports team. If school-based courses or clubs are hard to come by, check out your local community college for opportunities or encourage him to start a club to create his own.

Outside of school, check out university and/or community college summer business courses like finance, marketing or entrepreneurship. Encourage your child to get a paying job or to apply for an internship/volunteer job at a local company or nonprofit. If your child is a member of an extramural club such as Boy Scouts or a private swim team, volunteering for a business or management role in the club is also a good way to get hands-on, real-life business experience. Finally, with so many online resources available to run and promote a home-based business, a child with a special interest can flex their entrepreneurial muscles by offering babysitting services, handmade jewelry, website design or other product or service.