When both camper and parent realize that the camp experience is no longer challenging, the question is what’s next and what is it’s value?

There are quite a few options to explore: academic studies on a college campus, teen tours, wilderness adventures, sailing, language immersion, internships and more. Although different in purpose and content, all the experiences share some common characteristics exploring different levels of independence and challenging a child’s decision-making skills.

Your child now becomes part of the decision-making process when taking part in group decisions – it may not go their way.

They have an opportunity to make personal choices – do I go here or there, do this or that, or do I go with my friends.

Keeping track of personal belongings, especially if they are traveling, is a challenge. No one is picking up after them.

Learning the tricks of doing laundry is eye opening. For many, this is the first time they may realize that clothes don’t come out of the machine folded!

Keeping a budget for the duration of the trip often initiates the question, “ Do I really need that? Will I have money left for……”

Confronting social dilemmas if they arise, and deciding on behavioral choices that may or may not be popular is a huge challenge.  The social decision making component is often a life changer. Sometimes mistakes are made and consequences follow. In other situations, teens learn about themselves and their convictions carving out their personality and molding their values.

Whatever the experience, whether glitz and glam or rugged to the bone, all situations offer the opportunity for your child to take on responsibility and challenge their decision making skills….. all while having a great time!