IDeas for teens in the summer

[loria]

My daughter has decided that she will not return to camp this summer--she simply isn't a camping girl (much to our deep disappointment)--the camp she was at was very traditional and everyone was required to do an out trip (canoeing for a number of days) so.....we are trying to find alternatives. she has mentioned being interested in some kind of foreign exchange--I know nothing about these programs though--
has anyone had any experience sending their approaching 9th grader to a program like this? I am sort of at 6's and 7's.....

thanks

[djmom]

Loria, I have no ideas for you, except to commiserate as my daughter does not want to go back to Girl Scout camp after 6 years. She is too cool for it, apparently.

[Marcia (Mrs. Pete)]

There are some fantastic oceanic teen trips, which my daughter considered...in the USVI/BVI's. This was when she thought she wanted to be a marine biologist. If you want links, let me know. I'm sure I still have them somewhere.

[Marcia (Mrs. Pete)]

http://www.seatrekbvi.com/

Here is the one we looked at most closely. Very good outfit.

[Greenskeeper]

Loria,
Have you checked out Cape Cod Sea Camps in Brewster, MA. The program is very highly regarded and definitely not "camping".

There is an ambassadorship program called People to People that my kids were nominated for that we considered but then decided against. I am not sure where they are going this year but check it out. I am not sure what the process was to get nominated or if it's even necessary but the program looked terrific. I know a young woman who did go and she spoke highly of the experience.

My kids ended up just doing 1 week programs last year. One went to LAX Camp at Syracuse and the other did a sailing trip on the Black Dog Schooner on Martha's Vineyard. Both loved their individual experience. If you want info. let me know.

[waterguy]

How about a job. It will keep her out of trouble.

[loria]

How about a job. It will keep her out of trouble.

unfortunately she isn't old enought to leaglly work--though she does babysit!
I am looking at pueblos ingles' teen program. it looks interesting.

[loria]

http://www.seatrekbvi.com/

Here is the one we looked at most closely. Very good outfit.

that looks amazing! I want to do that!

[waterguy]

Here Kids can work at 14 for a certain number of hours. Both my boy's had jobs at 14. To help pay for their expensive hobbies.LOL

[Marcia (Mrs. Pete)]

http://www.seatrekbvi.com/

Here is the one we looked at most closely. Very good outfit.

that looks amazing! I want to do that!

I agree. It would have been a great experience but she ended up doing the National Youth Leadership Forum for Medicine instead, which was equally as rewarding.

[Tracy in WI]

Not sure if this is what you're looking for, but my niece did a mission trip to Malawi, Africa last summer and loved it. It was pretty long, but she had a great experience.

http://teenmissions.com/