Last spring, I embarked on a quest to find academic summer camps for my high-schooler. If you haven’t yet entered the whirlwind of high school overachievement and college application enhancement, let me enlighten you: it’s a fierce competition out there.
And when I say competition, I mean the race to be the most overscheduled, overmanaged, stressed-out teenager juggling AP classes, honors courses, honor societies, clubs, part-time jobs, volunteer work, and somehow emerging as a well-rounded and non-anxious adult—all before stepping foot on a college campus.
Just when your teen collapses from exhaustion at the end of the school year, it’s time to pile on even more with “academic summer camps.” Yes, that’s right. It’s now a necessity for teens to spend their summers engaged in additional academic pursuits, international volunteer work, and community service. Not to mention the expectation of securing a part-time job.
But it doesn’t stop there. Even if your student can handle the academic demands of a summer program, your wallet may not be prepared for the hit. While researching summer offerings, I experienced a serious case of sticker shock. For example, a four-day non-residential STEM program at a local university costs over $1,700, while a two-week residential program in the same field at another institution charges upwards of $3,500.
Typically, I’m accustomed to high tuition costs since my children attend private school. However, a four-day health science camp for $1,700? Is the Surgeon General presenting lectures? After exploring various programs, I found that these prices are standard for intensive summer academic experiences.
And don’t get me started on summer sports camps. Should they be called “Our facilities are on par with Olympic training centers and will require you to refinance your home”? I’m sure your 8-year-old future baseball star needs 80 hours of instruction from a former major league player at the steal of a deal of $1,000 per week.
Do you have a child with a passion for acting or music? Expect to pay around $500 weekly for drama camps that produce summer performances. Who can afford these exorbitant fees? Not only do these prices exclude lower-income families, but they also pose a significant challenge for the average middle-class family wishing to provide enriching summer experiences for their high-achieving kids. This financial barrier can lead to less competitive college applications.
Whatever happened to simply dropping your child off at the local parks and recreation center for swimming, card games, and arts and crafts at an affordable rate? Why can’t we find more budget-friendly academic and extracurricular options for talented youth that won’t put families in financial distress?
Additionally, why do universities seem to prioritize applicants with fancy summer experiences over those who have spent their time working modest jobs? Personally, I would prefer a student who understands the value of hard work and dedication, even if it’s in a less glamorous role. Ironically, if affluent families were offered the chance for their children to learn the importance of hard work through a summer job, they might even be willing to pay a premium for that experience.
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In summary, the landscape of summer academic programs is becoming increasingly expensive and competitive, leaving many families grappling with the financial implications. It’s essential to advocate for more accessible options that don’t compromise the value of hard work and dedication in our youth.