Everything Summer Blog

Do Something (for) Teens

Yesterday I had the pleasure and honor to help evaluate about a dozen service project pitches during the Do Something Boot Camp for teens. About 150 teens participated in the all-day NYC event which was produced with the utmost professionalism by this wonderful organization.

To say I was beyond impressed with the passion of these teens and the extent of their development of these projects is an understatement. These students developed service efforts based mostly on personal, life-altering events and gave up their entire Saturday with a very early morning start, traveling far for some, to learn from the experienced Do Something leaders and industry experts how to develop branding and marketing plans for their programs, how to attract donors and volunteers along with corporate sponsors, use on-line communications, develop partnerships, form a board of directors, be fiscally responsible, and ultimately - how to pitch their volunteer programs to us, the adult 'speed catchers.' We all gave candid and constructive feedback that these students embraced.

These young people are not those we will expect to wonder through the remainder of high school and college without direction. Such as the majority of teens referenced in the NY Times article, Helping Teenagers Find Their Dreams. It is okay and expected that teens need encouragement to try out different careers during their education, as well as beyond (I work with teens to help them in this area). But haven't many of us reinvented ourselves (including me) over the course of many years? But teens such as those who commit to Do Something experience the challenging exercise of taking on all the roles necessary to create a worthwhile cause that may or may not succeed. But we hope that it will. However it is the process - the journey - that allows them to discover what it takes to succeed, and along the way, demonstrate the skills they have to master an accomplishment and self-discover their strengths and weaknesses earlier than usual in their development. Life skills all parents should encourage - not enable.

So go tell your teen to 'Do Something.' I can't wait to witness the next set of Do Something Boot Camp Attendee accomplishments.

Camp's Next Generation of Leaders

I recently attended the American Camp Association's Emerging Professionals in Camping Conference. This next generation of leadership is full of ideas, energy and savvy, yet respects the traditions and foundation established by their mentors and elders. These young camp professionals remind me why I love this gratifying vocation.

These Gen Y and Gen X young adults have all been touched by the magic of camp, most having grown up having gone to camp; they were smitten at a young age. Their perspectives are refreshing, especially since their own summer experiences remain crisp in their minds. Since I know many of their directors, I observed how these established directors have chosen those to next lead their camp. I see compatibility, a complement to their own personalities and styles, as well as new skill sets they might not have.

By choosing young leaders smartly, current directors are paving a good path to continuing all the good they have built and nurtured in their camps. So as parents, I ask you to take the time to get to know these young professionals who will one day lead their children's camps.

Volunteering: Parents, Teens, Kids Make A Difference

Parent volunteering sets the best example to get your child or teen on board for volunteering. The Wall Street Journal outlines great advice on what types of parent volunteering best impacts kids vs. teens:

• Elementary School: volunteer where your child most sees you - in the classroom.
• Middle School: volunteer where you (the parent) can learn the most about the school's curriculum and your child's classroom.
• High School: volunteer where your teen can see and learn the most from your involvement and contribution.

October 24 is Make A Difference Day, a national day of volunteer service. Parents, young adults, teens, kids can have a positive impact on someone else’s lives. Here are some great resources to get you started on an ongoing commitment to help others:

• www.volunteer-center.org
• www.volunteerspot.org
• www.allforgood.org
• www.dosomething.org (for teens)
• www.insidegood.com (non-profit ratings) 

And summer opportunities for teen volunteering are in abundance. Contact us to discuss options.

Staying In Touch On-Line

Staying connected with family (and friends) online these days is easy. But privacy is important, along with features for the not-so-technologically-inclined individuals. USA Today gives us some great suggestions. Here are a few:

• MyFamily.com: share information and photos only with those you allow, and it's free. Don't want advertising? Then opt for a paid account that also provides more storage.
• MyPunchBowl.com: plans get-togethers, including invites, rsvp's, manages who brings what, gift registries, and shares photos.
• AirSet.com: plans get-togethers and helps you keep track of due dates for getting things done. It is a data hub.
• Rondee.com: conference calling with web-based scheduling and attendance tracking for up to 50 people simultaneously.
• CaringBridge.org: connecting family and friends when health matters most.

And of course there is Geni.com, which builds your family tree online and alerts you to birthdays, anniversaries and more, where photos can be uploaded too. We set this up for my family and I can't believe how our tree has grown!

Start a connection circle now with the most important people in your life.

Family Dinner vs Family Time for Teens

There's always been the debate over family dinner vs. quality family time to help heed off teen trouble. The New York Times brings it to the surface again in The Guilt-Trip Casserole.

Personally, I have always found the best time to talk with my kids has been during off-times when we are spending time doing something else than orchestrating a meeting event to discuss a topic. Don't get me wrong; I love having dinner with my family. But the reality of everyone being available - physically and emotionally - at the same time is rare.

Always let your teen know you are there for him/her unconditionally, and you are always open to hear things that are on his/her mind. Placing forced parameters of when a family should gather and talk does not usually work with teens whose needs and emotions often twist and turn like a roller coaster.

Crackdown on Bad Foods

The New York Times published the article, A Crackdown On Bake Sales in City Schools. Mayor Bloomberg is helping institutions and parents better manage the sugar and trans fat intake of students.

I think this is very smart. Children's obesity and resulting health issues associated with this are at an all-time high, that widespread measures are necessary. Camps have been demonstrating better management of foods and drinks for years. Parents marvel each summer when kids return home slimmer, more active and craving better foods. Ongoing fitness and outdoor activity play important parts here as well.  

Children's Play and Self-Control

Today's NY Times Magazine talks about the importance of dramatic play, and how it helps to improve children's level of self-control as well as their language skills. The article, Can The Right Kinds of Play Teach Self-Control? argues that practicing play helps to develop necessary executive function skills. A school in Red Bank, NJ is one of the first to work with this new program, Tools of The Mind.

Our parents' generation was raised on unstructured play, as well as many of us baby boomers. In my opinion this type of new research could be an integral part of developing today's youth into stronger adults and learners.

School's On: Manage Internet and Gaming Over Usage

Fall is officially here and schools are in full action. That means camps and summer programs no longer can keep kids, teens and young adults productively busy and outdoors, away from computers and video games. Instead, on-line and video game usage is increased among kids, teens and young adults. Beware of over usage with these tips from the National Institute on Media + Family:

Symptoms of computer or video game addiction for children/teens include:

• Most non-school hours are spent on the computer or playing video games.
• Falling asleep in school
• Not keeping up with assignments.
• Worsening grades.
• Lying about computer or video game use.
• Choosing to use the computer or play video games, rather than see friends.
• Dropping out of other social groups (clubs or sports).

The New York Times even wrote about a new center that tries to treat web addicts.

Thanking Camp Counselors

It's the time of the year to thank the counselors who cared for your kids and teens this summer. In this Wall Street Journal FiLife.com article, I contribute my thoughts.

Specifically, take the time to thank these caregivers. They are often older teens and college students who work hard to help ensure your kids are happy and safe. They are role models. Even if camp or the summer program has ended, take the time to send the counselor an email (if camp policy permits) or a letter. And reinforce how much you and your child/teen appreciate the counselor's efforts by also informing the director. This letter can be a key part of whether or not to ask a staff member to return as well as to be promoted.

For camps and programs that permit tipping or a token gift, consider doing so. My kids were both camp counselors and yours might be as well in the future! 

Job Shadowing for Teens and College Students

With a few weeks left to summer and pre-fall extracurricular planning upon families, add Job Shadowing for teens and college students as very worthy experiences.

As I share in this NY Times blog 'College Corner', there is tremendous value in student Job Shadow opportunities. They give a firsthand and up-close look at the world of work including the skills and responsibilities that a given field may require.

Students should use these experiences to help them discover and pursue passions, select appropriate colleges and majors, and create connections for future internship opportunities. Where do you start? Read the blog to find out.

I also recommend you bookmark the weekly NY Times 'College Corner' blog; it's full of insightful advice.

Career Advice

I have to tell you that my colleague, Tory Johnson, wrote a must-read, just released book: Fired To Hired. Yes, a must read for anyone working, self-employed, unemployed, looking for internships or college grad jobs.

As an entrepreneur and someone who runs her own company, having left corporate America, I say with confidence that Tory shares lessons for everyone that are usable today. She speaks to you directly in no-nonsense language, offering amazing tips, resources and practical exercises. And her guest snippets of advice and stories (she even includes my reinvention story) from noted professionals, executives, writers, entrepreneurs and every day people, put into perspective all the advice she lays out in the book.

Run to buy this book. Yes, now.