Once the last bell rings in May, students are out of school for the summer. From June to August, students spend their time away from school traveling, seeing friends and family or having a relaxing “staycation.” One way many students enjoy summer is by going to camp. Whether it is for art, sports or through a church, summer camps are a terrific way for teens to meet new friends and have fun experiences away from school.
Going away to a camp can give students opportunities to broaden their creative lenses. While schools usually offer arts classes during the year, summer is the perfect time to explore new mediums that students may not have the opportunity to during the year. Local camps in Spartanburg, such as Converse Fine Arts Day Camp, or at colleges like at the Savanah College of Art and Design, give students across America the opportunity to expand their creative side.
This past summer, Teagan McEnroe (11) went beyond her artistic boundaries by experimenting with art in new ways in Chicago.
“I went to the summer program at the Art Institute of Chicago. I enjoyed expanding my mind to different ways of creating art,” McEnroe said.
Even though summer is supposed to give you a break from the routine of school, camp can be a much more relaxed way to learn more about a variety of subjects that are not always offered at school. For example, Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) subjects are popular camp activities among students, especially those who want to pursue a career in these subjects in the future.
Paul Whisnant (11) is passionate about all things technology, so when he got the opportunity to explore this topic more over the summer, he jumped at the chance. WHERE WAS THIS CAMP?
“My summer camp was on IOS App Development, and my favorite part about it was meeting lots of people from all of the country with a shared passion for software development,” Whisnant said.
One major reason students like to travel for camps is to meet new friends from all over the United States, and even around the world. Getting outdoors, creating something unique or learning something new is a wonderful way to bring friends together over the summer and create a community outside of school.
Libby Cheek (12) had the opportunity to travel to Colorado this summer to do service work, along with meeting new friends. While she does not get to see them in person over the school year, she has still found ways to stay connected.
“I really enjoyed the service work we did and getting to know people from across the country that I still keep in touch with today,” Cheek said.
Something these students look forward to all school year is returning to camp year after year to see their friends they have grown up with over the summer. Beyond the fun activities that sleep-away camp holds, there is an additional perk for students.
M.E. Ratterree (9), who attends Camp Crestridge every year, looks forward to seeing her friends from camp after a long-awaited reunion.
“Crestridge was super fun, and I love being able to see my friends each year,” Ratterree said.
Summer can also be great time for athletes to improve before the school season. Whether someone wants to try something new or refine their skills in their life long sport, summer camps can be a great way to expand on ones athletic abilities. Summer camps also gives athletes the opportunity to work with their community.
Mason Foster-Peake (11), a linebacker for the Spartanburg High School football team, enjoyed helping out with the youth camp the football team put on over the summer, as he got to teach younger kids more about the sport he loves.
“We can help inspire them to get better and be ready for high school.” Foster-Peake said.
