Here are four reasons why summer activities matter more than you think:

1. They Offer a Break from the Routine (While Still Building Skills)

Summer gives students the chance to hit pause on academics and explore new interests outside the classroom. Whether it’s through a part-time job, a community service project, or a creative pursuit, summer activities allow teens to experiment without pressure.

For example, a student who picks up photography or starts learning guitar isn’t just filling time—they’re developing persistence, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Similarly, a summer job at a local coffee shop builds real-world skills like communication, time management, and teamwork. These experiences shape students’ confidence and character, often in ways traditional academics can’t.

The key? Focus on genuine exploration. Encourage your teen to choose activities that intrigue, challenge, or inspire them, not just what might look impressive on a résumé.

2. They Let Students Demonstrate Initiative and Leadership

Colleges value students who take initiative—those who go beyond showing up and truly make an impact. Summer provides the perfect window for students to start something meaningful, step into a leadership role, or deepen involvement in a passion project.

Take this example: A student interested in environmental science organizes a neighborhood clean-up or starts a small composting initiative. Another student passionate about coding might create a simple app to help local non-profits track donations. These self-directed projects reflect resourcefulness, leadership, and a commitment to learning—all qualities that stand out to admissions officers.

Remember, leadership doesn’t always mean starting from scratch. Even taking on responsibility at an existing program or job can showcase initiative. The goal is for students to own their role and make a difference.

3. They Help Students Build Depth Over Breadth

When it comes to extracurriculars, colleges look for depth of involvement, not just a laundry list of activities. Summer allows students to focus on one or two meaningful pursuits, giving them the time and space to take those experiences further.

Martha Allman, Dean of Admissions at Wake Forest University, once said:
"Colleges seek depth of involvement rather than breadth; therefore, we advise students to focus time and attention on a few activities in which they excel."

For a student interested in journalism, this might mean working on a summer newsletter or writing blog posts on topics they care about. An aspiring engineer might attend a robotics workshop or intern at a local company. These concentrated efforts don’t just show passion—they often lead to tangible outcomes, like portfolios, research projects, or skill certifications that highlight a student’s growth.

4. They Support Holistic Growth (and College Admissions)

Beyond academics, summer experiences play an important role in holistic college admissions. Admissions officers want to see who students are outside of school: what motivates them, how they solve problems, and where they make an impact. Summer activities provide rich opportunities to demonstrate this.

Here’s the truth: Activities don’t have to be fancy to be impactful. A summer job at a daycare shows responsibility and leadership. Volunteering with a local animal shelter demonstrates compassion and initiative. Even independent projects, like launching a blog or building furniture, reflect curiosity and a strong work ethic.

The bonus? These experiences often lead to rich material for college essays. Students gain stories that reflect their character, values, and goals—essential elements of a standout application.

Encouraging a Balance of Growth and Rest

While summer activities matter, balance is key. Students don’t need to fill every minute with productivity—downtime is essential for recharging and reflection. What’s important is approaching summer with intention: helping teens explore passions, try new challenges, and grow into their unique strengths.

When summer is used intentionally, students come away not just with new experiences, but also with greater clarity, confidence, and readiness for what lies ahead.