Summer is no longer just a break from school—it’s a launchpad for growth and discovery. From internships and creative projects to community initiatives, summer activities give teenagers the chance to explore passions, build leadership skills, and create meaningful impact. These experiences not only help students thrive in high school but also strengthen their college applications by showcasing their initiative and character. The best part? It’s about more than impressing admissions—it’s about helping teens uncover who they are and where they want to go.

Beyond Admissions: Cultivating Thriving

Summer activities are more than just résumé builders. Research shows that engaged students are 2.5 times more likely to achieve excellent grades and 4.5 times more likely to feel hopeful about the future than their disengaged peers. Thriving as a teenager involves feeling engaged, connected, and purposeful.

Here’s how summer activities foster these elements:



Engagement and Intellectual Curiosity
By delving into activities that genuinely excite them, students tap into their intellectual curiosity. Whether it’s interning at a science lab, volunteering at a local nonprofit, or participating in a creative arts program, these experiences allow students to learn organically and find joy in the process.

A Sense of Purpose
Activities with a clear impact—like organizing a fundraiser or teaching younger students—help teens connect their actions to a greater purpose. This aligns with the strong sense of direction and social responsibility that teenagers values.

Confidence and Mental Well-Being
Thriving isn’t just about academic success; it’s also about feeling mentally prepared for the future. Students engaged in meaningful summer activities often report increased confidence and reduced stress, knowing they are actively working toward their goals.

Evaluating Activities: Thriving Based on the Walton Family Foundation Survey

Not all activities are created equal when it comes to helping teenagers thrive. According to research on Gen Z, teenagers are most likely to thrive when they feel engaged, purposeful, and supported in their pursuits. These findings provide a valuable framework for evaluating summer activities.

To identify activities where your teen can thrive, consider the following indicators:

Does the Activity Provide a Sense of Purpose?
Thriving teenagers often feel their efforts contribute to something meaningful. Ask your teen:

• Does this activity allow me to make a difference?
• Will this work impact my community or support a cause I care about?

Does It Encourage Engagement and Challenge?
Activities should inspire curiosity and challenge your teen to think deeply or learn new skills. Reflect on:

• Does this activity align with my interests?
• Will it push me to grow, problem-solve, or lead?

Is It Mentally and Emotionally Supportive?
Thriving teens have strong relationships and feel supported in their endeavors. Discuss:

• Will I be working with peers or mentors who encourage and inspire me?
• Does this activity balance challenge with enjoyment, or does it risk being overly stressful?

Does It Build Confidence and Skills for the Future?
Activities should help your teen prepare for life after high school by building transferable skills. Questions to explore include:

• Will I gain skills I can use in college, my career, or other areas of life?
• Does this activity build my confidence and sense of self?

Encourage your teen to evaluate potential activities with these questions in mind. This approach ensures they’re choosing opportunities that will help them grow, stay motivated, and feel fulfilled.

Examples of Impactful Summer Activities

To inspire your teen, consider these creative and specific examples of impactful summer opportunities that highlight initiative and growth:

1. Creating a Local History Podcast: A student passionate about storytelling and history could research lesser-known local historical events, interview community elders, and produce a podcast series to share these stories. This project not only builds research and communication skills but also connects the student to their community.
2. Launching a Climate Action Initiative: A teenager concerned about environmental issues could organize a neighborhood sustainability campaign, including hosting workshops on composting, creating a community garden, or partnering with local businesses to reduce plastic use.
3. Designing a Virtual Art Exhibit: An aspiring artist could curate a collection of their work and that of peers, designing a virtual gallery space online and hosting a live Q&A session to discuss their inspirations and techniques.
4. Building a Coding Bootcamp for Kids: A student skilled in programming could design a fun, week-long coding camp for elementary students, complete with interactive projects like building simple games or websites.
5. Publishing a Community Cookbook: A student who loves cooking and writing could collect recipes and stories from local residents, then self-publish a cookbook to raise funds for a food bank or shelter.
6. Organizing a Book Drive and Reading Festival: A book lover could collect used books, distribute them to underserved areas, and host a reading festival with storytelling sessions, book swaps, and creative writing workshops.

The key to impactful summer activities is authenticity. Encourage your teen to choose projects that align with their passions and where they can demonstrate initiative and make a measurable impact.

Supporting Your Teen’s Summer Journey

Parents play a pivotal role in guiding teens toward meaningful summer experiences. Here are some strategies to help:

• Explore Together: Research local and virtual opportunities that align with your teen’s interests.
• Encourage Reflection: Discuss what excites them about potential activities and how these experiences might shape their future.
• Promote Initiative: Support your teen in taking ownership of their summer by reaching out to mentors or organizations on their own.
• Focus on Growth: Reinforce that the goal isn’t perfection or prestige—it’s about learning, growing, and contributing in a meaningful way.

The Lasting Benefits of Summer Activities

The skills and confidence students build through summer activities often carry over into their academic year. They may discover new interests, develop leadership abilities, or simply gain a clearer sense of their priorities. These experiences not only make for a compelling college application but also shape a student’s character and future aspirations.

By fostering engagement, purpose, and curiosity, summer activities lay the foundation for a thriving high school experience—and beyond. Encourage your teen to embrace the summer months as a time to grow, explore, and make an impact. It’s an investment in their future that pays dividends both in the college admissions process and in their journey to becoming well-rounded, confident young adults.