For teenagers, it only takes a few weeks before the excitement of summer freedom morphs into the advent of summer boredom.  It’d be wise to have a few backup plans this year.  Summer classes and camps for teenagers present some incredible opportunities to explore current passions or to introduce new ones.  Try out one of these interest-sparking ideas.

For starters, an introduction to pottery is a creative outlet sure to captivate their attention.  Echo Ceramics in Los Angeles has a “Teens for Pottery” class in June. The class covers wheel throwing and hand building techniques in a small and intimate setting. 

Hoopdancing is sure to be the crush of many teens this summer.  What’s not to love when you mix dancing with hula hooping?  In Marina Del Rey, Hoopnotica’s Beginning Hoopdance class teaches the basics to get your teen (ages 12+) started.  First, the proper type of hoop is required for this class and can be purchased at registration.  The hula hoops we remember from childhood are best left on the playground.  Hoopdancing requires a hoop that is slightly larger and heavier, which helps to keep the momentum going.  During class, students will learn moves and maneuvers that will strengthen and tone their bodies.   As they become more comfortable, they will learn to add in some dance moves and create their own dance style.  Intrigued parents are encouraged to sign up for class as well - it will be hard to resist joining in!  You will groove as you’ve never grooved before. 

Surviving in the wilderness is a fantasy many kids nurture as they grow up.   That dream can be fulfilled this summer when they learn primitive survival techniques, wildlife tracking skills, and the ability to camouflage themselves in nature.   Lifesong Wilderness Adventures offers co-ed Teen Survival Camps for two age groups: 14-15 and 16-17.  The older group stays a week longer to test their newly acquired skills and to live in the survival shelters they created during the first week.     

If your teen is more marine-oriented, Guided Discoveries offers two exciting programs.  First, Catalina Sea Camp provides an amazing assortment of hands-on experiences in the following areas: Snorkeling, Sailing, Marine Science, Seafood Cookery, Surfing, Kayaking, SCUBA, Extreme Exploring, and ROVing.  Campers stay in fabulous facilities on campus at Toyon Bay.  Camp lasts about 3 weeks and includes many traditional camp activities as well.  The second program is Sea Camp aboard the SSV TOLE MOUR.   Campers live on the ship for 2 to 3 weeks while sailing through Southern California waters, island hopping, and exploring along the way.   During their voyage, teenagers will be immersed in sail training and marine science lessons.  They’ll also be up to their ears in fun activities like kayaking, snorkeling, rope swinging, dance parties, and swimming. The professional crew gradually turns over the responsibilities of running the ship to the camp trainees.  Full of enriching activities, these camps are thoroughly enjoyed by all who attend.

For teenaged artists, the Serious Art, Serious Fun two-week long session at Oxbow Summer Art Camp provides a stimulating and challenging environment.  14-16 year old campers will focus on project-based art utilizing a variety of media amidst a beautiful setting in the heart of Napa.  During week one, they will examine the basics in drawing, painting, sculpture, fabrication and photography under the tutelage of professional artists and teachers.  Week two will consist of proposing and completing their final project in their chosen medium.

The teen who constantly argues in favor of getting things her way would be a key candidate for attending the UCLA Summer Mock Trial Institute.  A week of training with the UCLA Mock Trial Team Coach and its members will serve as a major self-confidence booster. Students will work long days attending seminars, attending sessions on various topics of law, and visiting sites off-campus such as the Los Angeles Police Department Crime Lab and the Federal Courthouse.  This camp also doubles as a chance to explore college and career choices.

For 13-16 year old budding fashion designers, the Sewing Arts Center in Santa Monica offers a chance for teens to experiment with pattern making software in their Rock Paper Scissors Studio Series RPS3 class.  They will learn to take measurements and then input the data into the software to create items of clothing.  Students can then print out their patterns, cut the pattern out from fabric, and sew their creation together. 

And if you’ve got any gamers in the house, then they’ll want to hear about the Game Design Camp organized by Cybercamps Academy at UCLA.  Kids new to game design are welcome as are those who already know quite a bit.  Campers will design an arcade game, as well as a 3-D game environment.  They will acquire experience working with others and hone their critical thinking skills.  And not to worry - if as a parent you fear you’d be sending your child off to sit in a dark room to stare at a video screen all day, there are plenty of other activities.  Indoors, they’ll have cool board games and planned activities.  Outdoors, kids can let off steam and refresh their brains playing team sports.  This camp is open to ages 10-17, so a little brother or sister can even tag along. 

Make the most of these last few summers before they head off to college.  They’ll thank you for it.  (Or at least they should in theory.)

Images courtesy of Hoopnotica, Guided Discoveries, and Oxbow School.

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