As the end of the school year quickly approaches, parents and teachers are presented with numerous options in how to acknowledge their students’ efforts and achievements. Whether they are graduating from one school to another, or simply celebrating the passing of another school year, the progression of a child’s academic career is something that should always be celebrated. One popular graduation gift idea is to give the student the gift of further learning. Through summer enrichment programs and college prep programs, students are offered an accelerated learning environment that will teach them powerful life and academic skills that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.

For middle school students, the opportunity to prepare for life in high school is a necessity. These programs offer them ways in which to better prepare for the challenge of high school by helping them learn about who they are, where they excel, and what types of groups they want to associate with, all before having to deal with the rigors of a heavier academic schedule. Pre-teens also learn ways in which to participate in “real-life” activities that enable them to make responsible choices and earn the support, understanding, and guidance of teachers and parents. This gift is far more valuable than an X-Box or a bicycle, and will last longer, too.

With high school students, the act of academic achievement is a little bit more difficult. While most teens dream of owning a car at 16, they also, possibly unknowingly at the time, desire to go to college and be successful in their future careers. There are a multitude of programs out there designed to prepare students for the complicated journey through their second decade of life and on through college. The mission of many of these teen summer programs is to help students learn how to make the most of every moment, uncover their unique abilities, and develop greater confidence, while mastering strategies for academic success. The skills campers learn help ease school stress, build study skills, improve grades, and increase test scores, including the SAT and ACT; all of which are volatile knowledge for those looking to prepare for their next phase of life after high school.

Adventure is a driving force in the lives of high school upperclassmen and college students. Backpacking, sailing, and road tripping are all common interest themes, but honestly; what is more exciting than eight days in the Rockies learning valuable leadership training? College summer enrichment programs teach students how to succeed in the real world. Participants learn how to manage their lives in ways they haven’t had to think about as high school students. This includes time, money, health, and relationship management. Students also learn ways to improve their academic and interpersonal skills through creative writing, problem solving, critical thinking, communication, leadership, and team-building.

One summer enrichment camp specializing in academic and life skills achievement conducts a college success program in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Participant, and Marist College Sophomore, Kaiti Decker had this to say of her experience: “The feelings I experienced at camp have been with me ever since. Upon returning from the college success program, many people at school and work commented on a noticeable difference in how I looked at life. I earned a 4.0 GPA my first semester back from camp, and continue to utilize the study skills and techniques that I learned. The biggest accomplishment for me is that I am the happiest I have ever been, which makes it so easy to set goals and have the passion to go after them. Although it is sometimes a struggle to live a life of purpose, passion, and positivity all of the time, this college success program provided me with the skills to identify what I need to do to quickly get back to my best self. I have heard it said that everything is on purpose, and I am so glad that it has helped me bring that purpose back into my life.”

The gift of a college prep program was a graduation gift from Kaiti’s parents that changed her life forever. While thinking of a graduation gift to reward to your child, think of a gift that has long term lasting value. Most parents think in terms of a physical product, or sentimental value. Realistically, no graduation gift has the lasting value of summer enrichment. The skills, confidence, and motivation students gain through these programs will stay with them for years to come, and will be a positive effect on their entire lives.

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