<p>My S was thinking about signing up for one of these Elon summer programs. Does anyone know anything about them? Thanks.</p>
<p>They are a great way to start school in the fall already knowing a group of students that you feel comfortable with, beyond that they are almost always a good time. Elon does an wonderful job of making freshmen feel welcomed and included and the Summer program is just part of the roll-out. Because Elon requires all students meet in small groups for the first semester (Elon 101), the Summer programs are not as essential as they might be at a less student centered university, but they are nice. My S did his pre-freshmen year and happily returned as a student leader in his pre-sophomore year. I’m sure he would have loved to do accompany them again, but professional internships have kept him too busy.</p>
<p>Which program did he do?</p>
<p>My son participated in Adventures in Leadership. We thought it would be a great way for him to meet other incoming freshmen, and be more comfortable on campus come move-in day. It worked like a charm. He had a blast. They spent the first and last nights on campus, and in between they took a van up to West Virginia and went whitewater rafting, rock-climbing, camping, etc. The kids were divided into groups of a dozen or so, and stayed with that group for the duration. For someone who was nervous about the whole going-off-to-college thing, it was perfect. He made some great friends, and gave him some much-needed confidence. Would do it again in a heartbeat!</p>
<p>That’s great. I’m so glad he had a good experience.</p>
<p>if my s was accepted Spring…can he go to a summer program?</p>
<p>The Atlanta Program, but as mentioned by 3garcons above, I think they are all worthwhile.</p>
<p>FAITHSBOYZ - I would guess yes, but not only that… My understanding is that Elon is developing some programs for students to travel and explore together before starting school in the spring. Not sure if this is ready to go or in the planning stages. But a call will give you more info than I ever can… :)</p>
<p>ACollegeFan, I was just wondering if your son ended up doing one of the Elon summer programs, and if so, which one, and how did it go?</p>
<p>My son LOVED the adventures in leadership program. Made a bunch of good friends which made the start of school in September so much easier. He couldn’t wait to get back to Elon.</p>
<p>Supruwoman - My son did the “Live the Maroon Life” summer program. It was great. He’s a quiet kid, so it gave him immediate friendships the very first week of school. He still hangs out with the same kids all the time. One caveat - this particular program was mostly girls. That didn’t seem to bother him;)</p>
<p>Thanks jerseyangle and ACollegeFan 
You’ve got me really excited about that opportunity (now she just has to get accepted into Elon!). Would love to hear from anyone else who has done them.</p>
<p>Just an update to add to this thread in case anyone else is looking into the summer programs. Our daughter did the Discovery trip this past summer. The students loved the program and got very close. They spent many hours in group chats and video chats over the rest of the summer. They got together the night before move in, and then a couple of times after move in, and plan on weekly dinners through the year. It made her transition so much easier, as she was so looking forward to seeing her friends again that she was hardly nervous. (19 were on the trip; there were a few more girls than guys, but it was a good mix --I can’t remember the exact numbers).</p>