<p>S. did the summer camp route - first as a camper then a counselor and I'm convinced it helped him tremendously as a person and as an applicant. He built on the experience and was able to present an application that showed he pursued that interest and had responsibilities for younger kids. It was powerful and I would highly recommend it (for the growth experience). </p>
<p>I've always been suspect of the 'going to Romania to help orphans' kind of e.c. and if adults reading applications can't see what's behind it (Mom or Dad's checkbook) then I wouldn't want my kid at that school. Seriously. What exactly are American teenagers, who often don't have language skills of the country they're targeting, contributing in the short time they're there? It's eye opening for THEM but I wouldn't believe for a second that they're contributing except perhaps to the tourist economy (and that is important). I'm really jaded about this one when there's certainly much to be done here at home. I would hope that admissions people reading an application for a student who spent his/her summers working recognizes the commitment, maturity and skills that go into holding down a steady job and understand if that student hasn't put in 1,000 hours community service.</p>
<p>Re: NHS. Oldest wasn't inducted until fall of senior year and had to do very little to maintain the honor. Youngest is in JHS in 9th grade and has had to plan carefully to fit in her c.s. hours amidst her e.c.s. On top of that, she's also in math and science h.s. with their own requirements. It seems to me it's kind of double dipping - the grades speak for themselves and multiple honor societies are a bit of overkill.</p>