<p>I've never been to any kind of summer camp before... and I'm thinking about applying for one (I'm in girl in 8th Grade right now). All my friends and school seem to go to summer camp every year, whether its a sports camp or if its one of those 'gifted students' programs. It seems like a good idea to go to a summer camp, since it gives you something very productive to do over the break. But then, I have no experience with summer programs, so I want to know what opportunities are out there... </p>
<p>What different types of summer camps are there? Are there any 'famous' camps that 'everyone' wants to go to? Are summer camps worth the time and money? (or can you just self study during the summer through internet resources?) What's the application process/when should I start applications if I want to go this year? How are summer camps a benefit for when applying for college?</p>
<p>I'm interested in:</p>
<p>Visual arts (only thing I REALLY want to do during summer) - I want to learn more about computer graphics/design (animation, web design). I also want to spend some time on the more traditional stuff like drawing, painting, sculpting etc, but nothing too boring =P</p>
<p>Learning A New Langauge: I want to learn Japanese, but my parents say it's not very useful. So I will probably learn French, since that would be helpful for my art related studies.</p>
<p>Writing: I want to learn how to write well, since that's a very useful skill.</p>
<p>Dancing: (jazz/hip hop/modern dance/tap dance, but not ballet) I'm not a dancer, but I'd really love to be one. (I've been influenced by many movies/performances..) Plus I like the idea of dancing as an exercise, since I'm not a very sporty person.</p>
<p>Math/sciences: I'd like to get 'smarter'. XD Or maybe finish learning a math course so that I can skip one in High School.</p>
<p>I'd really appreciate any of your answers! Thanks =)</p>
<p>For language you could go to Concordia Language Villages. Its on the pricey side but its definitely worth it-they have Japanese and French, too. Try telling your parents you can learn more than one language!</p>
<p>Your local community college or other college in your area may offer camps for all kinds of things, and many of them are reasonably priced. You might take a look at them just by doing a Google search. (YourLocalCollege camps)</p>
<p>You can’t really learn more than one language at Concordia Language Villages unless you sign up for two different sessions. Each language is separated into its own little immersion camp unit (some, especially at the main location in Bemidji) are quite close together, on the same lake. But when you go to a session, you spend pretty much all your time with just your language group and don’t see the other groups except at some special occasions like International Day. But it is a good experience, both of my kids have done it. If you are doing French, consider the Hackensack location, it is a little more “summer camp-ish” than the Bemidji one.</p>
<p>Is it financially realistic for your family to fly you to the US for camp, and pay the camp fee on top of that (can be several thousand dollars for the camp)? </p>
<p>Looking at your list of activities, I would say that dance might not be so realistic. Most kids your age going to a camp specific for dance are not beginners.</p>
<p>Interlochen Arts Camp is one prestigous camp for some of the areas you are interested in, but it is (1) expensive, and (2) generally requires a portfolio for them to review prior to the admissions decision.</p>
<p>My daughter attended a proogram called the Joseph Baldwin Academy in Kirksville, Missouri. I think that 8th grade or 9th grade is the last year that you can participate.</p>
<p>It is not the best known program, but my daughter loved being in the middle of the country. She studied Latin for three weeks. It is less expensive than MANY of the other summer programs offered through universities and it does have many courses available. Hope you find something that you like.</p>
<p>Take a look at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, it has some resdiential programs and it has great science programs and does have animation and graphics. It’s not hard to get into, but you will get a LOT out of it!</p>
<p>I don’t think i can do anything about the coming summer 2011, but I’m thinking about doing something for the summer after my freshman year (something fun?), then after sophomore year something more serious (academic?), then after junior year maybe an intern at someplace for the ‘work experience’.</p>
<p>What do you mean by “worth the money?” It’s unlikely that you’ll see the thousands spend on summer camp returned to you in any meaningful way (ie, by giving you a leg up in a future career or even in college admissions). But if you have the money and it’s not a huge financial burden on your family, camp can be a life-changing experience. </p>
<p>If you’re interested in dance and visual arts, the general arts program at Interlochen might be perfect for you. I know many happy high schoolers who spent their “intermediate” (middle school) summers in the general arts program.</p>
<p>I think that colleges will not look too closely at what you do in the summers of 8th & 9th. So don’t look for something that will look flashy on your resume. For example, CTY. I know a ton of friends who say that CTY is a money making scheme. These friends did self study over the summer, and learned the more than the equivalent courses at CTY. </p>
<p>So, those summers are great times to build your brain for high school. There is so much you can do over the summer! I didn’t do anything (except for sports and a leadership camp) last summer (9th), but I did delve into physics and prepare for the upcoming AP physics exam. Now I am studying even more advanced physics and mathematics. </p>
<p>So focus on building your mind, not your resume. If you do that, then resume-building will be a breeze once the important years come.</p>