9 Amazing Summer Programs For Teens

What will your teenager do all summer? Work? Play? Study? Engage in creative and fulfilling activities that give back to the community as well as stand out on a college application form?

We’ve compiled a diverse list of 9 programs — some are free, some cost money, and some pay a stipend — ranging from camp counselors to college coursework. In addition to the camps listed below, check out others we’ve written about, like iDTech, Trail Blazers, and BCAPteen, all offering leadership programs for teens.

Opportunities for teens are competitive and fill up quickly, and even though we’re still slogging through winter, deadlines are rapidly approaching.

Supplemental Learning for Students

Summer Institute of the Arts
Where: Frank Sinatra High School, 35-12 35th Ave, Long Island City, NY 11101
What: Public school students entering 8th through 12th grade are eligible to audition for the prestigious Summer Arts Institute at Frank Sinatra High School. The program will broaden students’ interest in art by developing artistic skill and exploring career options in the art industry. Graduates of the program receive ½ credit toward elective arts requirements.
Apply: Application period open through February 3, 2017.
How much: Free

College Now at Brooklyn College
Where: Brooklyn College, 2900 Bedford Avenue at 0301 James Hall
What: Many of the CUNY campuses offer summer courses for high school students. At Brooklyn College, qualifying high school students get to study and work alongside college students. Some courses offer college credits.
Apply: See if your high school is affiliated here. For more info, call (718) 951-5209 or email jgluck@brooklyn.cuny.edu.
How much: Free

Counselor in Training opportunities

Marks JCH Summer Day Camp, Counselor in Training
Where: 7802 Bay Parkway, Brooklyn NY
What: Bensonhurst’s Jewish Community House has an established 3-tier teen counselor program. 14 and 15-year-olds entering 10th grade can join the counselor in training program. The following year they can apply to be an Assistant or Junior Assistant Counselor. They can work up to Head Counselor by the time they are 18 and have graduated from high school.
Apply: Fill out an application online here. Call 718-943-6345 with questions.

Shorefront YM-YWCA, Counselor in Training
Where: 3300 Coney Island Ave, Manhattan Beach, Brooklyn
What: If you’re interested in Shorefront YM-YWCA, apply now. Shorefront’s CIT program is limited to 10 teens who participate in community service events and specific training through Shorefront beginning in February.
Apply: Call to set up an interview at 718-646-1444

Home Run Baseball, Coach In Training
Where: Prospect Park Parade Grounds
What: The Coach in Training program is specifically for 13 and 14-year-olds who love baseball and want to spread their enthusiasm with younger kids. Home Run Baseball expects a lot from its Coaches in Training. They must arrive early, be well groomed with their shoes shined and their uniform clean, enthusiastically get to know their peers from other backgrounds, work with their coaches and teach baseball campers. In return, graduating Coaches in Training with outstanding records will be first in line for coaching jobs.
Apply: Registration is open here.
How much: $200–Proceeds donated to Grey Sisters of the Immaculate Conception in the Dominican Republic

Park Slope Day Camp, Leadership Experience
Where: Windsor Terrace Location, 241 Prospect Park West
What: Park Slope Day Camp’s 6-week Leadership Experience is for rising 9th and 10th graders ready to take their responsibilities to the next level. Leaders will develop public speaking, goal setting, interpersonal and group communication skills. They will work behind the scenes with staff and with campers out in the field or on the beach. Young leaders will also learn CPR and first aid. Park Slope Day Camp looks to their pool of graduates for filling next summer’s paid positions.
Apply: Program runs July 10 through August 18, exact dates may change.
How much: $3700 plus registration fee, includes two overnights

Aviator, Counselor in Training
Where: Floyd Bennett Field, 3159 Flatbush Avenue.
What: Aviator’s first counselor in training program for rising 10th and 11th graders. Young counselors still feel the magic of summer camp and infect current campers with their enthusiasm.  They model general counselors and learn independence, problem-solving,  communication strategies, and how to be a respected role model.  After one year, counselors in training are eligible for general counselor positions.
Apply: Interested teens can fill out a questionnaire here, then will be contacted for an interview.
Stipend: At the end of the summer, CIT’s earn a stipend and community service hours.

Paid work for teens

SFX Youth Sports, Baseball umpire
Where/When: Prospect Park, weekends
What: Does your child love baseball and flag football? SFX Youth Sports is always on the lookout for teens as young as 13 to umpire Saturday morning games. While this doesn’t take care of the entire summer, it’s a great leadership opportunity for teens.
Apply: Email Tom Henderson at tom@sfxys.com.

NYC Department of Youth & Community Development, Summer job
Where: Various locations around the city
What: New York City residents between the ages of 14 and 24 can apply for the Summer Youth Employment Program. Youth are placed in paid, entry level positions for up to six weeks in July and August. Jobs range from museums to sports facilities to summer camps.
Apply: Enrollment opens in March and runs through April.

Happy camping!