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I Don't Wanna Go!

Too Old for Summer Camp

By Carma Haley Shoemaker

A summer job may be hard to come by in the hardening economy, and a "traditional" daycare setting is not open or optimal for a preteen or teenager. However, being home alone opens doors to conflict, trouble and possible questionable situations that a parent wishes to avoid completely. So where do these teens and parents turn?

"[Programs such as] the Summer of Service program are win-win-win situations for parents, their children and their communities," says Douchette. "The program is geared to support the needs of working parents and also shows that this age group can be positive contributors back to the community. Last year's program provided over 7500 hours of community service experience for young teens."

Some of the options that have been developed by Abbott include:

– This annual event is hosted by leading Abbott scientists and employee volunteers to engage more than 350 middle-school children in interactive education sessions in microbiology, engineering, chemistry and medical/pharmacy.

– Abbott sponsors middle-school science and environmental educators to attend the Key Issues Institute, Keystone Science School's national teacher training workshop, in Keystone, Colo. The week-long program provides a complete curriculum for teachers to explore environmental issues from a different perspective.

– The Abbott-sponsored Explorer Posts program focuses on the science and technical industries, including engineering, laboratory science and computer science. Through the program, students receive on-site training that allows them to explore the dynamics of various careers. Explorer Posts is part of Learning for Life: Career Education and is designed for high school students.

– Abbott and JA have partnered to offer Abbott employees the opportunity to work with local high school students to help develop their math, economic and business knowledge. JA is a national education initiative designed to teach and inspire students about free enterprise, business and economics.

Programs such as those developed by Abbott are available throughout the country, and one may be in your area. To find out more or to find a camp suitable for your preteen/teen and his/her interests, visit the American Camping Association's Web site.