What if your children could find their passion and career in one summer? We wanted to share those summer camp that could change their lives.
Academics are important, but they confine you to a specific loop of thinking. Summer camps are important because they encourage you to think beyond the scope of academic learning. Summer camps have a unique environment that fosters growth and learning. Students get to meet like-minded individuals from all around the world and build a community.
As a student, if you haven't found your passion yet, summer is a great time to try new things to discover which ones resonate with you the most.
We have carefully curated a list containing all the resources students need for a productive and life-changing summer. Whatever your passion or interest may be, we have ensured that this list will inspire you.
TL;DR
- Online summer camps incorporate everything that traditional summer camps offer without the added hassle of traveling.
- In online camps, you will get qualified instructors, a supportive and ambitious community, and many of the same learning opportunities as traditional camps.
- We have collected a list of activities broken down into sections for academics, enrichment, and extracurriculars.
- Pros and cons, program costs, key features, and payment options are included for each program.
Why are online summer camps even better?
Many people prefer online summer camps because they offer customizable plans that suit their needs. Moreover, it is significantly less costly than actual camps. You don't have to be bound by any restrictions regarding which locations you can access since it is fully online. You can take part in these camps from anywhere in the world.
However, flexibility doesn't mean a lack of accountability. Once enrolled in a virtual summer camp, you must follow their schedules and do your work accordingly. You will have mentors who will guide you through it with extensive patience and support.
Getting all the resources you need, including the recorded video lectures, ensures you don't miss anything.
Here is a list of 10 online and virtual summer camps that will make you thrive and prepare for a better future:
Academic Programs
STEM Program: The Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory DNA Learning Center
The Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory DNA Learning Center is the first-ever institute dedicated solely to genetic education. Their summer camps provide fun and challenging learning environments for the kids.
Students can get accustomed to the exciting world of gene technology and gain upper-grade-level knowledge through fun and practical tasks. They have sophisticated laboratories and computer equipment delivered right to your doorstep to provide you with the best education at home.
Key Features
- Students will be provided with a lab kit to conduct the experiments at home
- Pre-recorded online video lectures to go through at your own pace
- You can send the DNA samples for processing
- Mentors are available through Zoom or video calls to share results
Duration
- Self-paced throughout the summer.
Pros
- You get all the resources and course materials delivered to you
- A complete practical procedure is accessible virtually
- Any samples that need to be processed can be sent to them. They can also pick them up, in which case the shipment cost is included
Cons
- The classes are pre-recorded, so it is not interactive
- The program is self-paced, so it has low accountability
Pricing
Five of the ten programs are available for on-demand virtual lessons. All of them cost $400. But you have to complete specific prerequisites to be eligible for them.
Language Immersion Programs: FluentU
FluentU is one of the most promising language immersion programs available. It provides timely, interactive, and entertaining videos to make learning languages fun.
Moreover, videos from native speakers, subtitles, and translations are readily available through the FluentU app. FluentU currently offers programs in 10 different languages. You only need one account to access all of them.
Key Features
- Fun and engaging way of learning through short clips
- Lessons are visual
- You can take online quizzes and make custom flashcards
Duration
- Classes are held based on monthly subscriptions and can be canceled anytime.
Pros
- Easy-to-follow tutorials
- The lessons are only 10-15 minutes long
- Variety of videos from native speakers
- Using the app, you can practice the language as you go
Cons
- No speaking exercises
- Expensive monthly subscription
Pricing
- Regular pricing is $29.99 per month. However, discounts are provided often.
College Preparation Programs: iDTech
iDTech offers college preparation programs like the SAT and AP Computer Science Prep for beginners. Top Universities like Stanford prefer a higher SAT score, increasing your chance to get scholarships.
iDTech brings you the best tutors from the world's top universities to give you one on one lessons to prepare you for college.
Key Features
- One-on-one private lessons
- Hour-long classes
- Instructors from reputed universities
Duration
The programs are monthly, and you can choose the number of lessons.
Pros
- You can select the number of lessons per month based on your learning abilities
- Learn effective ways to utilize your time during tests
- Complete various practice problems and work throughout the course
- Customizable to fit your needs
Cons
- Expensive
Pricing
- For the SAT lessons, pricing starts at $99 per lesson. You can choose either 4, 12, or 24 lessons per month.
Arts and Culture Programs
Music and Performance Arts: UpBeat Music and Arts
UpBeat offers the best virtual summer camp music experience. Its summer program includes rock band, musical theater, singing, songwriting, piano "Power Hour," and music production/recording. Students also have to showcase what they have learned after each week through a virtual performance.
Key Features
- Students will have to showcase their projects at the end of the week
- 1-hour morning sessions for each project
- Teachers will check in to instruct and guide the students
Duration
- Week-long camp for each specific course.
Pros
- Includes both one-on-one instructive sessions and daily independent sessions
- Students will participate in group progress performances to see how they are doing
- Both practicing music and learning music theory are included in the curriculum
Cons
- Not all music programs are virtually accessible
Pricing
- It costs $150 for the whole summer program.
Visual Arts and Media Production: Summer Institute for Teens
The Emily Carr Institute provides a summer program for teens who want to pursue the visual arts. Students can gain real art school experience through this program and build their portfolios. They also get all the necessary materials required to complete the program.
Key Features
- Students will have to choose their topic from 11 studios
- In-class discussions and critical thinking about art and art history
- Occasional classes by guest artists
Duration
- The program lasts for 4 weeks.
Pros
- No prior experience is required
- All resources will be provided for the online program
- Accessible to students with disabilities
Cons
- No refunds after a certain period
- Students are expected to spend at least $150 on supplies
Pricing
- Regular rates for this program are $2559.90. International students have to pay $400 more.
International and Cultural Exchange: The Experiment Digital Youth Leadership & Community Service
The Experiment Digital program connects youth from different cultures and allows participants to be more civically engaged. Students create a communal bond with each other by sharing their experiences doing community work in their respective regions.
Key Features
- Students perform civic duties in their local communities
- Connects thousands of students from the US and the Middle East
- Provides an outlet for global intercultural exchange
Duration
- It is a six-week course.
Pros
- Improved knowledge and application of leadership
- Increased engagement and participation in civil society
- Mutual respect among youths from many cultures
Cons
- Only one mentor and a facilitator are available for 35 students
- Individual students may not be given enough time and attention
Pricing
- The program is completely free.
Enrichment Programs
Entrepreneurship and Innovation: BETA Camp
BETA Camp is a global entrepreneurship program where students are mentored on leadership and business by leading industry experts worldwide. By creating their own revenue-generating startup, students can develop business acumen and real-world skills that will help them immensely.
Key Features
- Network and communication skills
- Develop business acumen
- After interacting with their peers, students will form their teams and work to build their revenue-generating startup
- Mentors are industry leaders from leading companies in the world
Duration
- The program is 4 weeks long.
Pros
- Money-back guarantee if you do the work and still don't like it
- Helps you get your first revenue-generating startup
- Students will have full ownership of the startup
- BETA Camp program provides opportunities to stand out in college and build a good resume
- Teaches kids how to create a startup by learning and doing
- Most people love the "community of ambitious teens" part.
Cons
- BETA Camp is a fully online-based program, so it cannot replicate in-person programs' immersive learning atmosphere.
- BETA Camp has yet to provide full-ride financial aid to students.
Pricing
- For the summer program, the total cost is $3,000-$4000.
- Financial aid is provided to students who need help affording the full amount. To be eligible for your aid, the student must provide the financial statements of their parent's income, which must be less than $10,000. The aid can cover up to 80% of the tuition fees.
Creative Writing and Journalism: Princeton Summer Journalism Program
The Princeton Summer Journalism Program is a college preparation program that gives students a chance to study journalism fundamentals from some of the brightest experts in the field.
Key Features
- Students participate in online seminars, workshops, and lectures led by renowned journalists from across the nation.
- The study of journalism in this program is approached from a liberal arts perspective that is unique.
- Students will gain knowledge in writing, editing, and producing newspapers.
- Students will be able to observe journalists at work and even become involved by reporting on local news, sports, theater, and entertainment events.
Duration
- Three-week virtual program ending with a 10-day on-campus course at Princeton University.
Pros
- Zero cost
- Gain experience in journalism before enrolling in college
- Have several published articles with by-lines
- Students will work closely with professionals which will help them gain valuable insight into the world of journalism.
Cons
- More useful for students planning to pursue careers in journalism
- Requires full commitment. Continuous reading and coursework must be done
Pricing
- Students do not have to pay anything to participate in this program.
Personal Development and Leadership: LaunchX
LaunchX is a program aimed at individuals looking to create their own startup and learn all the concepts of entrepreneurship from leading experts in the relevant fields.
Key Features
- You can elect the classes of your choice
- You can schedule the classes as you see fit
- Has more diverse speakers since the classes are not constrained to geographical locations
Duration
- The 2023 program runs from July 3–August 4.
Pros
- Provides valuable networking opportunities
- Access to useful resources that LaunchX themselves curated
- It gives you a chance to create your startup
Cons
- Requires full commitment
- Costly tuition fees
Pricing
- The online summer LaunchX program costs $5980.
- There is also a $75 application fee that is non-refundable.
For a more in-depth look at LaunchX, check out our full review.
Personal Development and Leadership: Leangap
Leangap gives you the resources, guidance, and platform to build your startup so that you can start generating revenue as soon as possible. If your idea is promising, Leangap also allows you to pitch your startup to investors and industry leaders.
Key Features
- The program is divided into three phases called validation, creation, and revenue generation
- In phase two, the products are beta tested by real customers
- Lets students sell their products to real customers so that students can generate revenue as soon as possible
- Students can pitch their business ideas to investors in the final stage
Duration
- The program is four weeks long.
Pros
- Financial aid of up to 80% can be provided
- Launching an impactful startup before college is a valuable experience
- Real-world implications of the startup can be seen in phase two. So students can gain valuable insight to improve their products before launching
Cons
- Students are not allowed to make their teams
- From the initiation phase, only a few selective ideas are chosen. The rest are discarded despite them having potential
Pricing
The online Leangap program costs $5,950.
Final Words
Summer breaks are a crucial time for students. This time, if used properly, is enough for students to turn their lives around. Whether it be business, STEM, writing, or finance programs, the internet has all the resources students need to explore their creative pursuits.
BETA Camp is one of the best programs for students to gain valuable real-life skills that will help you succeed in whatever career path they choose. Moreover, networking with industry leaders and creating revenue-generating startups as a teenager greatly boosts your confidence.
So sign up at BETA Camp today and get a head start on this summer!