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Summer Programs
Some schools offer what is called a summer program. They
are varied and sometimes useful if you would like to have
your teen away from negative influences for the summer
months. If both parents work it is one way to assure that
your teen will be monitored during the day. Summer
programs vary just like regular boarding schools, and
specialty programs vary. Summer programs can be like a
summer camp atmosphere, or more like a military
atmosphere.
Usually they fill up early and you will have to begin to
make reservations early in the year to secure a placement
in one of them. The supervision is different at each
location, and the structure is also varied. It would be
useful to know what the daily schedule is, and if the
program offers education. Most of the teens in need of
supervision are also in need of make-up work in school.
Some locations offer education as part of their program.
This is particularly helpful if your teen has fallen
behind in school. You can accomplish both supervision and
education if you select carefully.
Usually 3 month summer programs are helpful if the teen
is not real defiant. Some summer programs will tolerate
misbehavior and some will be lest lenient, some will send
a teen home at the first sign of trouble and others will
let small things slide.
If they are to send your teen home they may keep what is
remaining in your account. It is always good to make sure
that you understand the financial consequences of an
early termination from any program. There are some
programs that will keep the tuition even if the teen has
only been there a short while. Their logic is that they
had to schedule staff to be there, and may have turned
someone away for the season, thus feeling justified for
keeping the money.
Summer Programs can be a good option, but like any
placement should be well researched before the decision
is made. Even though it is a short term plan it will have
long lasting effects on the teen?s behavior down the
road. This is particularly true if the teen is unwilling
to go and has to be escorted.
For example if you should decide later that the teen
needs to be placed again, they will be more combative,
and more likely to run away than the first time they were
taken. This like other shorter term programs will not
replace the long term program that has proven to be the
most successful.
