It’s officially spring, which means summer is right around the corner. As more people get vaccinated and overall immunity to COVID-19 increases, there are a few more safe options for teens this summer than last summer … but that isn’t saying much. At this point, many teenagers will not be eligible for the vaccine before the end of the summer, and it will still be important to continue to take precautions. But it’s critical for all of us, and especially the teens among us, to have a fun and safe summer. For young adults, summer offers a much-needed break from the stress of academics and the opportunity to gain new experiences that may help in the future.

Every “back-to-school” season, teens experience anxiety around schoolwork, schedules, friendships, and activities. They must negotiate new teachers, try-out for activities, and navigate new social situations. This year some teens have been doing online school, while others were in and out of in-person school due to COVID-19. For many teens (and their parents and some school staff), the transition back to full-time in-person school feels daunting.

In 20 years of helping students explore college options and work on applications, I’ve seen, heard and learned a lot about what colleges want. What gets ignored too often is the question of what you––the student who is going to go to college––want.

Wilderness and therapeutic programs can be a significant resource for some teens and families. These programs provide a safe and structured environment where young people can work through a crisis point, address behaviors that are harmful, and gain emotional and social skills that will allow them to flourish. Because many of these programs are designed for short term treatment, families and educational consultants can be left searching for the right “next place” for their teenagers.