An estimated 30 million youth participated in a structured summer program in 2023.*
Those on record, at least.
Thirty million is an immeasurable amount of young people captivated by some level of interest in continued learning (or play) during a crammed span of weeks. Camps claim to be the ideal choice for supplemental resources to help young and growing minds keep educational gaps filled and prevent disruption of development amid their classroom intermission.
But what is the true ROI for campers, and what are they experiencing and retaining for a qualifiable future?
Based on a recent article by Junior Achievement (JA) — a nonprofit that inspires and prepares young people for success — automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and societal economic changes will have a huge impact on the workforce and employment prospects of future generations.
Moreover, JA shared data from the **Federal Reserve Bank of New York, expressing that more than one-third of today’s college graduates are “underemployed” — working a job that doesn’t require a college degree or paying less than a living wage.
Additionally, JA included the Future of Jobs Report 2025 by the World Economic Forum, which reveals that 40 percent of employers expect to reduce their workforce where AI can automate tasks. As studies forecast the advancement of technology, AI is demonstrating its threat to negatively impact access to entry- and mid-level jobs for countless Americans.
Being intentional about how young people are prepared for the future of work should be a foundational approach when researching and preparing for summer camp opportunities. Sure, they should be fun, playful, and a time to break away from the rigorous days of traditional schoolwork. Especially for the little ones. But enriching impact should also be an achievement.
Summer is a time of exploration — creating space and opportunity for new experiential adventures that may not be offered inside the classroom. It’s also an exciting season for many to retreat to their favorite camp that offers outside-the-box learning (coding and mechanics), hands-on outdoor activities (gardening and fishing), essential life skills (cooking and financial literacy), and even social-emotional awareness (making new friends). I mean, we’re talking about good ‘ole times when you forget about the hard work required because you’re having so much fun. That’s true preparedness sure to be retained by young inquiring minds.
But can a summer camp really prepare young people for college, career readiness, and put them on a path towards skillful sustainability? I’d like to think so. And all it takes is some additional effort in discovering what’s needed right now for the benefit of your child’s future endeavors and purpose.
I believe it’s a matter of due process and selection of high-quality programming and experiences available. Parents equally want and need spaces for their children to thrive over the summer break, and unfortunately all camps are not as equally equipped for the demand. Not to mention the overwhelming choices of day vs. sleepaway, academics vs. sports, application processes, and most notably, the competitive arena of offerings and costs.
With the rise of side hustles, social media content creation, and passion projects, younger generations are utilizing flexible, attainable, and creative ways to stream income and build their work lifestyles. And with the help of AI assistance, the possibilities are staggering — whether working for or against them.
“To put students on the path toward greater earning potential and economic mobility in a rapidly changing economy, students need proactive education and exposure to transferable skills and competencies, such as creative and critical thinking, financial literacy, problem-solving, collaboration and career planning,” says Jack Harris, CEO, Junior Achievement.
For students aiming to equip themselves with the skills and experience necessary for the future workforce, JA listed some valuable things to seek:
- Learning opportunities that are designed with the future in mind and reflect the skills and competencies needed to promote economic mobility.
- Internships or apprenticeships that provide hands-on experience and exposure to a career field that can’t be found in a textbook.
- Volunteer or extracurricular roles that develop communication and leadership skills. Virtually every career field requires these soft skills for growth and greater earning potential.
- Relationships that provide insight and connection. Networking with individuals who are already excelling in a chosen field, as well as peers who share similar aspirations, offers perspective from those who are positioned where you wish to be, and potentially opens future doors for employment.
- Courses that offer introductory insight into a chosen career path. Local trade or technical schools and other training organizations may even offer certifications that align with a student’s area of interest.
Some editorial courtesy of Family Features and Junior Achievement.
*According to a 2024 study conducted by Gallup for the National Summer Learning Association-American Camp Association “Summer Experiences Survey.” Estimates based on more than half (55%) of U.S. parents reporting that their school-aged children (K-12) participated in at least one structured program that provided opportunities to learn or refine academic, athletic, creative, social, or other skills during the summer of 2023.
**Federal Reserve Bank of New York, The Labor Market for Recent College Graduates, https://nyfed.org/collegelabor.