It’s easy for summer to slip by when you’re a teen. A few late mornings, a handful of hangouts with friends, a lot of scrolling, and suddenly August shows up out of nowhere. But summer can also be a turning point. With the right experiences, a teen can discover new strengths, build confidence and learn skills that follow them into the school year.

Across Ohio, families have access to summer programs designed specifically for teens who want more than just time off. These camps create a balance: fun activities, social connection and growth. And when paired with the opportunities available at Career Prep Schools, a simple summer week can turn into the start of something lasting.

Let’s talk about several real teen programs across Ohio that offer meaningful experiences.

But first…

Are you someone who has fallen behind in high school? Here at Career Prep we help our high school students graduate as quickly and painlessly as possible. If life complications have gotten in the way of cleanly graduating from traditional public school we can help! We offer flexible schedules and other accommodations that make high school a breeze. And we can point to a job and a career you love, too. Learn more about enrolling at one of our free schools in Ohio. 

YMCA Camp Kern Teen Camps (Ages 13–17)

Camp Kern is one of Ohio’s most recognized outdoor camps—and its teen sessions give students more leadership and independence. Teens spend the week building confidence through adventure-style activities and collaborative challenges. The program encourages teens to:

• work through team obstacles
• practice communication
• develop independence
• try new experiences that stretch comfort zones
• find their voice in group settings

It’s a classic summer camp feel with an intentional focus on growth.

SMARTNet Teen Workforce Readiness Program

This is a structured, multi-week summer program for teens in Ohio who want practical preparation for real-world responsibility. Teens learn:

• workplace expectations
• resume building
• communication and teamwork
• job-search basics
• financial literacy
• professional etiquette

It’s ideal for older teens or those who want a productive summer but aren’t quite ready to commit to a job. The environment is supportive, hands-on and confidence-building.

Delaware Area Career Center (DACC) Summer Career Camps

If your teen learns best by doing, these short camps are perfect. DACC offers hands-on sessions for rising middle and high school students in areas like:

• health science
• culinary arts
• engineering
• digital design
• automotive basics
• construction and trades

Each camp feels like a taste-test of a future pathway. Teens get to experiment, create, problem-solve and decide what actually interests them—without the pressure of a full school-year commitment.

How Career Prep Schools Connect to Summer Learning

The best part about these camps is how naturally they pair with Career Prep’s approach. Career Prep focuses on helping students learn through:

• individualized pacing
• hands-on experiences
• career-aligned pathways
• industry-recognized credentials
• flexible learning environments

When a teen leaves a summer camp excited about something—communication, design, trades, leadership, healthcare—Career Prep offers a structure where those interests can grow.

For example:

• A teen who loved the leadership challenges at Camp Kern can develop stronger communication and collaboration skills within Career Prep’s flexible, supportive classrooms.
• A student who excelled in DACC’s hands-on STEM activities may choose a Career Prep pathway that includes credentials in IT, engineering basics or digital tech.
• Someone who thrived in SMARTNet’s workforce program can continue building employability skills through Career Prep’s career-focused instruction and work-based learning opportunities.

Summer becomes more than an experience—it becomes momentum.

Choosing the Right Ohio Camp for Your Teen

If you're unsure where to start, here are a few guiding questions:

• Does your teen need outdoor adventure or practical skill building?
• Do they want a social, energetic environment or a more guided, focused one?
• Are they curious about careers or simply ready to try something new?
• Do they learn best through hands-on activities?
• Are they entering high school and ready for exploration?
• Would a program that encourages workplace habits help them grow?

The best summer program is the one that meets your teen where they are and nudges them a little further.

When Summer Sparks Something

One of the most powerful moments happens after a teen comes home from a camp they genuinely enjoyed. They start talking about what they learned, what surprised them, what they want to try next. These reflections matter; they reveal interests and strengths that may not have been visible before.

That spark is exactly what Career Prep is designed to nurture. If your teen leaves summer feeling energized or newly curious, Career Prep can help them take the next step. With flexible schedules, supportive staff and a focus on real-world readiness, it’s an environment built for teens who are ready to grow.

A strong summer doesn’t end in July…it carries into the school year. And sometimes all a teen needs is the right camp at the right moment, paired with a school that knows how to turn that spark into direction.

If your teen is ready for more hands-on learning, more confidence and more opportunities to explore their future, Career Prep is ready to meet them where they are and help them move forward.