Not sure how to choose a summer program for your tween or teen? Compare each program’s teaching philosophy; its mix of academics + downtime; and how it nurtures interests beyond class. What makes a good summer camp or academic enrichment program is programming that sparks curiosity, builds independence, and forges friendships through hands-on learning and purposeful fun.

Key Takeaways:

• Look for active, hands-on learning, not just lectures.
• Check how “free time” is structured—good programs balance choice and support.
• Find the right mix of academic and recreational time to avoid burnout or boredom.
• Ask about who designs the curriculum—great teaching starts with expert planning.
• Don’t assume all summer programs are the same—dig deeper to find the right fit.

What makes a good summer camp or academic enrichment program?

A strong summer program goes beyond just fun or academics—it challenges students to think differently, connect with new people, and stretch their independence in a supportive, structured setting.

Maybe you’ve narrowed down your list to a handful of camps and academic enrichment programs—all hosted on college campuses, all boasting high-tech equipment and expert instructors, and all with seemingly great outcomes. Now you’re stuck wondering how to choose a summer camp or program that truly delivers—not just on paper, but in the real, everyday experience of your tween or teen.

Here’s EXPLO’s guide on how to choose a summer program or academic camp:

1. Does the program use active learning or just lecture-based teaching?

Active learning means students are doing the work—not just watching it. They’re solving problems, building models, coding robots, or designing their own governments. Research shows students in active-learning environments are more engaged and less likely to struggle academically.

According to the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, students in traditional lecture classes are 1.5x more likely to fail than those in active-learning classes. This knowledge is a key factor for how to choose a summer program.

Questions to ask:

• Are students doing hands-on projects or just watching demos?
• Are they building something, solving problems, and debating real-world issues—or spending most of their time memorizing?
• Is learning social, creative, and immersive—or passive?

Active learning aims to nurture creators rather than simple consumers of knowledge. Summer is a time for exploration, discovery, trying new things, and getting your hands dirty (figuratively and literally). That’s what makes a good summer camp or academic enrichment program.  

Tip: If a program truly uses active learning, they’ll be eager to talk about it. Just ask.

"My classes helped me look at topics in a different light, as I got to learn from not just my instructor but my peers who come from all around the world." Naomi G., EXPLO student

2. Who designs the curriculum—and how?

Strong teaching starts with strong planning.

While many programs use active learning methods, their approaches (and success) can vary wildly. What makes a good summer camp or academic enrichment program stand out is programming that is not just project-based, but active, social, meaningful, and carefully built.

Many summer camps reuse content from year to year. Not here. EXPLO invests in expert curriculum designers—people who know how to build experiences that forge connections and provide some surprises. 

Just like an architect creates more than just a house, a professional curriculum designer creates more than just a class. They create a space where students think for themselves, take risks, and grow together.

Our classrooms, studios, labs, and outdoor sites become centers of world-building.  Your teen will craft detailed, dynamic scenarios—like mock biotech firms, international crisis simulations, or startup incubators—and solve complex challenges. These immersive environments spark curiosity, deepen understanding, and allow students to explore new identities as scientists, designers, leaders, and innovators. 

If you want to know how to choose a summer program that will provide a meaningful academic experience, take a look at the curriculum design approach. Meet some of our experienced and creative faculty and staff:

EXPLO Faculty + Staff

3. How is free time structured?

Downtime matters. It’s where friendships form, passions grow, ideas evolve, and independence develops. Often, what makes a good summer camp or academic enrichment program is what happens between the academic work and structured activities. 

Some programs let students wander freely. Others treat free time as another chance to explore interests—offering guided options that are fun, enriching, and optional. 

When kids are encouraged to use their imagination and creativity during their free time,  it further expands their horizons.

At EXPLO, for example, students might:

• Explore new mediums in the art room
• Play pickup soccer or join a league
• Join a jam session or practice an instrument
• Explore a nearby art gallery
• Hang out with friends at approved cafés

For parents interested in how to choose a summer program, our advice is to look for programs that balance freedom with opportunity. At EXPLO, tweens and teens can relax and explore—but they’re nudged toward trying new things and meeting new people.

The art behind this approach is that students are given lots of choice in which to exercise agency. Though you are not forced to go anywhere in particular, you are constantly being encouraged to participate in something. You learn to take advantage of the rich opportunities around you. 

Free time, in other words, can be “free” without being unstructured.

See a Day in the Life at EXPLO

4. How much of the day is actually academic?

Some summer programs only offer a couple hours of class each day. Others run back-to-back academic sessions from dawn to dusk. Neither extreme is ideal. When considering how to choose a summer camp or academic program, look at sample schedules.

See Sample EXPLO Schedule

The best summer programs strike a balance: challenging academics, paired with space to recharge. That’s why EXPLO is not a camp, and not an academic program—we’re an academic enrichment program. Look for:

• Well-paced mornings with deep, focused academic sessions
• Afternoons with clubs, sports, or interest-based activities
• Evening events for kids who want to connect

What makes a good summer camp or program is an environment that is designed for enjoyable exploration. Learning shouldn’t stop after class—but it shouldn’t be exhausting, either. It should be a way of life: curious, fun, and engaged. EXPLO balances academics and fun to help your tween or teen find their spark and live a fulfilling life.

Why Middle School?

Ready to choose a summer program?

Choosing a summer program is a big decision—and the best fit isn’t always the most obvious. We’re here to help you compare options and find what’s right for your family. Our team of experts specializes in what makes a good summer camp or program for middle schoolers. 

If you need additional help deciphering how to choose a summer camp or program, give us a call. Or, you can join an event to get your questions answered by EXPLO leaders.