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Education Blog

The Power of Intentional Experiences for Growth and Success

Wendy Williams

One of my weekly activities is participating in workshops that teach me about different programs, colleges, educational opportunities, etc. Recently, I enjoyed listening to presenters about summer opportunities for students. (If you want to learn more about those programs, please email me at wendy@williamseducational.com). Although each presenter had excellent programs to speak about, what was reaffirmed was why students should take their summers seriously and plan something to engage their minds and expand their experiences.


Summer is a unique time for students to explore interests beyond the classroom, develop skills, and build meaningful connections.


Intentionality matters most, whether it's a structured academic program, research, internships, volunteering, or even independent projects. Many competitive colleges value how students use their summers, as it can demonstrate curiosity, commitment, and a willingness to step outside their comfort zones. Additionally, summer experiences clarify career paths, introduce students to mentors, and strengthen college applications.


Summer camps and programs can be incredibly beneficial for college admissions, offering students unique opportunities to grow, learn, and stand out in a competitive applicant pool. Here's why camp experiences can make a difference:


1. Demonstrates Initiative and Passion

Colleges value students who take the initiative to pursue their interests beyond the classroom. Attending a specialized camp—whether focused on STEAM, arts, leadership, or outdoor adventure—shows admissions officers that the student is motivated, curious, and committed to personal growth.

2. Builds Skills and Experiences

Camps provide a structured environment for students to develop valuable skills like problem-solving, teamwork, leadership, and communication. Whether collaborating on a group project, leading a team during an outdoor activity, or creating something innovative, these experiences translate to qualities colleges seek.

3. Offers Hands-On Learning

Many camps offer experiential learning opportunities that go beyond textbook education. For example, STEM camps might allow students to build robots, while writing workshops can hone creative skills. These hands-on experiences often lead to strong anecdotes and insights for college essays.

4. Strengthens the College Resume

Participation in meaningful summer programs adds depth to a student's extracurricular profile. It shows they spend their free time productively and actively pursuing their academic, artistic, or recreational interests.

5. Provides Networking Opportunities

Many summer camps connect students with mentors, industry professionals, or professors who can inspire and guide them. These connections can lead to strong recommendation letters or open doors to internships or future academic opportunities.

6. Inspires Personal Growth

Camps often push students out of their comfort zones, fostering independence, resilience, and adaptability. These traits help students prepare for college life and stand out in their application essays as evidence of personal growth.

7. Creates Stories for College Essays

Unique summer experiences provide rich material for personal statements and supplemental essays. A student who overcame a challenge at camp discovered a new passion or made a lasting impact on their peers will have compelling stories that resonate with admissions committees.

8. Helps Explore Potential Career Paths

Specialized programs—like pre-med, business, or environmental science camps—offer students a glimpse into potential majors and career paths. This exploration can affirm their interests and demonstrate a clear sense of purpose in their applications.

9. Provides Evidence of Commitment

Admissions officers value depth over breadth in extracurricular activities. Returning to the same camp or advancing in a program over multiple summers demonstrates dedication and long-term commitment to a field or passion.

10. Encourages Broader Perspectives

Diverse summer programs expose students to peers from different backgrounds, helping them develop a global perspective and appreciation for cultural differences. This aligns with what colleges hope to cultivate in their communities.


A well-chosen summer camp isn't just a fun experience; it's a chance to grow academically, personally, and socially. It's also a way to strengthen a student's story and highlight qualities colleges value. By using their summer wisely, students enrich their lives and take a meaningful step toward their future goals.


For students, the key takeaway is to be proactive. Start researching early, apply for programs that align with your passions, and maximize the time available. Whether traveling abroad, engaging in a pre-college experience, or starting a personal initiative, the summer can be a transformative period that shapes academic and professional trajectories.


How do you plan to make the most of your summer? In the comments, share your thoughts or favorite summer programs—I'd love to hear what opportunities excite you!

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