THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2026 77 As a rule, you should budget for at least $1,000 a week. Safety. Following the Texas summer camp disaster over July 4 weekend last summer, safety is top of mind for any parent. While accreditation or association memberships can be a good indicator of robust safety practices, there is no substitute for asking questions, meeting camp leaders, and inspecting facilities, if you can. In addition, prep your camper to be their own advocate, ensure their swimming skills are strong, and even establish a “safe word”—something Murray’s family did but fortunately never had to use. “Go with your gut when choosing a summer camp,” Murray says. “You know your kid, and what might be right for one might not be the best fit for yours.” Teens and Young Adults While many summer camp experiences are tailored for older elementary and middle school kids, others have programs geared to older teens. Camp California, for example, offers Teen Adventure and Teen Sailing programs; in the latter, kids spend the first week learning to sail and then spend the second living on a boat. Older kids can also find summer jobs as camp counselors or activities staff. Minimum age and qualifications vary, but CCUSA is one place high school and college students can start their search for international summer work adventures, including at camps. As in the U.S., lifeguarding and other skill certifications are in demand. Creating Friendships That Last For internationally mobile thirdculture kids, summer camp can provide stable friendships they can return to year after year. They can also serve as a meetup point for friends from a previous post, helping kids to maintain relationships across the miles.
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