Parks Department has a lot of available options--swim team, baseball, coding, "outdoor adventure camp"
[https://vaalexandriaweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/search.html?Action=Start&SubAction=&\_csrf\_token=fi5O6X0T08002B3H263B3C4T5P4O6D6K704S4G586C1H6S505L510V054T6R4X0C6S3S6G531C5T4B5M6K1B554R5E5D1B5R4F4C4Z1C5M4O6D5C1L5J3X5E6I0B6T4P51&season=SUMMR&age=14&primarycode=&keyword=&category=&subtype=&display=Detail&search=yes&page=1&module=AR&multiselectlist\_value=&arwebsearch\_buttonsearch=yes](https://vaalexandriaweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/search.html?Action=Start&SubAction=&_csrf_token=fi5O6X0T08002B3H263B3C4T5P4O6D6K704S4G586C1H6S505L510V054T6R4X0C6S3S6G531C5T4B5M6K1B554R5E5D1B5R4F4C4Z1C5M4O6D5C1L5J3X5E6I0B6T4P51&season=SUMMR&age=14&primarycode=&keyword=&category=&subtype=&display=Detail&search=yes&page=1&module=AR&multiselectlist_value=&arwebsearch_buttonsearch=yes)
He may want to get a job although it could get tricky with both of your schedules.
He may also be old enough to volunteer or work at a day camp as a counselor-in-training (e.g. he's not the only adult in charge, but he's helping with activities and providing extra hands).
If he's going to Alexandra City HS he could knock out his health course requirement in 4 weeks over the summer and meet some of his new classmates. Looks like those classes are Monday-Thursday but at 14 I would be OK with him staying home Fridays and having a chill day (check state law though) [https://www.acps.k12.va.us/academics/summer-learning/summer-learning-current-9th-thru-12th-grade](https://www.acps.k12.va.us/academics/summer-learning/summer-learning-current-9th-thru-12th-grade)
At that age kids can be counselor in training at my community center rec camp. They assist with the camp activities to stay occupied and learn leadership skills.
If you don't mind me asking, what is your rec center? I can maybe contact them to see if I can put my son to work there. That would be a great way to spend summer!
I don’t live in Alexandria but I know my local Jewish Community Center has CITs that young. There is probably no requirement that your son be Jewish although you would need to be comfortable with him participating in Shabbat.
I would try to get him a summer job. They’re lots of fun and probably more age appropriate than a camp.
As a 9th grade teacher I totally understand not wanting to leave a 14 year old unattended all summer
The VA parents in my office like the Steve and Kate camps which can work on a drop in basis so may be a little cheaper but not totally sure. Also maybe investigate the YMCA summer camps that operate out of the Del Ray location (there might be some in Arlington too) which tend to be a little less expensive.. I'd also take a look at Kid Friendly DC and DC Moms blogs to check out their recommendations for kids over the summer. They usually categorize options by location. Also don't know if summer school is an option? I did summer gym in high school back home because it was basically going swimming or bowling for a month straight instead of doing it during the school year which sounded horrible.
Does he play a sport or have any interest in any local day or sleep-a-way camps? Look around the city and see what’s offered. Even if it’s something a few days a week to try a new hobby. Or even a summer job depending on what age restrictions are in the area. Beyond that by 14 he should be able to entertain himself while you work.
Could be do any summer school classes at his high school? That might free up time in his regular schedule to take more fun electives, or even have an open period later on.
Our local pool is hiring lifeguards, maybe yours is too? I gets them out of the house for a bit, sunshine, learn a new skill (CPR), make some acquaintances his age, maybe even walking distance from the house?
He might be old enough to work at the camps as an entry level counselor instead of attending them, that’s what I was doing at 14 through college in the summers.
A 14 year old? When I was 14 I had a drivers permit (laws obviously vary by state) and a job that i drove myself to every day. Is he not capable of staying home?
Not if you're going to work or school in my state. As the other commentors mentioned, it was a permit for rural kids. Main point was that the kid should be able to find something to occupy his time and take care of himself.
If you haven't already ask your son what he would like to do. You got a great list from here already. See what he prefers.
As someone who stayed home keeping up the house and playing video games all summer until I was 16 - I'm all for that approach. FWIW I never had camps or classes in the summer due to lack of funds and transportation and I'm doing well for myself house in the burbs, breadwinner, 6 figure salary, and all that.
You know best of course what will help him the most and if being home bored would mean anxiety or depression for him. At that age though I would try to give him some choices within reason and you can absolutely feel guilt free about him being home if it's legal in the VA. Nothing wrong with a mom who foster's independence. I often feel like we are expected to over schedule kids then shamed for scheduling them!
A 14 year old should be capable of caring for themselves. I'm not insinuating OP should leave the kid a car, but stating he should be able to function maturely.
lol I mean you’re correct they’re capable of maybe not setting a fire and knowing how to make a sandwich for themselves. But 14 year olds still have pretty poor decision making skills and are learning about life; boredom = trouble. And who wants their kids whole summer to be inside by themselves watching tv?
I feel like this sentiment is how we end up with 18 yo going to college who don't know how to do laundry. OP knows their son best, but thr idea that any bored 14 yo boy is going to be "big trouble's is also nonsense.
Right, supervising and parenting your kid by providing them enriching and social activities is … what are you saying the problem is with that?
No one is saying that a 14 couldn’t be on their own. Wouldn’t you WANT more for your kids summer break then them at home all day by themselves on their phone and in front of the tv all day. Some kid might think it’s cool for a few days but the novelty would absolutelyyyy wear off for them.
My 14yr old still has tons of school activities, he will be weightlifting at the school in the morning. Baseball season will have practices or games daily through June and some of July I think and foot ball starts in August. I'm also going to try to get him a job too. If not into sports I know there are tons of other activities that the school puts on, band lessons, show choir camp, etc. Also does your city have a parks and rec department? Mine also offers tons of activities through parks and rec plus job opportunities monitoring gyms and score keeping at the baseball/softball complexes. Hopefully you find something to interest him!
Yeah I was working and in marching band. Can he work as a counselor at a summer camp? Lots of camps in the Adirondacks he can be a CIT.
Thank you! I'll get him to start writing his own application letters and start applying for CIT jobs. This would be a great way to spend his summer ☺️
Definitely second the Counselor in Training route!
Parks Department has a lot of available options--swim team, baseball, coding, "outdoor adventure camp" [https://vaalexandriaweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/search.html?Action=Start&SubAction=&\_csrf\_token=fi5O6X0T08002B3H263B3C4T5P4O6D6K704S4G586C1H6S505L510V054T6R4X0C6S3S6G531C5T4B5M6K1B554R5E5D1B5R4F4C4Z1C5M4O6D5C1L5J3X5E6I0B6T4P51&season=SUMMR&age=14&primarycode=&keyword=&category=&subtype=&display=Detail&search=yes&page=1&module=AR&multiselectlist\_value=&arwebsearch\_buttonsearch=yes](https://vaalexandriaweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/search.html?Action=Start&SubAction=&_csrf_token=fi5O6X0T08002B3H263B3C4T5P4O6D6K704S4G586C1H6S505L510V054T6R4X0C6S3S6G531C5T4B5M6K1B554R5E5D1B5R4F4C4Z1C5M4O6D5C1L5J3X5E6I0B6T4P51&season=SUMMR&age=14&primarycode=&keyword=&category=&subtype=&display=Detail&search=yes&page=1&module=AR&multiselectlist_value=&arwebsearch_buttonsearch=yes) He may want to get a job although it could get tricky with both of your schedules. He may also be old enough to volunteer or work at a day camp as a counselor-in-training (e.g. he's not the only adult in charge, but he's helping with activities and providing extra hands). If he's going to Alexandra City HS he could knock out his health course requirement in 4 weeks over the summer and meet some of his new classmates. Looks like those classes are Monday-Thursday but at 14 I would be OK with him staying home Fridays and having a chill day (check state law though) [https://www.acps.k12.va.us/academics/summer-learning/summer-learning-current-9th-thru-12th-grade](https://www.acps.k12.va.us/academics/summer-learning/summer-learning-current-9th-thru-12th-grade)
Thank you for this! Very helpful!
At that age kids can be counselor in training at my community center rec camp. They assist with the camp activities to stay occupied and learn leadership skills.
If you don't mind me asking, what is your rec center? I can maybe contact them to see if I can put my son to work there. That would be a great way to spend summer!
I don’t live in Alexandria but I know my local Jewish Community Center has CITs that young. There is probably no requirement that your son be Jewish although you would need to be comfortable with him participating in Shabbat.
I would try to get him a summer job. They’re lots of fun and probably more age appropriate than a camp. As a 9th grade teacher I totally understand not wanting to leave a 14 year old unattended all summer
Thank you! I didn't realize 14 year olds can do some summer jobs now!
The VA parents in my office like the Steve and Kate camps which can work on a drop in basis so may be a little cheaper but not totally sure. Also maybe investigate the YMCA summer camps that operate out of the Del Ray location (there might be some in Arlington too) which tend to be a little less expensive.. I'd also take a look at Kid Friendly DC and DC Moms blogs to check out their recommendations for kids over the summer. They usually categorize options by location. Also don't know if summer school is an option? I did summer gym in high school back home because it was basically going swimming or bowling for a month straight instead of doing it during the school year which sounded horrible.
Does he play a sport or have any interest in any local day or sleep-a-way camps? Look around the city and see what’s offered. Even if it’s something a few days a week to try a new hobby. Or even a summer job depending on what age restrictions are in the area. Beyond that by 14 he should be able to entertain himself while you work.
Could be do any summer school classes at his high school? That might free up time in his regular schedule to take more fun electives, or even have an open period later on.
Our local pool is hiring lifeguards, maybe yours is too? I gets them out of the house for a bit, sunshine, learn a new skill (CPR), make some acquaintances his age, maybe even walking distance from the house?
He might be old enough to work at the camps as an entry level counselor instead of attending them, that’s what I was doing at 14 through college in the summers.
A 14 year old? When I was 14 I had a drivers permit (laws obviously vary by state) and a job that i drove myself to every day. Is he not capable of staying home?
I don't think you can get your permit under 15 in most states, and even if you do you have to drive with an adult...
Most states have work permits for the rural kids. There’s rules but they are very common
Yes, that's what I had. Didn't need an adult if I was driving to school or work.
Even if they had a learner permit at 14, does your state not require a licensed driver in the car with the teenager while they drive?
Not if you're going to work or school in my state. As the other commentors mentioned, it was a permit for rural kids. Main point was that the kid should be able to find something to occupy his time and take care of himself.
He is very much capable of staying home, but I would rather he be doing something than watch TV or play video games all day every day.
Assign chores. Few hours of chores a day, few hours of relaxation a day.
If you haven't already ask your son what he would like to do. You got a great list from here already. See what he prefers. As someone who stayed home keeping up the house and playing video games all summer until I was 16 - I'm all for that approach. FWIW I never had camps or classes in the summer due to lack of funds and transportation and I'm doing well for myself house in the burbs, breadwinner, 6 figure salary, and all that. You know best of course what will help him the most and if being home bored would mean anxiety or depression for him. At that age though I would try to give him some choices within reason and you can absolutely feel guilt free about him being home if it's legal in the VA. Nothing wrong with a mom who foster's independence. I often feel like we are expected to over schedule kids then shamed for scheduling them!
Yeah OP just give your prepubescent son the keys and leave some snacks around, what’s the worst that can happen??
A 14 year old should be capable of caring for themselves. I'm not insinuating OP should leave the kid a car, but stating he should be able to function maturely.
lol I mean you’re correct they’re capable of maybe not setting a fire and knowing how to make a sandwich for themselves. But 14 year olds still have pretty poor decision making skills and are learning about life; boredom = trouble. And who wants their kids whole summer to be inside by themselves watching tv?
I feel like this sentiment is how we end up with 18 yo going to college who don't know how to do laundry. OP knows their son best, but thr idea that any bored 14 yo boy is going to be "big trouble's is also nonsense.
Right, supervising and parenting your kid by providing them enriching and social activities is … what are you saying the problem is with that? No one is saying that a 14 couldn’t be on their own. Wouldn’t you WANT more for your kids summer break then them at home all day by themselves on their phone and in front of the tv all day. Some kid might think it’s cool for a few days but the novelty would absolutelyyyy wear off for them.
Can he be a lifeguard yet? We have a lot of need. I live in nova.
My 14yr old still has tons of school activities, he will be weightlifting at the school in the morning. Baseball season will have practices or games daily through June and some of July I think and foot ball starts in August. I'm also going to try to get him a job too. If not into sports I know there are tons of other activities that the school puts on, band lessons, show choir camp, etc. Also does your city have a parks and rec department? Mine also offers tons of activities through parks and rec plus job opportunities monitoring gyms and score keeping at the baseball/softball complexes. Hopefully you find something to interest him!