Summer is right around the corner, and if you’re having trouble trying to figure out what you are going to do all day every day for three months, here are three summer programs that have five-star reviews from your peers at BHS.

School of the New York Times Pre-College Course
For all readers of the New York Times, this two week pre-college program in Washington D.C. or New York City is a great fit for aspiring writers, activists, entrepreneurs, or politicians. The program incorporates a variety of lessons from college professors, unique site visits, and engaging social activities. Junior Ari Perrault-Victor took a course on public policy and activism and said, “each session has its own unique final project, and it was a really enriching experience to get to work on it.” In addition to meeting like-minded students from all over the world, teens get to explore career paths that interest them by engaging with and hearing from professionals in their designated field. While this program is largely academic-based, the daily schedule leaves plenty of time for group activities and free time. In order to participate in this once-in-a-lifetime program, students must complete an application including letters of recommendation, two essays, and their transcript.

BBYO Passport Trip
This three-week trip to Israel is perfect for teens involved in BBYO, a Jewish youth group, looking to spend the summer abroad with other Jewish high schoolers. Students get the opportunity to immerse themselves in the unique culture of different cities from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv, all while doing fun, engaging activities like boat rides through the Red Sea and hiking Masada National Park. Junior Audra Bergman took part in this amazing opportunity last summer and said her favorite part was “going to the Maccabiah Games opening Ceremony, a Jewish and Israeli multi-sport event, where we got to see athletes from all around the world.” Bergman also reflects on the program leaders that chaperoned the trip, saying they were “super enthusiastic. I felt as though I could trust them with anything.” Not only is this program an amazing opportunity to meet friends from all over the United States, but it is also a unique way to learn about Judaism and experience Israel.

CISV Fortnight
CISV is an organization that aims to educate and inspire action for a more peaceful world. This specific trip is two weeks in Washington, D.C., and consists of one student from every CISV chapter in the United States. Junior Sophia Baron, who participated in the program last summer, says, “we created activities related to social justice, peace, the government, and political systems,” noting that the program is largely student-oriented. To Baron, what made this trip appealing to her was “the fact that no one knew each other prior to the program beginning. I was nervous about being with people I had never met before, but it turned out to be the most rewarding experience!” CISV is a great organization that empowers and educates young people from all over the world. The program also serves as a unique way to meet people just as passionate as you are about social justice. Baron reflects on her experience and shares what the CISV Fortnight trip taught her: “I learned what it means to be a global citizen in today’s society. It also prepared me for what it will be like going into college without knowing anyone.”

Those are just a few of the many programs available for high school students to participate in over the summer. From exploring careers of interest to traveling abroad, the possibilities are endless. Most programs also offer financial assistance and/or scholarships to ensure that everyone can make the most of their summer. Summer programs are a great way to learn more about yourself and invest in your future.