Fun and fulfilling summer activities for every type of student
Sofia Woo
Although there’s still another semester of school to get through, it’s time to start thinking about summer activities. San Francisco offers a plethora of amazing opportunities for teenagers from science to art to teaching, so there’s something for every type of person. Below are a few popular summer opportunities. Remember to act fast, as deadlines for applications arrive months before the summer months.
826 Valencia: If you enjoy writing and teaching, 826 Valencia is a great way to showcase your skills and help out the community. A non-profit started by writer Dave Eggers, 826 Valencia is dedicated to support writing skills in under-resourced communities. Every summer they have a camp where you can tutor elementary school kids. https://826valencia.org/volunteer/volunteering-for-under-18/
Exploratorium: Want to be around some of the coolest exhibits in the city? The Exploratorium offers volunteer and paid work for teenagers. One of their most popular jobs are High School Explainers, where you talk to visitors about the museum’s exhibits.
https://explainers.exploratorium.edu/highschool/apply
De Young Museum: Surround yourself with world-class art through the De Young Museum Ambassador program. You will lead art activities at the museum while getting paid $15 an hour.
https://deyoung.famsf.org/education/teen-programs
Youth Art Exchange: Instilling creativity into San Francisco’s youth, the Youth Art Exchange offers arts programs from fashion design to architecture. Every summer, they offer 50 paid internships where you can get professional experience and receive a stipend after completing the internship.
https://youthartexchange.org/enroll/
NOLS: Escape from the hustle and bustle of the city for two weeks for a backpacking trip in the Pacific Northwest to India. NOLS offers hundreds of expeditions nationally and internationally. Whether you want to navigate remote terrain or practice leadership skills, NOLS is a great place to get started.
https://www.nols.edu/en/coursefinder/course_search/?course_type_categories=Expedition
San Francisco Recreation and Parks: Help improve local green spaces through the Rec and Park’s summer jobs. Spend your summer lifeguarding or working in San Francisco’s gardens and gain work experience, independence, and leadership skills.
