Alternatives to Summer Seminar

Osprey

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DS is completing his application for summer seminar. He wants to attend to see if a military lifestyle is a good fit for college (he thinks it is). My wife and I agree that a summer experience might help him make a more informed decision. Knowing that it is highly competitive to get in, any thoughts on other summer leadership programs that would give him a taste of the military college experience (USAFA is currently his #1 choice)? He is already planning on applying to SLE at West Point and Coast Guard’s AIM program. He is not interested in USNA. If he doesn’t get into any of those we were considering Norwich’s Future Leaders Camp (Norwich is on his list for colleges), but it is a little pricey @~2k, especially adding airfare from the Left Coast. Thoughts on FLC or other summer programs to consider for a rising senior?
 
I’d encourage DS to also apply to NASS. One, it’ll provide another opportunity to “live the life;” USNA isn’t exactly like USAFA, but close enough to give him a taste. Two, it might open his eyes to another branch; he might even find himself applying there also.

My DD had USNA on the top of her list since 7th grade. But she attended the summer programs at USNA, USMA and USAFA. She returned with new appreciation for West Point and came quite close to accepting their offer of appointment. She ended up at USNA after all, but seeing three SAs up close helped strengthen her decision-making process.
 
I’d encourage DS to also apply to NASS. One, it’ll provide another opportunity to “live the life;” USNA isn’t exactly like USAFA, but close enough to give him a taste. Two, it might open his eyes to another branch; he might even find himself applying there also.

My DD had USNA on the top of her list since 7th grade. But she attended the summer programs at USNA, USMA and USAFA. She returned with new appreciation for West Point and came quite close to accepting their offer of appointment. She ended up at USNA after all, but seeing three SAs up close helped strengthen her decision-making process.

Good idea. Will encourage him to do so.
 
Many JROTC and CAP programs offer summer camps similar to Summer Seminar, usually on active Air Force bases or bases for the other branches. Not sure what is available in your area, any (although it depends on the unit) the cadets usually need to have a little seniority to get selected. That being said their summer programs would be a great experience, as would participating in JROTC/CAP to learn more about the military.
 
Many JROTC and CAP programs offer summer camps similar to Summer Seminar, usually on active Air Force bases or bases for the other branches. Not sure what is available in your area, any (although it depends on the unit) the cadets usually need to have a little seniority to get selected. That being said their summer programs would be a great experience, as would participating in JROTC/CAP to learn more about the military.
No JROTC in our district or anywhere close. There is a CAP program nearby and we had looked into it, but DS’s sports, work, and volunteer schedule are already full. Therefore, looking for a discrete one or two week experience over the summer. Will check to see if there is anything available locally that doesn’t require already being a member of JROTC or CAP. Thanks for the suggestion.
 
My DS applied to two summer programs and was hoping to attend both. His philosophy was that it was like attending two different church camps, alike but different. He was selected for only one camp- and the one he attended went to the bottom of the list. Top of the list was an academy he has not visited. We will do that if a nomination comes before accepting.
 
SLCDA and Boys/Girls State are great programs to put on a service academy application.
Thanks for the SLCDA recommendation. That wasn’t on our radar, but looks like a great option - and free (aside from travel). Boys State app will be sent in, but hoping to get some sense for the military aspect too.
 
Thanks for the SLCDA recommendation. That wasn’t on our radar, but looks like a great option - and free (aside from travel). Boys State app will be sent in, but hoping to get some sense for the military aspect too.
I don't know how other states do it, but the NJ Boys State had multiple military seminars, retreat ceremonies, PT, and a very noticable overall military presence throughout the week. The Army Honor Guard Drill Team even came to perform on the last day. It's not a summer seminar one will be able to receive large amounts of information about the Academies, ROTC, jobs in the military, and benefits.
 
Thanks for the SLCDA recommendation. That wasn’t on our radar, but looks like a great option - and free (aside from travel). Boys State app will be sent in, but hoping to get some sense for the military aspect too.
I don't know how other states do it, but the NJ Boys State had multiple military seminars, retreat ceremonies, PT, and a very noticable overall military presence throughout the week. The Army Honor Guard Drill Team even came to perform on the last day. It's not a summer seminar one will be able to receive large amounts of information about the Academies, ROTC, jobs in the military, and benefits.
Thanks @Hut234. The website for our state doesn’t mention anything about PT or military seminars - makes it sound like it is mostly focused on classroom civics with a few field trips, but good to hear participants might get further insights into military, ROTC, and academies.
 
Pennsylvania State Police through the American Legion has a leadership program. Maybe your state has something similar?
 
Pennsylvania State Police through the American Legion has a leadership program. Maybe your state has something similar?
Yes, looks like Oregon has this too. But primary focus is law enforcement careers.
 
SAME has STEM camps too
Nice! Hadn’t heard about these, but looks like they have have one at USAFA-which might be a good fit if summer seminar doesn’t work out. Appreciate the feedback -exactly the kind of info I was hoping for.
 
Nice! Hadn’t heard about these, but looks like they have have one at USAFA-which might be a good fit if summer seminar doesn’t work out. Appreciate the feedback -exactly the kind of info I was hoping for.

My DD submitted an ap to that one.
 
DS is completing his application for summer seminar. He wants to attend to see if a military lifestyle is a good fit for college (he thinks it is). My wife and I agree that a summer experience might help him make a more informed decision. Knowing that it is highly competitive to get in, any thoughts on other summer leadership programs that would give him a taste of the military college experience (USAFA is currently his #1 choice)? He is already planning on applying to SLE at West Point and Coast Guard’s AIM program. He is not interested in USNA. If he doesn’t get into any of those we were considering Norwich’s Future Leaders Camp (Norwich is on his list for colleges), but it is a little pricey @~2k, especially adding airfare from the Left Coast. Thoughts on FLC or other summer programs to consider for a rising senior?

@Osprey Norwhich has 2 weekend programs in Jan and March that are only $100 so just getting him there...
 
Saw those weekend programs - worried that for such a short time might not be worth the cost of the trip. If Norwich is high on his list after this summer he is considering attending their Lacrosse prospect camp next fall so he can get a feel for the campus and team to see whether they might be a good fit.
 
Osprey. Don’t forget Boys/Girls State. That adds a lot of points to WCS. Need to apply in Feb/Mar 2019. Only military experience at Boys State is marching and PT making proper beds under Marines guidance. Also West Point and USNA have Candidate Overnight and CVW. You can go to those. They are different from SS in that you shadow a Cadet or Midshipman over 2 days. Will give more insight to AC year as a Cadet/MIDN. In contrast, SS offers limited exposure to what to expect in Plebe Summer. USNA and USAFA have comprehensive Summer STEM for 9-11th grades. West Point only offers for rising 8th grade.
 
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