Tips for Ensuring a Successful CTY Summer Experience
Read through the Site Information packet with your child. Remind your child about the Student Code of Conduct and student expectations for behavior. Talk about how these rules and expectations may be different from those in school or at home. Point out how these differences may relate to their daily routine and behaviors, and have your child start meeting those expectations at home so they can get used to the CTY environment.
Remind your child of expectations for relating to other students and staff on site. It can be a challenge for students accustomed to a more causal setting to tap, hug, or bump into others. At CTY, both the sizes of groups and students’ comfort levels with physical contact can vary, so we ask all students not to touch others.
Think about the situations that will be new that may cause your child (or you) anxiety. Discuss these with your child in advance to prepare as much as possible. For example, if your child is worried about deciding what to eat or how to make friends outside of a familiar environment, discuss strategies for dealing with this together, and discreetly make your child’s instructor, RA, TA, and/or PA aware of any concerns so they can help lessen anxiety.
Think about the social, academic, and organizational skills that are required in the CTY setting that may not be needed in other environments. For example, show your child their CTY daily schedule prior to arriving on-site. By preparing your child beforehand, they are best prepared to switch tasks at the appropriate time.
Allow your child to fully immerse themself in the CTY experience by remaining as hands-off as possible. Although the urge to check in on your child might be strong, remember that their experience will be more fulfilling if they are able to be a complete, independent participant in the community around them.
Remind your child that differences between a familiar place and this new experience are not necessarily bad. If your child seems caught up in comparing previous experiences with the CTY program, help them remember that change can be fun and exciting. Rather than spending time wishing they were someplace else, help them focus on the new adventure they're undertaking.
Consider some of the logistics so you and your child are prepared. The first few days can be an adjustment; for example, learning new routines might be stressful or confusing at first.
Prior to the start of the summer, talk about where your child can go for help if needed. Make sure that, before your child is without you on site, they know whom to talk to if feeling stressed or anxious. Know the resources available on-site and communicate this to your child in advance of arriving on site.
If your child requires accommodations, contact the CTY Disabilities Administrator as soon as possible. In completing a Request for Accommodations form, think about the program holistically (not just in the classroom). Talk with your child about how they can best be supported.
Welcome the variety of new people your child will meet. The diversity of the student population cannot just be measured by visible characteristics. Our students come from urban and rural areas and have a wide range of religious beliefs. Some students come from sheltered backgrounds, while others are allowed to travel alone to school every day. CTY is a place for all students to express themselves, and we cannot replicate the home environment. Students may be exposed to opinions or beliefs that are different than their own. At the same time, support structures are in place for students so that everyone in the community feels emotionally safe and valued.
Plan how your child will use unstructured time. Though an RA is always on the hall with students, they will not always be in the same room as students. Think about what may help your child stay focused and productive. Have your child keep a journal, bring a book, or draw. The weekends contain the most unstructured time, particularly the mornings. While RAs are always present and there are always activities for students to participate in, the weekends lack the same structure as the weekdays. This lack of structure can sometimes lead students to think about how much they miss home. Speaking with your child right before the weekend (or even Saturday morning) can help your child anticipate the change in schedule. Ask what activities are available, suggest they do laundry with friends, and talk about the events planned for Saturday and Sunday.
Talk about ways to keep possessions organized and accounted for in this new setting, especially if this is the first time your child will be living away from home in their own room. Think about this responsibility when packing as well. Pack only the necessities for the three weeks. More possessions mean that your child has more to keep track of.