Launchpad to Success: College Prep Week
Please help us keep this calendar up to date! If this activity is sold out, canceled, or otherwise needs alteration, email mindy@kidsoutandabout.com so we can update it immediately. If you have a question about the activity itself, please contact the organization administrator listed below.
Helping High School Graduates Transition with Confidence!
College Prep Week is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for young men and women aged 17-18 to get ready for their exciting new chapter: college life. This program is carefully crafted to prepare high school graduates for the challenges and opportunities ahead, focusing on independence, resilience, and practical life skills—all delivered in an engaging and supportive environment. From group therapy sessions and personalized coaching to interactive workshops, team-building activities, and guest speakers, participants will leave with the tools, strategies, and confidence needed to thrive in college and beyond.
Week Overview
Day 1: Laying the Foundation
The week kicks off with an energetic introduction to the group, where participants begin building bonds through team-building challenges and identity expression activities. The focus is on social and emotional wellbeing, with a fun and interactive workshop on stress management and mental health. They’ll also dive into a hands-on session about forming and maintaining healthy relationships, which includes engaging role-play scenarios and insightful discussions. By the end of the day, campers will leave feeling connected, motivated, and supported as they start this journey together.
Day 2: Academic Preparedness
Day 2 is all about mastering the skills needed to excel academically. Participants will engage in a lively college-level writing workshop, learning how to craft essays and research papers with confidence. This is followed by an interactive session on time management and study strategies, where they’ll explore ways to balance coursework and social life while staying on top of deadlines. To make things fun, each participant will create their own personalized academic planner, complete with motivational quotes and goal-setting tips. The day wraps up with individual coaching sessions to provide tailored advice and answer any questions about academic concerns.
Day 3: Essential Life Skills
Life as a college freshman becomes a lot easier when you have the right skills! On Day 3, participants will get hands-on in a cooking and meal planning workshop where they’ll learn how to prepare quick, budget-friendly meals—perfect for dorm life. A financial literacy session introduces them to budgeting basics, managing expenses, and understanding student loans. The day also includes a fun and practical productivity workshop that teaches techniques for staying organized, prioritizing tasks, and avoiding procrastination. In the afternoon, they’ll explore a simulated campus navigation challenge, learning how to find classes, resources, and dining halls with ease.
Day 4: Career Exploration
Participants shift their focus to the future with an exciting day of career exploration and goal setting. A resume-building workshop provides step-by-step guidance to craft professional, standout resumes. Mock interviews follow, allowing participants to practice their skills and receive constructive feedback. A career exploration session introduces a variety of paths and majors, helping students discover opportunities that align with their passions. The highlight of the day is a guest speaker panel featuring professionals and current college students who share their insights and experiences. The day wraps up with a motivational workshop on setting and achieving goals, leaving participants inspired and ready to tackle their dreams.
Day 5: Navigating College Culture
The final day is a deep dive into what makes college life so exciting—and how to navigate it with confidence. Participants will explore campus life, clubs, and extracurriculars through an interactive workshop filled with fun tips and advice. A diversity and inclusion session encourages meaningful conversations about respecting differences and fostering inclusivity in the college environment. Social media takes center stage in an engaging session on managing digital footprints and online privacy. The week concludes with an end-of-camp celebration, where participants reflect on their growth, share their favorite moments, and take home resources that will support them through their freshman year.
What’s Included in College Prep Week
Parents and participants can expect a full spectrum of workshops, coaching, and activities, all designed to provide real-world skills and insights for the transition to college. Highlights include:
- Daily Group Therapy Sessions: Focused on overcoming challenges, sharing experiences, and learning tools for success.
- Personalized Coaching: Individual sessions to address unique needs and concerns.
- Interactive Workshops: Covering everything from academic writing and time management to cooking, budgeting, and career exploration.
- Guest Speakers: Inspiring talks from professionals and current college students.
- Fun Activities: Team-building challenges, campus navigation simulations, and end-of-week celebrations.
- Take-Home Resources: A professional resume, personalized planner, cooking and budgeting guides, workshop notes, and a certificate of completion.
College Prep Week blends practical life skills with fun and camaraderie, ensuring participants are not only prepared for college but also excited about the journey ahead. This is the ultimate program to help young men and women step into their next chapter with confidence, knowledge, and a supportive network!
*Times, dates, and prices of any activity posted to our calendars are subject to change. Please be sure to click through directly to the organization’s website to verify.