06.27.2024

From Credits to Camps: Youth in Foster Care Navigate the Summertime

As the final bell rings, signaling the end of another academic year, a wave of excitement sweeps through the hallways. For many, summer is a time to explore new hobbies, travel to unseen places or simply enjoy the luxury of unscheduled days. This season of warmth is not just about the weather; it’s about the possibilities that lie ahead for every student stepping into the long-awaited break.

For young people experiencing foster care, the summer break can look a bit different compared to their non-foster care peers. School provides structure and stability for many Treehouse participants; without that, they may feel uncertainty and anxious about how the summer will look for them. Treehouse steps in to support young people, helping develop a plan for the summer with continued one-on-one coaching and connecting them to funding for summer camps and extracurricular activities.

The Magic of Summertime

Students in Graduation Success have one-on-one support available to them all year long, but how that looks can differ from student to student. Education Specialists and Graduation Success Coordinators begin bringing up summer plans early on in the spring since activities like summer camps and driver’s education require advanced planning.

“The conversation typically starts in February when schools and programs in the city start unveiling what’s coming up for the summer,” said Barbara Rockey, Treehouse Education Specialist in the Seattle School District. “For most students, it’s hard for them to conceptualize what their summer is going to look like at that time because to them, it still seems early, but enrollment for camps and programs start much sooner than they think.”

Spring is also when they support their students in building their resume if they want to get a job or starting the process to enroll in driver’s education if getting their driver’s license is one of their goals. By the time the school year ends, Treehouse staff have a good idea how their students will be spending the summer.

How often Treehouse staff see participants is also different during the summer. During the school year, they meet with their young people every week, often at their school to check in on their attendance and grades. When school is out for the summer, they shift to once or twice a month to accommodate work schedules, possible vacations and other summer activities.

Some students prefer to take the summer off from working with their Education Specialist after working non-stop during the school year. “There’s a sense of freedom or the desire to want to have some of your free time to yourself. They are so committed to all these things during the school year, certainly school, but also sports and extracurriculars,” Barbara said.

Others want to meet regularly but their schedules don’t make it easy. Some Education Specialists get creative with how they connect with their students, such as shopping at the grocery store where they work and getting in their checkout line so they can chat for a few minutes. Others will ask to sit in their section at restaurants where students work or go with them when they take their dog for a walk.

“I feel like summer is like a never-ending scheduling obstacle course, but there’s so much magic kind of like weaved into it, too,” said Kelse Oakin, a Treehouse Education Specialist also in the Seattle School District.

The conversations Treehouse staff have with students evolve when school is out as well. Instead of being primarily academic-focused, they discuss short- and long-term goals when students have the space to daydream. Meetings tend to be longer, too, Kelse said.

“For me, [the best part] in the summer is watching who I get to see during the school year and who I get to see in the summer can be totally two different people,” Barbara said. “It goes to show how much they have to manage and deal with; what they have to suppress of who they are just to get through. There is also a sense of empowerment that happens and not only in terms of freedom, but in having the space and time to grow. They’re more reflective, so you see not a new person, but someone who has metamorphized themselves in a way.”

Just-in-Time Funding

To ensure youth in foster care have the same access to resources and opportunities as their peers, the Just-in-Time Funding team collaborates with other Treehouse programs to support the financial needs of young people in foster care. Whether it’s funding for summer camps, career exploration, hobbies or more general summer activities, all are essential to help spark a youth’s interest and creativity and help them positively engage in school and the community.

“Summer camp is big for elementary and middle school youth, but we also see enrollment in swimming lessons so that youth are able to be safe around water,” said Chris Nitta, Treehouse’s Associate Manager of Financial Resources. “Funding for life jackets and other flotation devices are also common during this time of the year, as well as CPR/first aid training, Wild Waves memberships and community center memberships.”

This past summer, 179 Treehouse participants headed off to the summer camp of their choosing. Whether it was sports, arts, career-focused or traditional marshmallows-around-the-campfire camp, summer camp is an opportunity for Treehouse participants to make new friends, develop and refine their skills and have fun in a new environment. While many camps are geared toward elementary-aged youth, an increasing number cater to middle and high school students. Fishing licenses, Discover Passes, hiking and camping gear were also among the most requested items during the spring and summer.

How to Get Involved

If you or someone you know has lived experience in the foster care system and are under the age of 22, you can browse our services here for more information on our programs and eligibility requirements.

You can support young people experiencing foster care by making a financial contribution. You can also host a drive, volunteer or make a purchase from our wishlist. Visit the Take Action page for more information!

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