How about volunteer for a campaign?

My 14 year old is doing a combo-- 3 weeks sleep away, 2 weeks day camp that he hasn't aged out of, and the rest of the time just chilling out - I'm hoping he will dog walk or babysit or something, but he might end up just hanging out

Camp and work.

My 15 year old is doing an Outward Bound trip.

I think it is a great idea! You should try to send him to a summer camp for a few weeks, preferably fun camp, not physics camp, IMO. He might be a completely different boy at camp with new kids, away from family and it might be a memory to cherish when he grows up. If camps here are full, there are a few in Canada that I was looking into that sound just great fun.

It is kinda late on most applications.

Great thoughts!

Don't know if finances are an issue but most of the universities around here have terrific summer camps for older kids that are a bit like "college lite" they take a couple of higher level classes in things they are interested in and live in the dorms. They can be just a few weeks or many more depending on the program. If you or he is ok with travel, most universities around the country have all kinds of programs. Might be a good chance for him to try something out.

Volunteer work. LIT program at camps. Some time home alone when he can sleep late and go to the pool.

where can he bike to? or bus to?

At 15 my DD took phone orders for one of the delivery pizza chains. She's had a great deal of professional success since then but it remained on her resume for a long time. She said it always drew a slight smile and favorable response - unrattled by pressure, attention to detail, diverse workplace.

At 15 my parents forced me to get a job so I took lifeguard training with a group of friends from school. Once you're certified it's VERY easy to get a job. Some pool management companies will even reimburse the cost of the certification course if you work X amount of hours over the summer.

He needs to get a job! Even if it is just mowing lawns or doing odd jobs.

He is old enough to get a job or volunteer full-time somewhere.

If he's not doing something academic or extracurricular (sport/etc) this would be a good way to spend his time.

My oldest child will be 15 this summer and as he is my oldest I feel like I am moving into new territory. He is aging out of most camps. He is introverted and doesn't really seem to mind spending time by himself. Yet, I do not want him spending the whole summer at home, watching tv and playing games which to me = doing nothing. He is doing well at school, maybe not top of the class but mostly As and he is in intensified math (APS). Like many moms, this really gets at me, though maybe its because I am a bit on the overachiever side. Do I let him do this? Sign him up for stuff? I am thinking of signing him up for a 3 week sleep away camp. Maybe do this? So moms who have been here before or have a 15 yr old - what do you do?