https://www.thesca.org

The local crew is easy to get into, national crew is more competitive but has boarding besides wage.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:^ I'm guessing she's not going to get any family help for college so why not just declare herself independent at 18, and file tax returns. She might get more financial aid, and she won't have to rely on her parents to fill out the FAFSA.

OP, you are the greatest sister to her. Keep encouraging her. Don't let her quit.

You can't just declare yourself independent at 18 unless you're a veteran, married, a parent, coming out of foster care, or an orphan.

It takes work to file independently. You have to prove that there is a history of parents impeding education, abuse and/or neglect, and you have to be willing to cut ties. It is possible, but your sister needs to talk to the admissions counselor at the college she is going to attend asap, because it's going to take time to be able to do the paperwork.

OP - this is the company that manages our summer pool. They are ALWAYS looking for lifeguards. If you are NOVA, maybe she could stay with you, take the class and get a job at one of the pools.

https://nvpools.com/nvp-lifeguarding

Dies she speak a language? Concordia immersion camp MN. Or a church/temple (Berkshires) camp- work as a counselor. Do you attend a church ir synagogue where making connections can help. Faith does great things to keep you grounded, motivated and focused. Good luck, you're a great sister. Don't forget yourself. I was a late bloomer and ended up secure, settled, happy.

OP - The Fresh Air Fund Camps is really a couple of different camps in the Fishkill, NY area. Our middle daughter went there one summer as a counselor and the neat thing is that a couple of times during the summer, the staff take the kids back to New York City and get to spend a couple of nights there, too - all cramming into rooms. We can't say enough about the possible "life changing" experience there as our daughter actually met her future husband - a decade later - there and now they get to share their pictures with their two young kids!!

But again do not forget about the idea of seeing that she gets some assistance and encouragement in the college application process. The poster is right that you can't just become an emancipated minor without some definitive reason or else many would take that route. And, not just one, but both parents if they are living even if divorced must fill out information on the FAFSA form to help your sister qualify for a financial aid package.

My advice to you if you think that your parents or whoever is her legal guardian will not comply with the financial aid process or possibly be intelligent enough to do so, then you might want to try to visit the college(s) that your sister is most interested in and arrange a special meeting with the appropriate admission's person on how to proceed. If she is smart enough, she might even qualify for a Merit-Based scholarship at some schools who might be looking to enroll very smart students and perhaps to give a leg up to those facing unusual challenges.

I worked at Camp Friendship in college and never went there as a camper. Great experience and room/food is provided.

Funland in Rehoboth
Sandy Hill Camp in Maryland

Anonymous wrote:^ I'm guessing she's not going to get any family help for college so why not just declare herself independent at 18, and file tax returns. She might get more financial aid, and she won't have to rely on her parents to fill out the FAFSA.

OP, you are the greatest sister to her. Keep encouraging her. Don't let her quit.

You can't just declare yourself independent at 18 unless you're a veteran, married, a parent, coming out of foster care, or an orphan.

Look into Student Conservation Association. Kids working in National Parks/Forests. A fantastic experience when I did, and my kids did it. Pre-college may not be paid, but get free room and board. They have may have scholarships for travel costs for kids without resources. The National crews for kids under 18 are unpaid but no fee and all living expenses covered. 2-5 weeks working in a National Park with a group of kids from all over.

See https://www.thesca.org/serve/national-crews

Check this out for some ideas:

http://www.arlingtonteens.com/jobs/Job_Search_Sites

Where does she live, op? Look at the Fresh Air Fund. They now have actual summer camps (it used to be the kids would live with host families in the summers). There are CIT (counselor in training) opportunities at those camps and other opportunities that would be good experiences for your sister.

http://www.freshair.org/summer-camping-program

I also agree with pp's suggestion that your sister live with you for the summer and find a job around here - there could be good internships and paid opportunities for her in DC.

Maybe she could get a job at Massanutten resort in harrisonburg, VA

http://www.massresort.com/v.php?pg=175

Also look at helping her to apply to work at 4-H and YMCA camps. These camps focus on kids from a variety of backgrounds, including kids that come from similar backgrounds as your sister. I'm sure her application would be viewed favorably, because she would be a great role model for many of the campers. Good luck to her, and good karma/blessings to you for reaching back to help her.

Sandy Hill Camp in MD. Couple hours from here.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think most of he summer camp jobs go to kids who were campers at the camps where they work. Maybe someone else will have better ideas but I would suggest getting trained as a lifeguard.

How would being a lifeguard get her away from where she lives?

As a lifeguard she would be more marketable. Most kids that are camp employees have a history with the camp, so having the added skills as a lifeguard might help her get her foot in the door. Also that way she could work at a watermark or pool.

Could she stay with you over the summer and get a job at a pool or day camp near you. I think a day camp job might be easier to get than a sleep way camp job.