Many teenagers are either looking for summer plans or already have a few in place as summer approaches. According to the United States of America Embassy, American teens work the most during the summer since it gives them a chance to make money. Teenagers also enjoy summer camps because of the activities offered. Additionally, they use the summer to explore their academic interests by participating in summer courses. Things are a little different at ILS where numerous students either spend the summer traveling or working at summer camps.

Junior Emilie Reyes is doing a bit of both. She will visit Spain for the first half of summer, and then plans to work at Smoothie King to earn some extra cash..

“I want to work at Smoothie King because it’s my favorite smoothie place, and I think I will enjoy my time there,” said Emilie Reyes.

Emilie also mentioned that she aims to complete her required hours of community service on top of the travel and paid work.

Mariana Ortega Ruiz, a sophomore, said she had several plans for this summer, including a trip to Ibiza and her mother’s wedding. The one thing she is most excited about is working at the SALTT (Service and Leadership Today and Tomorrow) Summer Camp, which focuses on the children of migrants.

“I think it’s mostly giving these kids an experience that they are going to remember forever, and also, I just want to see how it makes me grow as a person and see where it takes me,” said Mariana Ortega Ruiz.

Freshman Andrea Camacho Fontes is traveling to Costa Rica for the first time to visit her father and is attending a sleepaway camp after her travel.

“I’m so excited for summer. I can’t wait to go surfing in Costa Rica,” said Andrea Camacho.

Andrea will spend time at Camp Guaikinima in Weston, a bilingual camp that offers a full range of activities. She said that it is her first time attending this camp, and is a bit nervous because she would be serving in the role of CIT (counselor in training).