The educators at SuperCamp’s academic and life skills summer camps have been helping kids and teens effectively deal with peer pressure for over 27 years. Not surprisingly, the individuals most affected by peer pressure are teenagers who are still trying to figure out who they are, where they want to go, and with whom they wish to be associated.
Many teens have unfortunately discovered that peer pressure is a very real and potentially dangerous influence in their lives. Everyone will feel the effects of peer pressure at some point, but there are always ways to keep it from affecting your life and personal choices.
Not every instance will be a life or death situation, but it is important to realize the different avenues a teenager can take to avoid peer pressure. They can maintain their individuality without sacrificing their beliefs or angering their friends in the process.
SuperCamp understands that most anxiety associated with peer pressure occurs when teenagers think they are the only one who disagrees with a deviant behavior. Often times there are others who feel the same way; they are simply waiting for someone to speak up. Therefore, SuperCamp’s teen summer programs give teens the skills to be able to handle these intimidating situations.
One thing to remember when confronting a peer pressure situation is that it’s important not to put the person suggesting the deviant activity down or to attack them personally; otherwise the reaction will likely be hostile and cause more conflict. Instead, SuperCamp facilitators suggest calmly rejecting the activity and making sure to keep the subject on the activity and not on the person suggesting it.
Another point that SuperCamp teaches is that if a teenager is wary of doing something, chances are that many of their friends are, too. Once a concern is voiced, others may chime in and agree. At SuperCamp, teens are taught the 8 Keys of Excellence, a set of life skills that gives them more confidence and motivation to stand up and do what is right.
Teenagers do not have to be slaves to peer pressure. Being known as an individual who sticks by what is right rather than a person who always goes with the flow will garner respect.
If teens make a habit of being a proponent in responsibility, they can easily diffuse a tense situation. SuperCamp encourages responsible choices and will help equip teens with the life skills they need to conquer peer pressure.
More information on the academic and life skills taught at SuperCamp as well as summer camp location information is available at SuperCamp.com and by calling 800-285-3276.
