Summer Enrichment Program Teaches Students How to Handle Peer Pressure

At every age, people are subject to the peer pressures that surround them. There is constant encouragement from others to do and try different things, either because they could be good for us or because everyone is doing it. As most people have experienced, this is especially prominent at the high school level.

We can all recall moments from our teen years in which we were pressured to take part in something we weren’t sure we wanted to. After 27 years of watching students grow, and seeing them grow up quicker today than they ever have before, SuperCamp, a 10-day summer enrichment program for students age 11-19 has created a guide to help students work through the moments of peer pressure.

It is hard for students to say no to a friend; someone who is there for them when they need them most, however, it’s important to remember that if someone wants them to do something that doesn’t feel right, from something small, to a scheme that could land a student in the principal’s office, grounded, or worse, it’s time to take a stand for their beliefs and let the person know how they feel.

One of the life skills that SuperCamp educators teach teens is that stepping out of their comfort zone and standing up for what they believe in is the most powerful way to combat peer-pressure. Many problems have occurred for many teens because no one wanted to stand up and speak out about how they felt. It takes courage.

In any given middle school or high school clique, there is always one person among them who is the dominating personality; the one who stirs others into action. That’s fine, but when this person wants the other kids to do something they aren’t comfortable with, they need to know how to stand up for themselves, as well as each other. Chances are they aren’t the only one in the group who feels awkward. Others may chime in, but are waiting for someone else to take the lead. They are looking for an out, but are too afraid to let their voices be heard. By speaking up, the teen will be standing up for his/her peers as well.

SuperCamp reminds students to say “No” by stating the position firmly while avoiding putting the person suggesting the activity on the spot. Calmly and simply stating, “I don’t want to drink,” is much better than “No; thanks man. I don’t want to be like you.” Always avoid personal attack – make the activity the issue, not the person. Sometimes a little humor can lighten the situation – half jokingly saying something about the consequences can get the point across and give others an easy opportunity to agree and a reason to “back out.”

Going against the crowd is never easy, especially for teens – it takes a lot of courage and self-respect. The more teens learn to stand up for their beliefs, however, the more their courage and self-respect will grow. Respect for the teen will also grow among those who agreed with them and made the higher moral choice.

For additional information on the life and learning skills taught at SuperCamp and enrollment opportunities, call 1-800-285-3276 or visit them on the web at www.SuperCamp.com