A flat tire. A drained bank account. A roommate who leaves dirty dishes in the sink for days. For many teenagers, adulthood can feel less like a milestone and more like being dropped into the deep end without instructions.
That’s the idea behind “Adulting Camp,” a summer short course in Brevard County designed to help teens tackle real-world skills — from budgeting and communication to conflict management, healthy relationships and career planning.
Hosted by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension Brevard County, the five-day camp aims to help teens ages 15-18 feel more confident navigating life after high school.
“The goal of Adulting Camp is to increase confidence and readiness for adulthood by giving participants practical, real-world skills they can apply immediately, which are often not covered in traditional classroom settings,” said Gayle Whitworth-New, a 4-H Youth Development Agent with UF/IFAS Extension Brevard County.
The Adulting Camp Short Course runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 8-12 at the UF/IFAS Extension Office in Cocoa.
One lesson helps teens compare career interests with the realities of adulthood — including whether a future salary can actually support the lifestyle they envision. Another breaks down the difference between gross income and take-home pay, introducing teens to taxes, banking and budgeting.
The camp also focuses heavily on social and emotional skills, including healthy communication, conflict management and understanding how personality traits can shape relationships and career paths.
“We aim to create an engaging and supportive learning environment where youth can ask questions, build independence, and feel more prepared for future responsibilities,” Whitworth-New said.
The week culminates in what may be the camp’s most eye-opening experience: a “living on my own” simulation, where participants take on the role of a 26-year-old adult balancing housing, groceries, transportation, insurance and possibly even childcare — all within the limits of a realistic budget.
Adulting Camp first launched in 2018 as a full-day summer program before transitioning in 2023 into a shorter half-day format to offer more flexibility for families while still providing hands-on learning experiences.
Since then, organizers said participant feedback has remained strong. Recent evaluations showed that 83% of participants felt more prepared for life after high school, while nearly 80% reported increased confidence in communication and problem-solving skills. Overall, participants reported a 77% positive outcome rate across measured life-skill areas.
“We are proud to continue offering programs like Adulting Camp that support youth development and help young people build confidence as they transition into adulthood,” Whitworth-New said.
The Adulting Camp Short Course costs $92.55 for the week. Registration through 4-H Online is required. More information will be sent after your ticket is purchased.
The camp will take place at the UF/IFAS Extension Office, 3695 Lake Drive in Cocoa. For more information or to register, visit the event website or call (321) 633-1702.
This reporting is supported by a Journalism Funding Partners grant. Mental Health Reporter Jennifer Torres can be reached at JMTorres@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Adulting 101: Camp helps teens prepare for life after high school
Reporting by Jennifer M. Torres, Florida Today / Florida Today
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