confidence builder

[help1972]

i have rather a shy 17 year old boy and thinking of sending him to somewhere like Camp America before Uni so he can grow in confidence.. any ideas?

He needs to be 18
Actually want to go
Capable of engaging with groups of children

I have to agree with @Crabbycatlady

He'd be better starting with getting a PT job locally over the holiday or at the weekends.
Or volunteering with something he finds interesting. That was he will be talking about something he enjoys and is interested in, to give a starter for conversation.
Places like Camp America want applicant to show what they have already done that will make them good Leaders, they are not there to teach confidence.

If he is studying at six form, the final year tends to bring much more confidence with shared experiences and exam pressure. My very shy daughter really only increased in confidence this final year, and has four great friends that she regularly meets during the holidays. This year also included trips to visit universities, and it was an opportunity for them to meet up with people from their class. Also, joining a D&D club at six form was great to make friends.

She also has a part-time job, and this was great for her confidence as well (gaining her own money and being more self-reliant and independent).

Going to Camp America would be like throwing your child in the deep end. It might be a step too far - try small steps first.

thanks for everyones comments and notedd about a job but very difficult around where we are all gone ot uni students - he has been looking since before easter.. any other camps that anyone would recommend for 18 year olds - he will be 18 next summer

PHAB

SENSE used to do camps / holidays which needed volunteers

Is he involved with any Youth organisations currently ? Scouts, BB, Church Youth Groups, orchestras, sports teams that have Summer Camps ? Or is his swimming good enough to do a life guard qualification ?

Kings Camps offer paid work, but I suspect, like Camp America, they will be looking for experience and skills already being there.

Also places like PGL, Outward Bound, etc - again, will probably want to know what skills and experience he can offer.