By Live Like Sam | July 2026 | 4 min read
Summer has a unique way of inviting us to try things we might never make time for during the school year. A kayak trip. A volunteer project. A new trail. A conversation with someone we’ve never met. While those experiences may seem simple, they’re doing something important behind the scenes.
Every time a young person steps into something unfamiliar, their brain gets to practice flexibility. They learn how to adapt, solve problems, manage uncertainty, and recover from small moments of discomfort. Those are the same skills they’ll rely on when they return to school, navigate friendships, and face life’s inevitable challenges.
The goal isn’t to become an expert. It’s simply to become more comfortable being a beginner.
That’s one reason summer can be such a powerful season for growth. Without grades, tryouts, or constant evaluation, kids have the freedom to explore because they’re curious, not because they’re being measured. Whether it’s volunteering with rescue mustangs, learning to skateboard, kayaking the Weber River, or helping at a community event, each new experience becomes another opportunity to build confidence one small step at a time.
Parents play an important role, too. We naturally want to steer our kids toward activities we know they’ll enjoy or succeed at. But some of the biggest breakthroughs happen when they try something completely outside their comfort zone. The first attempt might feel awkward. That’s okay. Growth often begins there.
Instead of asking, “Were you good at it?” try asking:
- What surprised you?
- What did you enjoy?
- What would you try differently next time?
- Would you do it again?
Those questions shift the focus from performance to curiosity. They remind young people that trying something new is an accomplishment all by itself.
At Live Like Sam, we believe resilience isn’t built in one defining moment. It’s built through small experiences repeated over time. Every new challenge, every unfamiliar place, and every act of showing up helps young people discover what they’re capable of.
This summer, encourage your teen to say yes to something they’ve never done before. They might discover a new interest. They might meet someone new. Or they might simply leave knowing they’re capable of more than they realized.
Sometimes that’s exactly where growth begins.
Key Takeaways
- New experiences strengthen adaptability and resilience.
- Being a beginner is part of healthy growth.
- Curiosity is more important than performance.
- Parents can encourage exploration by praising effort instead of outcomes.
- Summer offers the perfect opportunity to try something new.
Related Reading
- The Power of a Little MEsearch: Helping Teens Reconnect With Themselves
- Reconnect This Summer
- Explore Challenge Accepted Summer Experiences