15 Year old Son Coming for the Summer

[Dont kno what to do]

My 15 year old son is coming from the states to singapore during summer and was wondering what he could do here.  SInce I mostly work i have no idea?

[expat mom]

The SACAC may have some summer programs for teenagers.  Maybe ANZA will have some help.  The large public pools are great.  There are some summer camps out on some maylasian islands that sound cool.  Maybe some tennis lessons.  There is some park that has rock climbing walls and a few skate board parts are around also.  

You could have a real challenge though if you mostly work.  A fifteen year old may pass for older and be served drinks in bars.  Lots of kids do that in Singapore.  Some of the school counselors may be able to tell you if there are some kids of teachers, etc that are hanging around this summer.  Maybe the International Baptist Church off of Bukit Tima has a youth group.

The American club has some golf clinics but I do not know if kids the age of yours participate.  Probably the youth activities director of the other clubs in town may have something, if you belong to one.

Good luck- I hate to say it but summer in Singapore is pretty boring.

[dont kno what to do]

i don't belong to any of the clubs....

[Some Ideas]

If he's interested you could take him over to Green Fairways Golf Club on Eng Neo Avenue, off Bukit Timah, near 6th Avenue. He could have golf lessons at the driving range depending on the various tutors schedules. Once he gets the hang of it the coach can take him onto the course there for a small fee.

Near there is a Riding school (something or other Saddles) and they do lessons.

How about getting hold of the last copy of the Finder to see what's offered there?

There are people around who offer group courses in art, photography, etc.  

My kid would probably relish an entire summer of slobbing out in front of the TV, but this is not someting we parents relish!

[flightless bird]

The American Club pays teenagers to run summer programs for young kids. Call the club and ask if they need your son.

[Some Ideas]

Think they only hire teenagers who are members

[No work]

I don't think it would be a matter of the American Club hiring members only, but more so that a "visitor" cannot work in Singapore while "visiting". If the teenager is here are a tourist visa or a LTSVP, he won't be able to work. If he comes over on a Dependant's Pass, he would probably be able to get a summer job. So, it's the immgration status that matters.

In any case, look into the local Community Centers for classes. Although, be sure it is classes suited to his age group. (I'm sure he wouldn't want to be hanging out with a bunch of "old" people!) There should be some afternoon classes etc in different types of marshal arts, dance, etc. Golf is a good idea. So, is the Bukit Timah Saddle Club. A person can enroll for a set of lessons (4- once a week) Begginer's Course without having to pay the Club fees. There is also volunteer work at Riding for the Disable (RDA) and the SPCA if he is so inclined. There are plenty of private marshal arts studio that he can take up lessons... also swim lessons as well. There is Spartacus Camp that might go up to his age group. Google them for more info. (It's a daycamp program.)

If I can think of more... I'll post it. Good luck. You might want to post a bit more details of what your son might be interested in so that you can get a more detailed response.

[two cents]

i know it could be a very special time for having family with you but how about suggesting that he/she brings over a best mate for a couple of the weeks so they can 'bum around' together?  do you have enought air-miles to cover an extra flight?

[dont kno what to do]

what is spartacus and I think he may be interested in martial arts?

[ex-pat]

If he skates then don't worry, just tell him to bring his board and helmet and he will be happy at the skate park near Orchard.  Most fifteen year olds would think this was heaven, just need a few dollars for drinks and lunch and a bus pass.

[idea??]

The American Association (not Club) runs a Youth Employment Program in the summers.  

[internship]

you could get him an internship or job-shadowing opportunity at your company, if he's interested.

[same problem]

My 14yr old nephew is coming here from the states as well.

Rather then me figure out what he should do I told him to look on the internet for things he would be interested in doing while hes here.  I told him theres a lot of "day things", such as the great zoo they have here, but I want him to leave Singapore with more - more then just a tan.  Being that he lives so far away (In the States most people think of Asia as being so far away - I know I did) & I won't be here forever he may never get the chance to be in the area again.

He was excited about the idea & now hes very excited about coming here.

Its just an idea that worked for me.
You could always take the skate park route.

Good luck!

[expat mom]

While SACAC has offices at the American club and SAS it is open to everyone.  They would probably be a good resource.  You might give them a call.  
There is also a paint gun course in Singapore that has war games.  You have to try to get into a group so that would require some early investigating to see how to set that up.
My son really enjoyed the skate parks.  The best one, but more local is in Bijan(sp) park.  Be sure that he has as cell phone to call you if he falls and gets hurt.  

[Cliff Richard]

The British, American and ANZA associations have things going on I believe.  You can join them for about $100 each for a year - alot cheaper than joining one of the clubs.  Have a look on their websites and see if it would be worth joining.

You could sign him up for skate lessons down at the East Coast Park or in Bishan Park.

Do you live in a condo?  I'm sure he'll want to spend a few days here and there just hanging around the pool.

You can do stuff like hire a bike and cycle around (lots of the parks do this) - also take the bumboat over to Pulau Ubin and hire a bike there.  You can take him to Wild Wild Wet - he can learn to windsurf, scuba dive, sail a yacht.  

Do you know other parents with kids of similar ages?  He'd probably want to get to know some kids of the same age if he's here for any length of time.