ABSTRACT
Social cognitive career theory regards interests as a critical component of an individual’s career choices. The role of the environment is thus pivotal as interests develop out of direct or vicarious opportunities to engage in a topic or domain, whether music, science, sport, or community work. Learning outside the school day is critical to the development of every child. Education and discovery take place within children’s homes, neighborhoods, communities through informal interactions with family members and more formal or structured programs offered through park districts, museums, or other cultural institutions. Schools and educators often feel that they have no role in providing educational experiences beyond the school day or school year. The time allotted for summer vacation allows children and youth to delve, from a few days to several weeks, into exploring potential interests or already cultivated interests without interruption and in the company of peers.
