I could not agree more with the original poster. Bochurim who have been elavated during a zman in yeshiva, have such a ‘Prikas ul’ during their one month vacation. Davening at a respectable time?? Forget about it. Learning?? What is that??
If you think I am making this up, think again. It happened to me 2 summers ago. I really wanted to attend camp, as I had done for a number of summers and really wanted to be a counselor. However, the Elul zman that year was starting on August 10th and it was impossible for me to get a job. I was so devastated. I always looked forward to camp during the year, and it really brought out the best in me. I had an opportunity to spend a summer without seeing any chilul shabbos. It was an environment of Kedusha in the highest form. However, I could not get a job and leave two weeks left to the second half. That summer, my friends and I floated. We davened at all hours, sometimes even beyichidus. We went up to Toronto for a few days. Then we spent a few days in bungalows of our friends, barbecuing each night. As I look back, I am disgusted at myself.
BUT THIS HAPPENS TO ALL BOCHURIM THAT ARE NOT IN A CAMP ENVIRONMENT. Even with SEED, there are bochurim floating all over with rented cars, running around as if they are experiencing GAN EDEN. They come back saying that it was great, and that they had a great time. All I hear is about the mansion they stayed in, and the convertible that they drove. And of course no mention of the learning with the baal habatim or the lives they claim were touched by their presence.
What about becoming counselors?? I think that this is the best solution to avoid the pritzus, while at the same time giving of yourself to todays youth who really need us.