Preventing Summer Boredom
By Stephanie Lynn, age 22, Massachusetts
SDM Editor-in-Chief
It's important to have plenty of organized and social activities throughout your summer, so you don't end up spending too much time camped out in front of the television. There are tons of possibilities for this summer vacation, so get out there and get active!
Summer Jobs
There are several possibilities out there for your summer job, like working an ice-cream stand, lifeguarding at your local beach, waitressing, or chilling in an air-conditioned fashion store. If you're too young to get these types of jobs, then be entrepreneurial! Besides babysitting, you can also help adults with odd jobs like petsitting, mowing lawns, gardening, and house cleaning. I'm sure your mom and dad know plenty of adults who could use the extra help!Volunteer Work
There are tons of opportunities to help out in the community. Grab a group of friends and help someone who has some needs.
Elderly - Help an older person by doing their grocery shopping once a week or assist with some yard work. You can visit the elderly in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Most of the time they just want someone to talk to. So go with open ears. Children - Serve in the church nursery or with Vacation Bible School.
For other volunteer possibilities, go to VolunteerMatch.com
Summer Camps
In your teen years, there are many options for summer camps. Experience the freedom of being a camper with others your age or become a camp counselor. Several children's camps allow junior counselors as young as 12. If you're not the overnight camp person type, check out day camps in your area.Try Something New
Play the sport you've been waiting for all school year long by signing up for a community program. Challenge yourself by learning a musical instrument, or by learning to cook, knit, or design your own jewelry.
Give Yourself a Project
If you like art, then work on a series of paintings or collages. Even if you're not very artistic, start a scrapbook of your favorite pictures. If you're into fashion, design and sew your own clothing - even sell it on Ebay. All your friends will be dying to know where you got your gorgeous new shirt! Cleaning and redesigning your room is another possibility.Whatever you choose, be sure to work on it a little bit each day.
Read a Good Book
See Christina's article.Also, you can find a local library at: http://nces.ed.gov/nceskids/tools/
Start a Layout Site
Although I wouldn't suggest spending way too much time on the computer this summer and missing all the beautiful weather, starting your own layout site could be a fun way to expand your graphic and coding skills and meet some cool new people.Stay Social
Set up a day once a week or once every other week to hang out with your friends. Take a day trip to your favorite beach with all your buddies. Have a movie marathon, where you make a list of all the movies you've been dying to watch, then invite some friends over and watch 'em back to back. Afterward chat about the ones you liked the most. Invite everyone for a sleepover or spend an evening at the mall. Go bowling or to the drive-in.
Spend Some Time with Your Family
Summer vacation is a great time for families to get away from it all and be together.Other Ideas
Try fundraising for something special, like a school activity. Go to summer school - improve your grades. Sign up for scholarships - You'll need 'em!
