School’s Out For the Summer!
What will you do with all that free time?
by Lorell Gordon, M.S. M.Ed.

TWEENS & TEENS News April 2007

What will you do with all that free time?

Before you know it, you’ll yell with joy, “Finally!” The school bell will ring for the last time of the school year. You will have turned in your last textbook. Your locker and your desk will be empty.

Though it seemed it never would, summer vacation will arrive! Now what? What will you do with all those days that add up to at least two months? What will you make of every day, after getting up each morning and eating breakfast?

Almost every tween and teen looks forward to summer vacation from school. For more than eight weeks, there’s no homework, classes or teachers to worry about. Similarly, summertime often means you can sleep late and spend most of the day doing the things you like to do, such as hanging out with your friends. But have you considered other fulfilling things to do during the summer? There are many activities you can get involved in that help you become a better person— and allow you to have fun, too.

Ten Tips to Make Your Summer Something to Talk About!

1. Do you play a sport during the school year? Think about how you can improve your athletic ability during the summer months. Can you try out for a summer league? How about enrolling in a sports camp to help you get better in your chosen sport? Another option is to learn a different sport.

2. Whether you like sports or you prefer other pursuits, staying fit is always important. Look for a recreation center or gym in your area that caters to kids. Take the exercise idea a step further by joining a running, biking, hiking or swimming group for fun group fitness activities.

3. Are you old enough to work at a part-time job? Check with restaurants and stores to see if they are interested in hiring a responsible young employee. Don’t forget to plan time for some activities other than work.

4. Perhaps you could benefit from more academic involvement. An open summer represents a perfect time to tackle that math or English course that has been giving you trouble. Find out if colleges or high schools in your area have professors, teachers and students offering tutoring services. Maybe you are interested in broadening your knowledge of your favorite subject. Is there a specific subject program— say in science— at a local campus that appeals to you?

5. If you listen to music and something naturally clicks, consider taking private lessons in an instrument or voice. Music teachers, college professors and students frequently conduct private lessons, and carefree summer days provide an excellent chance to hone your musical talents. If you are not playing an instrument, this could be the right time to learn how to play one.

6. Have dreams of strutting your stuff on stage? For drama enthusiasts, explore local plays for which you can audition to be an actor or volunteer to be a stagehand. Either way, you’re sure to learn more about the performing arts by spending time in a theater. If you are intent on getting a complete theatrical experience, look into local drama camps and workshops.

7. Discover a new hobby or craft, such as drawing, painting, cooking or scrap booking. Are there creative classes at a recreation center in your area?

8. If you lack the transportation to get around, don’t let that stop you from doing some type of project, like building a model boat. Think of doing something unique, including writing a song, poem or even a book.
Of course, I must tell you what all of your teachers want you to do this summer: READ! See if your local library has a summer reading program or a book club to enhance your literacy skills and meet some friends in the process.

9. Plan field trips. Visit a variety of museums, along with a bustling town business or factory. Do these places of interest provide tours? Gather some friends and an adult to explore the different industries in your area.

10. See what teen recreation groups, the Boy Scouts or Girls Scouts are doing this summer. Many programs welcome nonmember participants and scouts. Find out about wilderness, service and other specialty camps (day and overnight). Being involved with a camp is a great way to gain new abilities and friends.

Remember that the summer can be as exciting and fulfilling as you plan it to be. When school lets out, stay active by learning new things and improving what you already know. Meeting new friends and being part of a few activities often leads to endless amusement. And getting involved in your community by doing something positive helps you to feel good about yourself.

Lorell Gordon, MS, M.Ed., is a licensed professional counselor and the internship coordinator for Converse College, a women’s college in Spartanburg, South Carolina. She is also the author of Tilly’s Birthday: A Young Girl’s Introduction to Menstruation (Learning All About Me), which can be purchased at www.learningallaboutme.com.