Cool Stuff to Do with Those Hot Summer Days
By Sarah Martinique, age 17, Georgia
Everyone has those hot, nothing-to-do summer days, when sitting in the room just isn't seeming to cut it, and then the countdown begins to when school will start back. I am gonna help you say adios! to those boring days, and say aloha! to almost every day this summer.
Volunteer. This sounds so boring; it's something your parentals would suggest during a very long, awkward breakfast. There are tons of volunteering you can actually do. If you like music, try volunteering at your local radio station, or for sixteen and up your local music venue. That sounds epic to me, just saying! You could open your horizon to different genres of music, and meet some really awesome new friends.
Everyone thinks animals are cute and cuddly, but sometimes animals just aren't for you. However, if they are, and you're an animal activist like me, and would do anything to save a poor helpless animal, animal shelters really need your help. Volunteer there and help out.
There are a plethora of commercials about going green, and we just hit the next button and channel surf. We need to get off our lazy butts, put the chips & ice cream away, and go green. Find an organization and join it. Sometimes there may not be an organization near you, so do you know what you do? Grab a group of friends and start your own. Tell your friends to bring friends. Come up with a name. Come up with a goal. Now, set dates when you will meet. If you want, we can even give you ideas - just email us at Sweet Designs. This could even look good on a college application!
Hobbies. I never really liked the whole idea of a hobby. My parentals always suggested this to me, but the idea of dedicating to myself to something was absurd. I really wish I would've listened to them sooner. You could always do music, maybe start a band (:!
If you're a real heartthrob for helping the world, start an organization with a good cause. If you like writing, join an e-zine and be an article writer. Whatever your interest, there is something out there for you.
Summer Camps. I know exactly what you're thinking - this chick is psycho - I wouldn't be caught dead at a summer camp. Believe it or not, there are tons of epic, even super-epic camps. Even though you'll be leaving your hometown friends, if you choose the right camp, I swear you will have a blast. Pinky promise! I'm not gonna lie...you might have to come out-of-pocket, but it will really be worth the hassle. And if you don't have the money...don't despair! Some camps have financial aid, scholarship, and finance-based tuition. There is an array of very good camps; talk to your guidance counselor, teacher at school, or sit down with a parent/guardian and search the web for a camp that fits your needs.
Summer Sports. Over the summer you lose stamina, gain weight, and just get plain lazy. Get active! There are sports teams for all ages that do summer sports. Join one - soccer, swimming, softball, even cheerleading.
Concerts. Music makes the world go 'round. There are tons of concerts this summer. A lot of good causes and what not. The American Red Cross is teaming up with the Warped Tour this year. Go to their website and read more on it. For vegetarians there is also a really big convention with PETA, only fifteen dollars per person! There will even be vegan food! Just search around and listen out for stuff around your local area.
It doesn't matter what your interest is, you can find something to do this summer, so don't just nap your summer away. Go out, be active, have fun, and just do it!
