5 cures for summer boredom

Around the time the soon-to-be-graduates are getting senioritis, you juniors begin to get summer fever. While fractions are being multiplied and experiments being conducted, you gaze out windows at the sunshine and the green grass and the flowers. Sound familiar? And then finally, school is out! But after two weeks of summer, you start to think, “There’s nothing to do.” Everyone has been there. But fear not—there are at least five ways to cure that summer boredom. Read on.

1. Coach some kids I have coached girls’ softball for five summers, and every year is a new experience. Coaching a sports team takes up time. But it’s also a lot of fun. Plus, it gives my friends something to do as well. It isn’t major league baseball, but it is a way to enjoy the fresh air and get some exercise. It doesn’t hurt that coaching counts as volunteer work and looks amazing on a resume or college application. You could also do other volunteer work with kids by becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister. Day camps often need teens to work with children, too. Also check out the library. You could tutor or help run a reading program for kids.
2. Get to class Just because school is over doesn’t mean your education has to stop. Take a night school course to fast track through high school, or take part in something more fun. Grab some friends and sign up for a cooking or language class. It may seem cheesy, but knitting is very much “in” right now. Contact a recreation center or craft store to see what knitting, sewing or craft courses they offer. Or skip the crafts and head for an instrument. Over the summer, learn to play guitar or piano. After you take a class, you’ll have one more skill to add to your resume.
3. Get back to nature You don’t have to head somewhere full of nature; just park in your own backyard. Backyard campouts are great when you are low on cash or vehicles. Invite some friends over and tell them to bring their tents, sleeping bags and junk food. Camp out in your backyard, roast marshmallows on your barbeque (if you don’t have room for a camp fire) and take a dip in your pool or run through the sprinkler. Substitute the stereo with a friend or two who play acoustic guitar. You might not be out of the city, but it is still a great way to break up the monotony of summer.
4. Take a scholastic road trip Are you planning on going far away to university or college? If so, it would be great to know more about your new town, don’t you think? Spend a weekend near campus. That way, you’ll be one step ahead of everyone else when you begin school, as you’ll know where the hot spots are. If you aren’t sure where you’ll be attending college, take a week-long road trip to check out potential colleges.
5. Plan a perfect party Forget inviting your friends over for a party that lacks excitement. Instead, plan a theme party. This is not as geeky as you think it sounds. Themes definitely make a party more exciting than just sitting around on couches staring at each other. How about planning a luau? Purchase Hawaiian leis from a party-supply store. Serve sodas in coconut glasses, wear grass skirts, arrange Tiki torches around your backyard and do the limbo. Theme parties really toss in some change to otherwise boring festivities. And there is no better way to pass the time than acting stupid with close friends. Another idea is to have a fondue party. Head to a kitchen store and go in on a fondue set with friends. Light some candles on your patio and indulge. Fondue means melting and dipping your favorite foods, such as strawberries, bananas, graham crackers or marshmallows, in delicious melted chocolate. You can also do a cheese fondue with veggies and meat. (But trust me, the chocolate is always better.)

Article provided by