Summer can be quite a wonderful time — that is, if you have things to do. I have heard from several friends that, apparently, summer can be quite boring. This is something I have never experienced. Since my family is normally bouncing from beaches to summer camps all summer long, I normally only spend a week at home in between it all. So, boredom has never really been a thing I’ve encountered, but for all of you guys who do face this, do I have the list for you. Summer fun starts now!

• Redecorate your room: Do you still have a Hello Kitty bedspread? It may be time for a bit of a bedroom pick-me-up. A little bit goes a long way. You can paint the whole room or make an accent wall. This can give you the sense of change you sometimes need for a new school year.
• Volunteer: This is something that can keep you moving and bouncing around. Not only does it get you out of the house, but you also feel amazing knowing that what you just did really helped someone.
• Complete a summer reading list: The hardest part is choosing the books to read. Write down 10-30 or more books, depending on how quickly you read. Ask friends for suggestions and try to break out and read new genres. Put a check next to the books you read and a heart next to your favorites. At the end of summer, you will have an accomplished feeling and have some books you can suggest to others or read again.
• Teach yourself how to play an instrument: I am currently learning to play my mom’s old guitar that was laying around the house.
• Become ambidextrous: How cool would you feel coming back to school with the ability to write with both hands. Just saying, you have 3 months, which is plenty of time to learn.
• Paint something: Your room, a cabinet, an actual painting. It can be a really calming and fun thing to do; plus, this is the kind of the thing where you can actually see your finished work.
• Learn a new sport: Whether it be soccer, lacrosse, or even skateboarding, find a friend who already plays and see if you can pick it up.
• Catalogue your closet: This will either be great or horrible for you. For the OCD type, you will love knowing all that you have and being able to plan outfits, and you will love the organization of it all. For others, you will die of boredom writing and describing every piece of clothing you own and then creating outfits.
• Make a slip ‘n’ slide in your backyard: Grab some tarps and a house and get boogie with it. Invite a few friends, and you can call it a party.
• Work at a summer camp, or go to one: I realize this isn’t an option for everyone because you are either not old enough to work there or don’t have the money to attend. But I know that at the camps I go to, I have created a family that I talk to all year long, and my week at camp is the best one I have all year.
• Get a pet: Again, this may not be an option for everyone, but a pro of getting one over summer is that you have more bonding time with it than you would normally while you’re in school.
• Take day trips: This works best if you or one of your friends can drive. Depending on where you live, you can go to the mountains, the beach, or a lake for a day and enjoy some outdoors and some unwinding time together.
• Explore nearby areas: Go downtown where you live or a city over and just spend your day walking through locally owned shops; you never know what cool places are right under your nose.
• Write letters: I know I always get really excited when I get some mail, so sit down and write a family member or a friend a handwritten letter. It’s a more personal way to keep in touch with someone far away.
• Take art lessons: Most local art shops offer these; you can try photography, drawing, sculpting, or — my favorite — PAINTING.
• Summer school: Gross, I know; but, hey, maybe you can get dreaded health class out of the way or get ahead in a subject you really like.
• Visit family: Your grandma misses you, I promise. Try and go see her if you can.
• College road trip: Grab a few friends and visit some colleges; maybe you will find the one for you.
• Take a selfie at the same(ish) time every day: You will have a great time at the end of summer going back through and seeing all that you have done and what has changed over the past couple of months.
• Start making your bed every day: Lame, I know, but this is a really good habit to have; it may seem strange, but it is. Just trust me, do it.
• Begin Journaling: Writing is a drug — a very healthy for you drug. It really helps to get out any emotions you hold on to; plus, it helps you hold on to any memories that you may forget if you don’t write them down.
• Make things for friends: One cute thing you could do is to start with something like a mason jar, and you can fill it with little things like a homemade bracelet or homemade snacks. Then, you can give them to your best friends before school starts. Be sure to include a note!