Worried about brain drain setting in? Do something interesting this summer! You can have fun and exercise your brain at the same time. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
- Create a nature walk bingo. Think of several items that you might find on a nature walk in your area. Possible items include animal tracks, oak trees, thorns, wild flowers, and mushrooms. Make up several "bingo" cards for you and a few friends. You get the idea.
- Make a box kite. Have you ever heard of a box kite? They don't look like they can fly, but looks are deceiving. This is a fun project!
- Direct a play. Find a short play script on the Internet (or write one) and get together with friends to create a show for your family members.
- Create a comic strip. Do you read the funny papers? Why not create your own comic characters and bring them to life? You might even find a career with this project.
- Stay up all night. Invite some friends to stay up all night-outside. See if you can spot some interesting wildlife, like a bat, moths, an owl, or even a fox. The wildlife potential will depend on your location.
- Write a story. Are you a budding writer? If so, you probably have a great story in mind but you never seem to have the time to put in on paper. Now is the time!
- Design a piece of clothing. This can be a simple item made from scratch or a DIY shirt decorating project.
- Find a foreign language email pal. If you have studied a foreign language in school, why not practice this summer with a friend from another country? Be sure to get parental involvement, just to be safe. Our Guide to German explains how to get started.
- Make a podcast. Is there a superstar inside of you, just waiting to break out? This is a good way to acknowledge your inner celebrity.
- Interview someone. Visit your grandparents or a retirement community to interview someone about his/her life. You'll discover some great stories!
- Research a college. Go to Peterson's and find a college of your dreams. Who knows-sometimes dreams do come true.
- Build a rocket. Okay-you definitely need parental guidance for this one. But it's really cool!
- Read at least one classic book. There is a reason that classic books have staying power. They're really interesting, and they are good for college prep, too.
- Record a song. You don't have to buy expensive equipment. Just get a karaoke tape and make a recording. If it sounds good, go up from there.
- Volunteer. Volunteer to walk your neighbor's dog, read to neighborhood kids, plant some trees-there are lots of opportunities out there. You'll gain valuable experience for your life and your college application!
- Create a blog. Anybody can blog these days. It's fun and educational. Just get permission from your parents first.
- Review your finals. No, seriously. It's a great idea to hold on to your finals and then review them at the end of the summer. It gives you a great head start to the next grade level.
- Keep a travel journal. If you travel with parents this summer, avoid back seat boredom with a travel journal. Keep track of all the things you see and hear on the trip. Journals are good for your brain and they're great for honing your writing skills.
- Learn photography. Find a cheap camera and learn basic photography by taking pictures of everyday objects.
- Start a business. This can by anything from a lemonade stand to a small publishing company. Learn business basics and start making some money!
- Create an obstacle course. Collect old clothes to put on and take off, old tractor tires to crawl through, hoola hoops to twirl--get createive! Put together a course and challenge your friends and neighbors.
- Design a coloring book. The great thing about coloring book design is that it doesn't require great talent. Experiment a little with outlines of buildings, animals, and people, and you'll soon be putting together your own coloring book for younger siblings and friends. It's a great way to get creative.
- Paint a masterpiece. Have you ever looked at abstract art and thought: "I could do that!" Why not give it a try? Buy a canvas and some paint, or use any paint left over from home projects. Put your canvas in the grass and start creating! You can use anything--including old buttons, glue, spray paint, cloth from old clothing, gum wrappers...get the idea? You'll be amazed what you can come up with--on a very minimal budget.
- Make ice cream. With a few basic ingredients and a zip-lock baggie, you can make your own ice cream at home. Why not create a new flavor?
- Make soap. You really can make your own soap at home, but the quality can range from a basic, smelly, ball of primitive stuff to really great-smelling luxury stuff. Just have a little fun or start a new and lucrative hobby!
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