(Photo by Selma Komisky)

How-To: Make the Most Out of Your Summer

By Melissa Valle

Imagine this: You’re out of school. A cool breeze is playing with your hair and the sun is reddening your cheeks. Oh wait, there’s no need to imagine this because summer is here! I can guess what that one question lingering on your mind is right now: what do I do now? Well, here are a few ways to make the most out of your summer.

Plan a Picnic

It’s so easy nowadays to just plan out a dinner at a local restaurant with your friends and family. But why not save some money and spend time in the sun eating your best friend’s brownies? You guys can plan ahead and make the food together. You can bond with one another while the birds chirp in the background, and you won’t have to worry about overspending.

Go on a Hike

With all that time, it’s easy to sit on the couch and watch Netflix, but why not go out and admire God’s creation by going on a hike? It may seem exhausting at first but going out and exercising will give you more energy throughout the day. Plus, once you reach the peak, you will feel proud of what you’ve accomplished with your friends. Just be sure to stay hydrated.

Read a book 

Now that I have a smartphone, I find it so easy to pick it up and check my social media over and over again. One way to make sure you are not wasting your time is to read a book! Turn off your phone for a couple of hours and dig deep into a plot that will shift your emotions. I guarantee that you will be more entertained rereading “The Chronicles of Narnia” after six years than refreshing your phone every ten minutes.

Go to your local beach and have a bonfire

What I loved most about my church is that every month or so, we would meet by the pier and have a bonfire. We would make s’mores and hot dogs and someone was always sure to bring their guitar for worship. There was something about surrounding a bonfire and cracking jokes that made our fellowship grow. So grab a couple of friends and sit out by the fire.

Host a Themed Party

You don’t have to wait for Thanksgiving or Christmas to have a theme party! Grab a couple of your closest friends and plan a costume party. You could have a wild west party or a Hawaiian party! Ask your friends to come in their best costumes. You could expand on the theme with food, decorations, and games!

Volunteer

Summer is a great time to rest before the next school year approaches. However, you can find joy in going out of your way and helping others! Call up your local animal shelters, retirement homes, or soup kitchens and ask if they need any assistance.

Try a New Look

Are you tired of the way your room is setup? Do you want to change your hair? Be daring and move around your furniture or paint your walls. Get your hands dirty and work on projects you have pinned on that board of DIYs on Pinterest. Get bangs or dye the tips of your hair your favorite color. Getting that new look can boost your confidence!

Do Some Summer Cleaning

If you still have old assignments from the seventh grade or old pairs of shoes, spend a day cleaning your room! You’ll take a trip down memory lane. If you don’t want to keep something but don’t feel right throwing it away, donate it to your local Salvation Army or thrift store!

Reflect

Before you head back to school or your usual schedule, spend a day in reflection. Grab your car keys and your Bible and head out to the park or the beach and spend some time with your savior. Think back to all the things that he has done for you and ask him to give you what you need to endure and succeed this next year.

There you are, nine ideas of what to do over this long and short summer. I hope you all have a wonderful time under that hot sun with your friends and family. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen!