Teens look forward to summer vacation, yet one week into it, they’ll declare that their life is boring. Plan ahead with the teen who wants to find a job, volunteer or needs to work on self-improvement during the summer. Leave time for the teen to enjoy the time off from school and to spend time with friends and family. Schedule activities to do with your teen and make sure he has something to do the rest of the time, especially if you work outside the home.
Find a Job
Teens who are legally eligible to work in their home state can apply for a local job. Jobs available to teens may include food service, cashier jobs, day counselor jobs, lifeguarding or recreation jobs. Interested teens may need to apply early and use their parent’s connections to get their first job. Teens who take on summer job will need to have safe and reliable transportation to and from the job and be able to commit to a set schedule for the summer months.
Volunteer
Teens who cannot find a paying job may elect to volunteer their time and skills to an individual or group. Volunteer matching is available online. Teens may also elect to volunteer at a local homeless shelter or food bank. Local park clean up or volunteering for the Special Olympics both give teens the opportunity to do good things while enjoying the outdoors. Teens can learn skills by volunteering for Habitat for Humanity. A volunteer job this summer will build references and experiences for paying jobs in the future.
Summer Camp
Teens can attend a residential or day camp, specific to their interests. Camps include travel abroad camps, arts camps, adventure travel camps, computer camps, academic camps, religious camps, self-improvement camps and sports camps. Camp sessions are often by week and discounts may be given for multiple weeks. Programs range in cost from $200 per week to $4,000 or more.
Create a Job
Teens may also create their own jobs. Teen entrepreneurs will enjoy the benefits of work and getting paid, without having a strict schedule. Teens can offer their services for babysitting, lawn care, website creation, computer or game system troubleshooting, or pet care and dog walking. Each teen has a set of skills and experience that may be needed by other family members, friends or neighbors.
Sports Training
Teens who are currently part of a school sport’s team or hope to make the team will need to stay in top shape over the summer. Competitive sports players need to stay in good cardiovascular shape, retain muscle, and work on their flexibility and balance during the summer. Daily exercise and active recreation are best for the teen athlete.
Summer Reading List
Request a summer reading list from the teen’s school or visit the local library. According to the ALA’s youth association, teens who read books for run are more successful in the work world and they score better on tests. The librarian can help you create summer reading list for teens. Visit the local bookstore with the teen and let him pick out some books. Alternate the reading list with his picks and with the more academic picks. Encourage the teen to read every day or every night before bed.
