1. Explore the outdoors
There is no better time to enjoy the outdoors than in the summer.Charlottesville is one of the best places for it, with multiple trails and rivers such as Ragged Mountain and Rivanna. With these places, you get the chance to do activities like paddle boarding, kayaking, biking, spending a day at the river with friends, or just going for a hike. Simple things like this are great because it not only gets you away from your phone, but you get the chance to create memories.
- Learn something new
Summer is the perfect time to explore interests you might not have time for during the school year. This could mean learning the guitar, photography, cooking, skateboarding, or even songwriting. Learning something new can be a blessing in disguise, or just exciting. Platforms like Skillshare, Youtube, or your local library offer resources and tutorials for free or at a low cost. You might choose to write a story about your summer, or choose to launch a small business with your friends, like pet sitting or mowing the lawn. Pursuing your personal interest not only helps you discover who you are and what excites you, but many of these skills could become side hustles, college portfolio pieces, or just lifelong hobbies.
- Get a summer job or internship
Landing a summer job is something I feel every teen should experience. Whether it´s scooping ice cream, lifeguarding at the local pool, babysitting or working retail, jobs can teach responsibility, time management, and money handling skills. A job can also help you discover what you like and dislike in a workplace. Places like the YMCA , Fry Springs, Boys and Girls Club, and Parks and Recreation offer camp counselor roles for teens. These places offer great competitive pay,with an average pay of $14-16 an hour. Places like the YMCA offer a $250 sign on bonus, and $250 dollar end of program bonus.These are great opportunities to take advantage of.
- Volunteer for a cause that matters
Volunteering is a meaningful way for teens to contribute to their community and grow personally. Whether it’s helping an animal shelter, volunteering at food drives, reading to a children’s library, or assisting at a children’s hospital. Many of these organizations offer volunteer programs specifically designed for teens. Some even provide leadership training or structured service hours. Programs like Teens Give offer safe guided volunteer experiences during the summer months, often collaborating with local nonprofits and schools. Volunteering also looks amazing on college scholarship applications.
- Spend Quality time with Friends
Summer is all about making memories, and there’s no better way to do that than by spending time with friends and family. Take a day trip, host a movie night, go to a concert or festival, or just hang out at a spot you all enjoy . Being around the people you like most is not only fun, but helps boost your mental health and creates moments you’ll remember long after school starts back up.
Summer should give you a break from your normal routine but also open a door to fun, growth, and discovery whether you’re working, volunteering, exploring the outdoors, or just spending time with your favorite people. Every day holds the potential for something new.
