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Health & Fitness

How Teens Can Make the Most of Their Summer

How Teens Can Make the Most of Their Summer

by Ann Rossbach, Independent Educational Consultant

With an abundance of activities for high school students to choose from during the summer, sometimes stepping outside the box can be beneficial and fun!  Now at the midway point of summer, there is still plenty of time to get involved in activities that can help boost your college resume.  Volunteering in your local community not only helps build your resume, but, more importantly, provides you with a better understanding of other people's lives.  Check out Family and Children's Services of Monmouth County.  You may volunteer in The FCS Thrift Shop or as a reader in the "Reading Buddies Program."  If environmental sustainability is of interest to you, look into Clean Ocean Action. Their website offers several different ways you can participate including community outreach, office work, social media and much more.  Sometimes getting down in the dirt can be exciting and rewarding, and Habitat for Humanity can provide that experience for you.  If you are 16 years or older, you have the unique opportunity to help construct a home for someone in need or you may serve on one of their many committees.

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In addition to the numerous volunteer opportunities in the local community, having summer employment also offers tremendous benefits.  Learning to manage money, gain real-life experience, develop time-management skills, and build a network of professional relationships are vital to future endeavors.  If finding a job is a challenge, then take the initiative to start your own small business.  You may be surprised how many people would appreciate someone who can perform odd jobs such as weeding and window washing!  Good babysitters are always in demand; so inquire at your local YMCA, hospital or First Aid for a CPR or Safe Sitter course.  Having these skills provide a life long benefit.

Lastly, don't forget to read!  Nerd Scholar  provides tremendous insight on what colleges are suggesting students read.  And, if you are looking for a truly unique publication check out Teen Ink.  Teen Ink is a magazine, website and books written by teens since 1989.  The website provides links to summer programs/ camps, college reviews, essays and articles.  

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Most importantly, don't sit idle!  Explore all the opportunities available because you never know where a new adventure may take you!

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