Teen Blog         

Summertime Activities

As you are out of school for the summer, I imagine you find yourself bored and with little to do except the occasional chore from the parents.  But really does this have to be a boring summer?  I think not.  The fact that you are out of school does not mean that you should put your brain on a long vacation - on the contrary you need to keep it stimulated for the upcoming school year so that you have a head start among your peers.  You're just smart and using good judgment.

Their are plenty of summer programs being offered throughout many community service organizations that would gladly take in new participants and volunteers.  Volunteering is a great way to give back and serve the community to which you live in.  You may find yourself surprised at how rewarding it feels to do something, with no expectation in return - just the sense of accomplishment that you have done something that is mature - and that you have done a completely selfless act.  That shows great character in your person!

There are also numerous workshops, retreats and summer camps of your choosing.   Educational classes are offered in humanities topics, sports, the arts, and technology.  Houston is a very metropolitan place - and as such it offers a variety of institutions that offer free or low cost entertainment and learning camps.                                            

The Houston Museum of Fine Arts is a great place to get lost for awhile and surround yourself with great amounts of cultural works and expressions of art.  The Houston Museum of Natural Science is a nice way to spend some time doing research into subjects like dinosaurs, precious rocks and minerals, and other general physical and natural sciences.   The Houston Zoo is always a good place to get some sun and exercise. 

It's always fun to make it a group outing if you can, but if not then just get a good friend and head out and make the most of it.  The Museum of Natural Science, the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, and the Houston Zoo are right around the corner from each other - all within walking distance.  NASA is a great place to see technology at work - it's a bit pricey but going once for the summer is well worth it - not to mention the knowledge you get from it!

In conclusion, there are numerous ways to keep busy and keep from being bored this summer.  All you have to do is look with sincere interest and resist the temptation of being a couch potato all summer long in front of the television with that Playstation or X-Box in hand!  So get out and seize the day and have fun at whatever you do as long as it's something positive and productive.  The television and game console will always be there - but life doesn't wait - it goes on too.  Have a great summer!