Older kids can have fun this summer without a lot of money. There’s more to do than just work on that tan! They can learn some life skills that they can actually use. They can broaden their scope to learn about others and give a helping hand to those in need. And they can chalk up some good activities to list on their college applications!
1. Earn money babysitting, mowing lawns, doing chores for people, etc.
2. Work on a project that will help others.
3. Take a Red Cross Lifeguard class so you could be a lifeguard in the future.
4. Teach something to the younger kids in the neighborhood.
5. Learn to knit or crochet–make some gifts for your family or friends.
6. Learn to sew & make some simple skirts, shorts, or tops. Pajama pants are a great first project!
7. Learn to cook & make a meal for your family once a week or so.
8. Start an exercise program for you & your friends.
9. Have a clothing swap with your friends.
10. Record family stories. Interview your oldest relatives about their lives. Film it and/or write it down.
11. Trace your family tree. Make copies for the extended family. (These make great Christmas gifts.)
12. Learn to paint.
13. Learn to do your own manicure/pedicure.
14. Learn to iron a skirt, a shirt, and a pair of pants. (You’ll be glad you did.)
15. Learn to sell on ebay and make some cash from your trash.
16. Make crafts to sell on etsy.com.
17. Organize a family outing.
18. Learn about camping and how to put up a tent.
19. Do some things that will look good on a college application, like # of volunteer hours at a hospital if you are going into a medical career. Volunteer at the animal clinic if you want to be a vet. Help the tennis coach if you want to be a coach someday. Help at vacation Bible school if you want to be a teacher.
20. Talk to everyone you meet about where they work & what they like about it & what they don’t. Ask if they know of any jobs for kids your age. This is called networking & the sooner you learn it the better off you’ll be.
21. Many places will “hire” you for free this summer & will pay you the next summer after they see what a good help you are. Volunteer hours at most any place will be a plus on a college or job application. If you are too young to get a paid job or there are none to be had, put in the volunteer hours rather than just sitting around all summer.
22. Read some of the classics & find out what all the fuss is about. On college applications they often ask what are your favorite books & why. You might as well get some read to put down.
23. Make a list of things you want to do this summer & check them off as you do them.
24. Keep a journal of all you do this summer.
25. Research the history of your town and write something up for your local library.
Click here for more ideas from wikiHow.
Click on any of the tags below this post for specific projects. Have fun!
Maggie says
You and me both, Miss T! Thanks! We used to love to cook a meal once a week because it could be anything we liked! Mom was smart!
Miss T @ Prairie Eco-Thrifter says
You just took me down memory lane. I did many of these things growing up. Great list Maggie.