By: Kaylee Simmons

Summer break is one of the most anticipated times of the year for high school students. With months away from textbooks, early alarms, and busy schedules, it’s a good opportunity to relax, grow, and prepare for the future. But how can you make the most of it? Here are five meaningful and fun ways for high schoolers to spend their summer. 

1. Get a summer job or internship 

Working over the summer can be a great way to make some extra money and helps teach responsibility. Some summer jobs ideas might be scooping ice cream, lifeguarding, babysitting, or interning in something you’re interested in. Jobs can be fun if you like what you’re doing. 

“I am lifeguarding at NCR country club this summer,” sophomore Kaitlyn Puchalski said. “I am really excited for it. I can get tan and learn new leadership skills.” 

Go to this link for some summer jobs in Bellbrook or this link for some summer internships in Bellbrook. 

2. Volunteer

Volunteering is a great way to give back and get involved in the community. Some good places to volunteer at are hospitals, animal shelters, food banks, libraries, and local nonprofits. It is also a good way to get some leadership. 

Go to this link for a list of some good places to volunteer at in Bellbrook. 

3. Travel or go on day trips

Traveling during the summer can be a great experience. It can be anything from a road trip with your family, visiting a new place, or just going on a little excursion. 

Some more educational little trips you could do are go to a museum, historical landmarks, or even college campuses. Short day trips to amusement parks like Kings Island or nature spots can be great too. Traveling shows you what else is out there and gives you a little break from Bellbrook. 

Go to this link for some good traveling spots. 

4. Prepare for college or the future 

If you are going to be a junior or senior next year, you could use some of your summer time to research colleges, prepare for the SAT or ACT, work on application essays, or visit college campuses. Even if college is a few years away, it’s really helpful to start thinking about where you want to go or do. 

“Over the summer I’m going to tour Ball State (again) and research everything I need to apply for early admissions,” junior Cali Harnish said. “I’ll also be retaking the ACT so I can do it on paper, and hopefully get a higher score.” 

“I am actually doing the same thing as Cali pretty much,” junior Kalynn Schaaf said. “I am also going to draft and finalize my college essay.”

Go to this link for a list of some good colleges near Bellbrook. 

5. Hang out with friends and family 

Sometimes the best way to spend your summer is simply hanging out with your friends and family. 

You can have a barbecue, go to the beach, watch movies, or just stay up late laughing and making great memories. 

You also don’t always have to have a full schedule. Sometimes going with the flow and spending quality time with the people you care about is great too. It can be a great way to relax and recharge before the next school year. 

“I will be hanging out with my friends and family a lot,” sophomore Ava Stephens said. “I like to lay out in the sun and go to fun parks.”

Go to this link for a list of some fun things to do this summer 

Summer is a time to relax and have fun. Whether you’re hanging out with friends, working, volunteering, or just relaxing, you should enjoy it. You don’t have to be busy all the time either, but having some things to do can be great. 

Make some memories, take care of yourself, and enjoy your summer.