Have you had too much time on your hands this summer? After another difficult year of school, there's no doubt you deserve a good, relaxing break. However, for many of us, the freedom to choose how to spend our summer days can often cause us to be bored or unproductive, so here are some ways to stay busy and have fun during this last month of summer!
Perhaps you have not been able to land a summer job this year, but still want to build your resume. There are hundreds of other opportunities to use your time and talents to step out and serve others inside your community through volunteering, even in small towns like Millet!
The Millet Food Bank and Millet in Bloom are two organizations who are currently looking for volunteers - especially youth. Make sure to search for summer volunteer opportunities for youth in your community, as well as ways to serve in your immediate neighbourhood. You could volunteer to do an elderly neighbour's yard work, walk your neighbours' dogs, give gifts to those in a hospital or elderly home, pick up garbage around town, donate your time or money to charity, start a fundraiser, and do other various acts of community service. If you're also needing to make a bit of money, find other ways to make some extra cash by mowing lawns, offering babysitting or cleaning services, or hosting a garage sale.
If you find yourself stuck at home, find things you can do on your own. Give your bedroom – or even your whole house - a good clean, try out one of those recipes or DIY projects you pinned on Pinterest months ago, take time to make something thoughtful for a friend or family member's special occasion, donate your old clothes or books to a thrift store, read or write a book, learn a new skill and develop your current ones, save up for something you've been wanting, make a list of personal goals, or start a YouTube channel or blog. Stay connected with friends and family, and soak up the sun while you can! Plan a beach day with some friends, take a trail walk or bike, or spend the day geocaching.
There are always tons of programs and events going on for youth throughout the summer in your area, so get involved and connected with your community! Youth Unlimited holds several programs and events throughout the summer in Millet and Wetaskiwin.
Do Something Magazine has recently opened their new headquarters in Millet, and is always looking for article, artwork, and creative writing submissions. Check out reading competitions at your local library, fitness programs or sport drop-ins, youth workshops, and special events going on in and around your community.
Get to know your town by visiting its various shops, cafes, and other attractions. In Millet, learn about your town's history by visiting the Millet & District Museum and Archives, spend an afternoon at the library, or visit the town's seasonal farmer's market on Wednesday afternoons.
Make the most of your last month of summer by using these ideas, along with others, and you'll have no excuse to be bored!