GIRLS' TOP TEN SUMMER SPARKS

this is us. we're the greatest., originally uploaded by confidence, comely..

Exams are almost over. That dreaded project is getting ready to be turned in. We are preparing to watch some of our close friends graduate, our perhaps become graduates ourselves. Summer is indeed around the corner. Spring scarfs give way to sunglasses of possibility. There could be trips... There could be new experiences...There could be love... I could go on (and on and on) about the potential for the season.


Of course, the flip side to this is the inevitable boredom that most of us will face at at least one point over the summer. There are only so many episodes of Judge Judy that we can watch before feeling like we are going completely and totally insane. Some girls have asked us for any ideas to combat this potential soul crushing boredom. Here's our top ten list of ideas to put a spark in your summer, ranging from good-for-ya to crazzzy (yes, with three Zs).  We hope you try 'em out!

GIRLS IN THE HALL 
TOP TEN SUMMER SPARKS:

BEST OF THE CIT-AY
What is your favorite food? Cake? Burgers? Find one you and your friends can agree on and go on a hunt for the best of your fave in your city. Don't stop until you find number one, it just may take you all summer.


MOVIE MANIA
Take turns each week sleeping over at each other's houses. Rotate back and forth all summer. At the first sleep over, have everyone put a couple of movie titles of their favorites in a pot. Pick them out one by one and add them to your Netflix cue in that order. Each girl must bring a snack that goes with her choice of movies the week that hers are shown.


ACT LIKE A KID AGAIN
Do you have a little brother or sister? If so, take them to the playground and swing on the swings, or crank up the sprinkler and chase them with the hose. If you don't have younger siblings, ask the neighbor who you babysit for if you can borrow their kids for an afternoon. They will be super grateful, and it gives you an excuse to act like you are ten again.

LOCAL TOURIST? SAY WHAT?
What is so special about where you live? Is your town home to the world's largest ball of yarn? Near a famous nature sanctuary? Are you close to a cheesy theme park? Odds are you haven't been to any of the places that make your city its charming self in quite sometime. Pretend to be a tourist for a day with your friends and hit up these places. Bring your cameras, but fanny packs need not apply.


BOOKS, BOOKS EVERYWHERE AND NOT THE TIME TO READ
What books have you always wanted to read, but never had the time to? Make a list and reward yourself with ice cream after you finish each one.


TRY SOMETHING NEW
Ever wanted to try out the guitar, write poetry or kick around a soccer ball? This is the summer to try out that secret interest that has been begging for a shot in your mind all school year. There is no time like the present. You may return to school in the fall with a newextracurricular.


RETRO-RIFIC
Scour the thrift stores in town with your friends. Whoever comes up with the ugliest outfit from the day's search gets a prize. Pictures in your outfits must go on Facebook!


FREEBIES
Check out what free things are going on in your community. Free outdoor concert? Bring a picnic and check it out. You may find out you like bluegrass or jazz after all. Besides, it costs NADA!


'ROUND THE WORLD
Open up a map (either in a book or on your computer), close your eyes and randomly point to a country. Experiment in the kitchen by making a meal from that nation for your family and friends. Just make sure to do the dishes so you don't get grounded.


GIVE IT UP
In all that free time, can you spare some to help out in your community? Spend time with a fellow teen who is need, save the earth or play checkers with a senior. You may just find that the people you meet while helping out will teach you things about yourself you never knew.

If you do any of the above, or have any ideas of your own to save summer from boredom, please share with us by leaving a comment!