Summer. A time where you can relax, have fun, and do the things you love the most with the people you love the most. It’s crazy to think that summer is only 5 months away! I feel like just yesterday I was settling in for the new school year and saying goodbye to the best three months of the year. Now as summer gets closer and closer, and those 5 months fly by, here are some ideas on how to spend your time this upcoming summer!

⭐ 1- BBYO Summer Experiences: if you’re a part of BBYO in any shape or form, you probably have heard of BBYO’s amazing summer programs and experiences! Through leadership opportunities like ILTC, CLTC, and international Kallah, you will expand your horizons and learn so many amazing new things to bring back to your chapter, council, region, and all of BBYO as a whole! Want to travel the world? BBYO’s got that too! Through BBYO password and ILSI, you’ll make memories that you will never forget. No matter what program you choose, there is something for everyone and their own personal goals and interests!

⭐ 2- Jewish Sleepaway Camps: Jewish sleepaway camps are one of the best experiences you could possibly have over the summer. You can’t truly understand how impactful sleepaway camp is until you try it. No matter where you live, it’s easy to find a camp that will become your forever 2nd home, bring you your best friends, and enhance your Jewish identity. I speak from experience when I promise you will leave camp wanting more. It’s a perfect way to spend your summer! 

⭐ 3- Get a Summer Job: There are plenty of job opportunities for teenagers over the summer that will provide you with real world experience, knowledge, and some extra cash! You can babysit, work at an ice cream shop, clothing store, country club/pool, and those are only to name a few! To make it even more fun, you can ask a friend to join you! One of the amazing things about a summer job is that it is very rewarding, and by the end of the summer you will feel so satisfied with your hard work! Maybe even get some BBYO merch! 

⭐ 4- Expand on your Hobbies: Interested in sports, art, music, baking, etc? There are so many ways to expand on that! For example, art camps, dance intensives, or sports teams! Or maybe you want to improve that hobby and take it to the next level? Local private lessons are an amazing way to do so! Here's a pro tip: if you take lessons or are on a team at any local setting, they probably have a summer camp that goes along with what you're doing during the year!

⭐ 5- Beach Trips with Family/Friends: This one is a fan favorite! When I was a kid, my parents would take me to the beach almost every summer. Some of my fondest childhood memories come from splashing in the waves with my cousins and siblings! But as I got older, I started to love the idea of going to the beach with friends!! It’s such an amazing way to spend time with your loved ones while tanning, hanging out at the boardwalk, and eating delicious foods! 

The best part about summer is that you can make it your own. These are only 5 of the hundreds of the many options out there! I hope these ideas sparked some interest in you, and that you are ready to have the best summer ever! 🌞