10 swell ways to make the absolute most of your summer

Girls' Life, June-July, 2004 by Kelly White

Sick of spending summers saying, "There's nothing to do"? Instead of wasting your days swatting at flies, perfecting your PS2 skills and stagnating in the shallow end of the pool, let us show you how to really heat things up! Heck, you probably won't even get that weird almost-wishing-school-would-start sensation.

HAVE THE COOLEST CREW AT THE POOL

You and your best buds are permanent poolside fixtures? Nothing wrong with that. But rather than getting sun-baked, turn it into a sizzling social scene. Stake out a spot in the shade near the picnic tables, and call it "headquarters." Get a munchie rotation schedule going on: You pack snacks one day, your BFF has nosh duty the next day, and so on. Have board games handy, and break them out when things are Dullsville. Backgammon is great; Twister's even better. Hold regular relay races, diving contests and water volleyball matches (pool rules permitting).

Step outside the gates of Swim Central, and not just for an occasional score from the ice cream truck. Truth is, you're never too old for a romp on the playground ... and betcha there's one right near the pool. Swing, slide, hang upside down!

STEP IT UP Throw a pool party! Most pools rent out for parties, so get your pals to pool (um, sorry) some moolah for a Caribbean bash. Braid your hair with beads, crank up the Bob Marley, serve up a fruit salad and pineapple punch, and let the fun begin, mon. Play limbo, dance barefoot and swim like a tropical fish. And for the safety of you and your friends, hire the most buff lifeguard to man the stands on party day.

DESIGN YOUR OWN LINE

Wouldn't you love to have a closet full of fun, one-of-a-kind clothes? You can--and for almost free! Do an inventory of your threads, and take on a new perspective. Those totally perfect jeans that are just a tad too short ever since you shot up two inches--capris, baby!

Next, stock up on cotton tees. You can get 'em in three-packs for, like, less than $10 in the boys department. Keep a couple plain ones--they're mighty all-purpose--but decorate the heck out of the rest! Embroider flower buds around the collar. Go for pastel tie-dye. Or take scissors to one--cropped top with cap sleeves and sweetheart neckline.

STEP IT UP Discover the fabulousness of Goodwill and Salvation Army. After emptying your dresser drawers, haul your rejects off for charity. Most thrift stores welcome donations, and while you're there, shop! You do not have to be "underprivileged" to purchase stuff at mission stores. The deal is this: You buy, and the organization uses your money for worthy causes. So while unloading your unwantables, browse. You'll be amazed (after much sifting, mind you) at the nearly-new designer duds you'll pick up for peanuts.

GET A JOB

Join the ranks of the employed! Shoot for business that are looking for seasonal help--snowball stand, the pool's snack bar, day camp at the local rec. What you need to do right now is this: Go to your school guidance counselor and ask for a work permit. Many states require kids under 18 to have one before being hired. Fill it out, have your folks sign, and hit the pavement.

The day-care down the street will be swamped with tots who are usually in school while their parents work. March in there, flash your permit and get an application. Be ready to fill out the "previous experience" parts. Even if you've never held a job, list after-school babysitting gigs and use those people as references. Also, jot down any first-aid certifications you have and special skills, such as mad math-tutoring abilities. You could be pouring juice and tying shoelaces.... for a paycheck!

STEP IT UP If the job hunt is a bust, work for free. Really. Look for volunteer opps or unpaid internships, and score some job experience that's truly priceless. Offer to sort books at the library or weed the lawn at the community center. Ask your parents if they need computer trouble-shooting (you're a whiz!) at the office. You can probably apply the hours toward your school's community-service requirements next year--and it'll give you something valid to put on your resume next time you're on the prowl for a paying gig.

MEET A BOY

We're not suggesting you embark on an all-out guy hunt, but wouldn't it be fun to have a summer flirt fling? It's gorgeous outside, and the scenery's even better if you go where the boys are. So get on over to the skate park, the basketball court, the comic book store ... and don't just stand there--broaden your interests. Check out some comics, and discover the delightfully dark humor of Forty Winks. Challenge the guys to a pick-up b-ball match. Strap on a helmet, get on a board, and grind!

Boys will be boys, and even if you don't want to be seen as "one of the guys," you're a lot more approachable if you're getting in on the action rather than giggling on the sidelines. Next thing you know, the cutie in Hurley is asking you if you want to hit Skate City with him for a ball bearings run. Bingo!

STEP IT UP All that hangin' around the hot spots has turned out a full-fledged friendship? Make a keepsake summer-crush scrapbook. Jot down all your glorious adventures, or even write a dude-inspired ode to summer. Paste in any and all ticket stubs, press that dandelion he sweetly tucked behind your ear, and keep a disposable (preferably waterproof) camera in your backpack at all times. Summer will soon be over, but those sweet-lovin' memories will last forever and ever....