Summer Forecast #2 – Abiding in the Vine

We continue, former procrastinators, with brainstorming for summer ideas.  If we wait until summer is here, that delay could render our expectations impossible to meet.  Notice that most of these can be done with all ages and even if teens are at summer jobs.  Be creative and flexible.

Is there a project at church or elsewhere in the community that needs attention and free or cheap labor?  Gather likeminded folks and pitch in to paint, stack, declutter, file, power wash, etc.

What improvement project would you like to do at the old homestead?  Plan ahead.  Get estimates, or if DIY, start learning what would be involved in the project so you can complete it – and enjoy it before school starts again.

Form your own bowling “league” with family and friends.  Make a plan to go several times during the summer.  Create your own mini tournament.

Barter with friends who have skills.  Trade babysitting for music lessons or French cooking classes.

Cooks in the family could join with cooks in another family to learn new dishes and feed the whole gang.  My cousin and a friend do this all year for their own enjoyment.

Sing!  Have a family karaoke night.  Expand to include friends.  Be silly.

Take photography lessons in person or online.

Watch old movies from the family collection.  Or pull out the photo albums and tell stories that go with the pictures.  This helps create a sense of belonging and family history.

Teens might be able to “shadow” an electrician, plumber, librarian, veterinarian, – someone of any profession in which they’re interested.  It would be a chance to taste a little bit of that career for a short time and would develop an appreciation for it as well. Apprenticeship might be possible.

Learn to sew.  Make table runners, napkins, or placemats. Get a jump on Christmas gift prep.

If children are too old for vacation Bible school, they can participate as helpers in class or work with games or refreshments.  Invite other children to go.

Search early for swim instructors.  Maybe through parks and recreation.  Maybe you can hire a teen or college student you know.  My mom took lessons in her 60’s and had a ball.

Talk with a friend about your daughter’s being a mother’s helper for her.  Daughter will learn  skills as another woman instructs her in child care.  After a while, maybe she’ll earn a little on those occasions.

Woodworking might be on someone’s list.  Learn from a hobby craftsman or a professional.  Make a bookcase or other useful item.

On the internet find family games you’ve never done.

Locate someone knowledgeable in an area of your interest.  Arrange to spend a couple of hours a week learning what they can share.  Coin collecting, car repair, public speaking, theology, etc.

Imagine your own twist on some of these….

How do you want to answer the question, “What did you do this summer?”