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Boredom Busters

Spice up Your Tween's Summer

By Kendeyl Johansen

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No more school! No more books! Kids are full of ideas for fun the day school lets out, but too soon, your child is mouthing those dreaded words: "There's nothing to do." This year, don't worry. Choose from our boredom busters, and watch with satisfaction as your child's summer sizzles.

Fourteen-year-old Ashley Willoughby of Park City, Utah, has participated in the same Girl Scout troop since age 12, and she recommends summers with the scouts. "Our meetings are really fun in the summer because we don't have to worry about homework," she says. "We can spend more time hanging out, doing fun stuff and learning new things. Last summer, her troop especially enjoyed a mini-class on photography presented by the troop leader's father. After the class, the girls snapped outdoor photos, took the film to a one-hour lab and then had fun critiquing their work.

In addition to helping your son or daughter build lasting friendships and life skills, scouts offer summer camps and other summer youth programs. To find a local scout troop for your child, call one of the 600 offices in the USA or visit Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts online.

If you'd like to start your own troop, the Web sites offer helpful information. Ideas for recruiting kids include mailing flyers to your child's friends and classmates or posting a notice in local libraries and stores.

All children crave extra spending money in the summer. Why not let your young entrepreneur get a jump-start on learning about finances and responsibility? He'll equate work with fun if he's doing something enjoyable or performing tasks that he feels are worthwhile.

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