As the school year winds down—finally!—it’s time to think about how to celebrate, and how to leave the challenges behind you for good. You’ve made it through a crazy year, so enjoy all you’ve accomplished! Here are some ideas to get you started.
Take stock, then kiss it goodbye!
Get a journal or just a piece of paper, and write down all the cool things that happened this year, how you made the best of a bad situation, what you accomplished, your favorite memories, and all the reasons why you’re proud of yourself. There’s no set way to do this—just let the words flow out. Then save the paper in a safe spot to look back on in the future.
2021 will be a year for the history books!Courtesy of Weareteachers.com
Plan Your Bucket List
Create a countdown to summer calendar, and on each day, write down a small way to treat yourself or something fun to do to get ready. Or, write down your summer plans, like vacations or things you want to do. For example, you could write, “go bathing suit shopping,” or “beach with friends.” Even stocking up on small things like sunscreen, bug repellent, and some sunglasses could get you excited for what’s to come.
Document It
On the last day of school, make sure you take lots of photos of your friends and your fav teachers, and have them write messages to you in your yearbook, scrap book, or on a t-shirt. Compile everything together in a scrap book or box so you’ll have all your memories in one place.
Treat Your Teachers
Sometimes it’s easy to forget that teachers have been through a lot too, so why not do something to show them you care? A simple handwritten thank-you note is priceless, however you could add a small gift to it if you like.
Have a Tailgate Party
If you don't have a car, find a parent or older friend who does, park it in the school lot (or somewhere nearby), crank the tunes, and load it with snacks and drinks on the last day of school for classmates to hang out and celebrate. You could even get the local ice cream truck to come by. Bring some sidewalk chalk and have everyone create a masterpiece on the school pavement.
Say farewell to the year by chalking up your school's parking lot.Courtesy of Goodhousekeeping.com
Have a “schoolwork” bonfire or confetti party
There’s no better feeling than emptying your backpack for good and wiping the slate clean again! Have your parents light a bonfire outside and throw old school papers into it that you don’t want to keep. Or, rip paperwork into little pieces and throw it around like confetti.
Go out to dinner with friends or family.
That night, have a celebratory night out at your favorite place to eat with the people you love most, and reflect on the year’s highs and lows.
School is over! How will you celebrate?Courtesy of Teenlife.com
Go Camping
To kick off your summer, hit your local state park or someone’s back yard with your friends and go camping. Spend the night under the stars barbecuing hot dogs, toasting s’mores, go swimming and hanging out around a fire.
Bring on the water
No beach or pool near you? Buy some dollar store water guns and fill up some water balloons, get out the garden hose or slip n’ slide, then let loose with your friends.
Create a countdown to summer calendar, and on each day, write down something fun to do to get ready. Courtesy of Yourteenmag.com
Hold a summer movie night
There are some cool summer vacation or summer break movies out there. Pick one and hold a movie night. Do it outside on a projector screen, if you or a friend happens to have one. Not in the movie mood? You could have an outdoor gaming night on the projector. If you’re feeling extra festive, rent a theatre-style popcorn maker or a cotton candy machine.
Stocking up on small things like sunscreen, bug repellent, and some sunglasses could get you excited for what’s to come.Courtesy of Healthy-skin.me
Hit The Amusement Park
Nothing says summer like amusement parks. Ride the roller coaster ten times, fill up on funnel cakes, and have a ball. No theme park near you? Make it an overnight road trip. Or, try the Go-Karts, rock climbing, trampoline park, laser tag, paintball or bowling.
Nothing says summer like amusement parks. Courtesy of Parents.com
