With the end of the school year quickly approaching, I’ve noticed lots of people around school unsure about summer vacation. Here are six things that you could do this summer, whether it be with yourself or those you love.

1. Hiking
Here in Georgia we’re practically known for our beautiful sights and high altitudes. Although we do live here, there are various places you might’ve missed. I, for one, didn’t know about Stone Mountain until this year—but that might just be me. Doing a nature activity with your family or friends makes it more of a valuable experience—you learn more about each other through it. You’ll be surprised to know how many stories from your family’s history come to the surface as you all tirelessly make your way up a mountain.

2. Road Trips
There’s something genuinely fun about road-trips, and sometimes it’s the journey there that ends up being more fun than the destination. Take some time off to go to places you haven’t been—no matter the distance. In fact, consider even sleeping under the stars! You could fancy up the trunk with cozy decor and watch the night slip by.

3. Picking Up a Hobby
I know lots of people who come back from vacation feeling like they got nothing done. Try to set yourself with a goal to achieve before the summer comes to an end—like learning an instrument, or crocheting; you’ll get to take something new with you once school starts up again.

4. Arts & Crafts
Art can genuinely be for anyone. Even if it’s something you don’t do on the day-to-day, you can still make something you feel proud of. Additionally, it simultaneously tests the creative part of your brain—making it beneficial and an overall mood-booster.

5. Volunteering
Your first thought at the word volunteering probably makes you think of hard work, but it is so much more than that. You get to go out and talk to new people, and depending on the type of volunteer work, you may also get to try something new! If tasting the unknown isn’t your cup of tea, doing something you already know how to do works just as beautifully. In the end, you help your community and in return gain confidence. Use what you know about yourself to help other people—for example, I love personally love art, so I’m decorating cards for hospitals and gaining hours for it. Find your spark!

6. Pass a Stuffed Animal (Or an Item!)
I know many times where I have told my friends that we should keep in touch over the summer; but as soon as it starts we all lose track. This is probably the most unique on the list—but if you’re the type to want to stay in touch with friends then this idea is worth trying. First, pick a stuffed animal for you and your friends to ‘take care’ of over the summer. Then, the plushie gets passed around between you and your friend(s), giving you an excuse to see each other, even if it were for a brief café visit. At the end, you could even compile photos of the plushie visiting all sorts of places! Since everyone’s stories over the break are different, it would be a cute way of seeing all the kinds of things you guys all did over the summer.

I hope this helps! May your summer of 2026 be a good one; don’t stress out, enjoy that break.