We have all seen it in the hallways; the senior spots are being taken by the juniors, the hallways are filled with familiar faces, but no seniors, and the school feels the slightest bit emptier. The seniors are now on their summer break, and it feels as though they threw their heaps of “senioritis” on top of the rest of the school. For many, including me, it may feel like a drag to show up to school in the first place, with Advanced Placement (AP) exams being over, and movies being played in the majority of the classes. Since everyone is down in the dumps waiting for summer to arrive, this is the perfect time to create a summer bucket list. So, in honor of the summer season arriving, here are my top three things to do with friends this summer that will keep everyone out of boredom.
Having a pool day
While it may seem like a generic summertime activity, spending your summer lying by the pool can be seen as one of the most enjoyable activities that a friend group can do. If someone in your friend group has a pool, then enjoy your days sitting by the pool, tanning, and listening to music. Not only can having a pool day consist of lying back and relaxing, or taking a nap, but it can also look like playing volleyball in the water, or playing different games in the water to keep cool. Having a pool day is not just limited to staying in the water; you can also make food, such as fruit salad, that can serve as a refreshing snack. Pool days are one of the most generic yet rewarding activities that can come from the summer season.
Having a cookout or a fire
After a long day of relaxing by the pool or hanging out inside, staying out of the blazing summer heat, having a fire with friends can serve as a favorable activity that would be enjoyable for many. Everyone can agree that having s’mores by the fire outside on a warm summer night is one of the best ways to end a day. So why not do it with friends? Although another generic activity, it is basic for a reason; games like truth or dare, and just talking with friends can be some of the simplest, but cherished activities that many take for granted.
Playing pickleball
One of my favorite pastimes that comes as part of every summer is the time to take out the pickleball paddles from the storage, and use them to the maximum. Playing pickleball may not seem like the most fun activity to do with friends, but going to the courts with a speaker and playing doubles with friends seems to make time go by in a blink of an eye. Feeling the sweat against your forehead while a sudden breeze cools you down has to be one of the top experiences that I’m looking forward to this summer.
Now that exams are over, and students can finally get a break, summer has made its way into the light, and is just around the corner. Instead of dwelling on the present, it’s important to make way for the future and make plans for what is to come in the summer of 2026.
