10 tips to make the most out of your summer

By Isabelle Kantz, Lifestyle Editor

April 19, 2015

As the school year comes to a close, use these helpful tips to plan out your upcoming summer break.

1. Find an internship.

An internship is a great way to gain work experience in a field you’re interested in. Internships are also great for making connections and getting your foot in the door with some businesses! Internships.com is a helpful website to find available positions. Some internships do require that you are at least 18, so keep that in mind.

2. Apply for a summer program.

There are many different types of summer programs. They can help you gain skills in different career paths and create lifelong friendships with people from around the world. As an alumna of the National Student Leadership Conference, I highly recommend this truly life-changing program.

NSLC — Friends pose in front of the Washington Monument on one of the final days of the National Student Leadership Conference. Picture used with permission from Isabelle Kantz ’16.

3. Start your community service.

Get a head start on your community service hours for next year! What better way to spend your free time over summer break than helping your community?

4. Plan a staycation.

Just because you can’t leave Los Angeles doesn’t mean you can’t have an amazing summer! Take a day trip with your friends to Malibu, Venice or Marina Del Ray.

You can rent boats for a day in Marina Del Rey. While there, make sure to check out all of the different shops and restaurants the area has to offer. Photographer: Syd Stone '16. — You can rent boats for a day in Marina Del Rey. While there, check out all of the different shops and restaurants the area has to offer. Photographer: Syd Stone ’16.

5. Find a foreign travel program.

These programs are once-in-a-lifetime opportunities because they give you the chance to tour a foreign country and learn about a new language and culture, all while making friends from around the world. People to People: Student Travel and CIEE are great organizations to find a perfect trip for you.

Through People — With People to People, students can travel to the frozen tundra of Antarctica and experience a life-changing trip. If you’re not a fan of cold weather, People to People has trips that travel to over 40 countries. Picture used with permission from Ryan Peete.

6. Take a road trip.

Drive up to Big Bear Lake for the weekend, go camping in Santa Barbara or hang out by the pool in Palm Springs! It’s time to grab the blankets and junk food and get ready for a long, relaxing drive.

7. Read a book.

Check out the Oracle’s book reviews to see what your Archer sisters have been reading and loving recently.

8. Learn a new skill.

Summer is the perfect time to learn how to surf, skateboard, become an expert hair-braider and so much more. Find out what you’re interested in and check if there are lessons available near you.

9. Go hiking.

Hikes are great for getting exercise or just being with your friends. Los Angeles has so many unique trails — you can hike above the Hollywood sign or up to a waterfall! TreePeople also has some great hiking trails with views of the entire city. Unleash your inner #SportySpice.

Malibu Creek State Park is a great place to hike because of its scenic views and swimming spots. Photographer: Rachel Magnin '15. — Malibu Creek State Park is a great place to hike for its scenic views and swimming spots. Photographer: Rachel Magnin ’15.

10. Find a concert.

Nothing is better than listening to some great music and enjoying your summer break. Bandsintown will tell you when your favorite artists are playing near you.

About the Contributor

Isabelle Kantz, Lifestyle Editor

Isabelle Kantz graduated in 2016. She joined the Oracle Staff during the 2014-2015 school year and took over the position of Lifestyle Editor for the final quarter of the year; she continued to serve as Lifestyle & Culture editor in 2015-2016. Her passion for lifestyle and entertainment writing stemmed from her interest in films and movies. Over the summer of 2014, Isabelle attended the National Student Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. where she took classes in Communication Studies and Entertainment Management. Isabelle was also an intern for film and lifestyle journalist Elaine Lipworth.

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