Time-saving tips for creating simple morning routines

2019-07-17T12:31:00

(BPT) – Mornings can be a bit chaotic as you fight the clock to get out the door on time. This is especially true if you have a big family. Wouldn’t it be nice if rather than feeling like a stressful race, your morning routine was something you actually looked forward to?

Starting your day on a high note is simple when you adopt some tips and tricks for simplifying your morning routine. You’ll save time, be more efficient and really learn to cherish the first part of the day.

Tip 1: Select clothing the evening prior

Check the weather forecast and figure out what the kids should wear the next day. Set out outfits in their room so they are empowered to wake up and get dressed without you even having to ask. What’s more, select your own outfit, too. Review what’s on the schedule for the day and dress up for that meeting or down for that yoga class as necessary. Don’t forget to set out accessories, too! Socks, shoes, jewelry — having everything all ready to go will save you and your family lots of time.

Tip 2: Pack bags early

Whether it’s backpacks, work bags or even lunchboxes — the more you can prep to pack everything you need for the day, the quicker you can head out the door. Consider making backpacks a part of the evening routine so when kids brush their teeth and put on jammies, they also gather up everything for their backpacks to eliminate last-minute runarounds in the morning. Pack lunches the evening before and for your own bags (laptop, purse, workout), make sure to ready those early and set everything at the door for easy grab-and-go.

Tip 3: Enjoy quick and convenient coffee

A stellar morning starts with coffee, but let’s face it — twiddling your thumbs while you wait for coffee to brew is not ideal for anyone’s morning routine. Luckily, with the Keurig K-Duo Essentials Coffee Maker exclusively available at Walmart, you can quickly brew a single cup or a carafe depending on how much coffee you want — perfect for any occasion. Need coffee quick? The unique single reservoir is shared between single serve and carafe brewing, making refilling easy and less frequent. Now you can get back to enjoying your morning coffee to kick-start your day without wasting any extra time.

Tip 4: Plan a breakfast bar

Breakfast is the fuel you need to start your day and “break” your evening “fast,” but this doesn’t mean it should be a time-consuming or stressful meal. Save time and make mornings fun by setting out supplies for make-your-own creations, such as a yogurt bar. For example, set out yogurt, granola, dried fruit and the rest of your family’s favorite toppings — this way everyone in the family can quickly grab a bowl and make their custom healthy creations that will fight those morning hunger pangs.

Tip 5: Stay organized with lists

Lists are a great way to remind your family of various things to simplify the morning. For example, create a list of things that should be in your kids’ backpacks so they never forget to pack necessities. This can be helpful for you as well, especially if you need particular things for a big event, like a work presentation. Even a check list is a fun way for kids to remain focused. Create a laminated chart and use dry-erase markers so kids can check items off as they work through brushing teeth, combing hair, etc.

Tip 6: Utilize alarms to stay on task

You likely use an alarm to wake up, but those little beeps can be useful beyond the first moments of the morning. It’s easy for the morning to get away from you, which is why alarms can be helpful reminders for you and your kids to stay on task. Set them to help everyone remain focused on their lists. For example, set one for a time when breakfast should start, another for when kids should be fully dressed, and a final as the five-minute warning before it’s time to hit the road.

These six tips and tricks will help streamline your morning routine so every day starts on a high note!


When eating a balanced diet, beef remains a high-protein option

2019-07-17T16:01:01

(BPT) – Imagine you are preparing for a trip to the grocery store. To meal prep for the upcoming week, you develop a balanced grocery list with various items spanning the five food groups: fruits, vegetables, dairy, grains and protein. You know protein is essential to a balanced diet and maintaining energy and many products are now boasting protein content, but do you know what foods are healthful high sources of protein? And do you know how much protein you really need?

With 18 grams of protein per serving, beef is high in protein, easy to prepare and can support a healthy diet. However, only 62% of American beef consumers consider ground beef to be high in protein and just 70% of them consider beef cuts to be high in protein, according to a recent landmark consumer study conducted by Cargill.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) MyPlate site outlines the amount of protein in various key sources. Common portions of beef, such as a small steak or lean hamburger, have more protein than most other options in the food group, like pork, chicken, nuts and seeds, and beans and peas. Stocking up on beef, in addition to other proteins, can help shoppers reach the amount of protein their bodies need to thrive.

According to the USDA Dietary Reference, people should be consuming about 0.4 grams of protein per pound of body weight as part of a balanced diet. So, someone who weighs 150 pounds needs 60 grams of protein each day. Whether making tacos, steak or burgers on the grill, beef is an easy-to-prepare protein option that can contribute to a healthy diet year-round.

Why is it important to achieve a substantial daily consumption of protein? Protein helps repair cells, boosts energy and keeps us satiated longer. It sustains you through a long work day, boosts your stamina for exercise and ensures you don’t get hungry again soon after eating a meal.

People are also increasingly interested in consuming more healthy fats with their protein. Beef is packed with Omega-3 healthy fats that help prevent the risk of heart disease and other chronic diseases. In addition to the nutritional value and protein content, beef can be a cost-effective option that delivers flavor, convenience and cooking versatility.

Even consumers who regularly buy beef struggle with selecting the best cuts for their purpose, and many of them lack an understanding of how to use the USDA grading system as a guide when purchasing beef.

While surveying the meat case at the grocery store, consumers should look for the USDA grades on packaging. Choosing USDA Select grade beef offers a leaner protein source with slight amounts of fat and marbling. For a high-quality cut of meat for a special occasion, a Prime cut of beef offers abundant marbling and flavor, but it is not considered lean. The Choice grade of beef offers moderate marbling and flavor and is a little less lean than Select cuts.

When choosing ground beef, each cut is an excellent source or protein and is similar in flavor and tenderness, but varies in fat content:

  • Ground Beef — 73% Lean, 27% Fat
  • Ground Chuck — 80% Lean, 20% Fat
  • Ground Sirloin — 85% Lean, 15% Fat
  • Ground Round — 90% Lean, 10% Fat

Among the five food groups, protein provides consumers with nutritional benefits and the affordability of beef make it a clear-cut selection as part of a balanced diet.


Party like it’s 1969: Space Coast celebrates Apollo 11 anniversary

2019-07-17T13:32:25

(BPT) – For those of us who were glued to the television during the launch of the legendary Apollo 11 mission that first landed man on the moon, it may be hard to believe that it’s been 50 years since mankind’s greatest leap.

And although 50 years have come and gone, the nostalgia, energy and pride surrounding the record-breaking spaceflight are still in full swing on Florida’s Space Coast. Here, back where it all began half a century ago, the Space Coast commemorates the historic 1969 journey of the mission and its crew.

Vacationing families and space enthusiasts alike can always learn more about the incredible accomplishments of the U.S. space program on Florida’s Space Coast. Check out ways the anniversary was celebrated this year and learn more about upcoming rocket launches:

Virtual golf

Current and former American astronauts hit the virtual links in honor of the first man to play golf on the moon, Alan Shepard, at the Astronaut Golf Tournament July 12 at Drive Shack, in Orlando.

Astronaut parties and parades

At the Astronaut Walking Pub Crawl July 12, adults partied with astronauts while sampling libations at popular local watering holes throughout Cocoa Village.

The next day, they cheered America’s space heroes at the Astronaut Parade, featuring U.S. space explorers riding through the city of Cocoa Beach in Corvette convertibles, plus members of various Apollo families passing by in Teslas. The procession wrapped up with a public street party. Also, on July 13, musician Alan Parsons headlined the Celebrating Apollo Outdoor Concert at Cocoa Riverfront Park. The band Edison’s Children, which includes Rick Armstrong (son of Neil Armstrong), was the opening act.

Transformed Apollo/Saturn V Center

July 14 featured panel discussions about space, including some revealing personal accounts about the early days of the U.S. program. Relatives of Apollo astronauts shared stories about what that era was like for family members during the “Families of Apollo” kickoff brunch. A “Women in Space” panel examined the contributions by women to space exploration. It was followed by a fascinating “Future of Space” presentation by astronauts and industry leaders.

The grand opening of the newly transformed Apollo/Saturn V Center at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex was July 15.

The July 16 Apollo 50th Gala paid tribute to the first moon landing, while looking ahead toward the next giant leap in space exploration. Proceeds from the gala at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex benefit the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation and the Aldrin Family Foundation.

Watch a rocket launch

What could be more thrilling than seeing an actual rocket launch in person? There are nearly a dozen launches scheduled for the remainder of this year. You can plan your trip around one of the launches listed online, but keep in mind that weather and other factors might occasionally lead to launch delays or postponements. Many of the beaches and local parks along the Space Coast’s 72 miles of pristine coastline are ideal for viewing a launch, while also enjoying some fun in the sun with your family.

More details about all the Apollo 11 anniversary events, are available at https://www.spacecoastlaunches.com/apollo50/. To learn more about the wide variety of attractions and the calendar of activities on Florida’s Space Coast, go to visitspacecoast.com.


Internship tips from an intern who became an owner and CEO

2019-07-17T17:01:00

(BPT) – Internships can be a valuable opportunity to start your full-time working career, and change your life.

Fatih Ozmen went from intern to owner and CEO of multi-billion-dollar aerospace and national security leader, Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC).

Starting at SNC as an intern almost 40 years ago when it was a tiny and struggling engineering company, Ozmen and his wife, Eren (now the company’s chairwoman and president), had the chance to acquire the company a few years later. Today, SNC is an agile, cutting-edge disruptor in government contracting with a workforce of 4,000 that supports and protects explorers and heroes. Ozmen has been SNC’s CEO and owner for a quarter century.

Of his journey from intern to CEO and owner, Ozmen said, “I credit a lot of good luck and some good choices, starting with how I approached my internship.” Here are his three tips to help you get the most from yours:

1. Look for companies with missions and values that inspire you.

“As a student or intern you can feel independent, like you’re holding your future in your hands. A lot of business people will tell you to consider an internship a transaction to meet your needs. I would encourage you to turn that focus outward.

“Ultimately, once your basic needs are met, it’s the deeper rewards that keep us going. Things like the feeling of being part of a team and making a real impact. I’d encourage young people first to identify companies or teams that are addressing challenges that really interest you. Read the bios of the people you’d work with or for. Do their stories, and the company’s story, inspire you? Are people there working in their individual interest or in the interest of the team, and the overarching mission?

“It’s more rewarding when you see a whole group within the company working toward a larger goal. Let me give you an example. On a number of occasions, people have come up to Eren and me to tell us how we saved their lives in the battlefield. There was one time our holiday party was crashed by people who wanted to meet the SNC people who built our technology that jams cell signals and prevents IEDs from exploding, protecting our servicemen and women. These people thanked us and cried, and we cried with them. They shared heartfelt stories about how our technologies enabled loved ones to come home safely. This is priceless.”

2. Always look for an opportunity to understand the core need, to look beyond the “what” and truly understand the “why.”

“As a young engineer, working to enhance jet landing systems so they work in all conditions, including rain, was the biggest privilege for me.

“One of my first experiences early on was being on an aircraft carrier at 2 a.m. Standing next to F-18s and working among sailors day and night was fascinating and inspiring. I was sleeping right below the deck and hearing the roar of the aircraft engines, and tires skidding upon landing. They operate 24 hours a day.

“It was invaluable to see firsthand the problems pilots were facing and the environments sailors had to work within. It was eye-opening to see that while we are often comfortable in our homes and warm beds, servicemen and women are deployed months at a time away from their families working within dangerous conditions with poor visibility. Imagine being an F-18 pilot, finding the ship — a postage stamp-sized object off in the distance — and landing on it. That would be difficult to do in even ideal weather and visibility conditions.

“Our engineering task was straightforward: fix a strange flaw on the existing landing system that didn’t work as expected when it rained. We made it work and it’s amazing that 30 years later the Navy still uses the technology we created. Importantly, I was able to witness the challenge and solution, to work alongside the sailors and see it from the pilots’ perspective. This helped me to go beyond the what of our mission — a flaw in technology — to really understand the why — to save lives.”

3. Embrace newness and change as a journey, not an obstacle.

“When Eren and I first came to the U.S., we were young, didn’t speak much English and didn’t have money. But we did have goals and an unrelenting passion to chase our dreams. Was it easy? No. And I’d be lying if I said there weren’t days when it seemed impossible or challenges that we faced along the way seemed insurmountable. But this is our American dream. None of it would have been possible if we didn’t look beyond the uncertainty and challenges. It’s a great country that made it happen. I couldn’t do it anyplace else in the world.

”We live in a world where the American dream is in reach for everyone. Don’t take it for granted.”

With the power of dreams, innovation and inspiration, there is no limit to what you can accomplish once you get your start, Ozmen says. Learn more about internship opportunities at www.sncorp.com/careers/students/.


5 creative ways to help pay for rising school costs

2019-07-17T07:01:00

(BPT) – It’s that time of year again — back-to-school sales are starting up, and parents everywhere are preparing to send kids back to the classroom. In a recent Coinstar back-to-school survey conducted among 1,004 U.S. parents, three in five said that they felt stressed about managing school-related costs, from new clothes to all the school supplies their kids will need.

Nationwide, parents are getting more creative about how to save money on school-related costs, and about how to fund what seems like constantly rising expenses.

Here are five of their top money-saving tips:

1. Shop solo if you can.

According to the Coinstar survey, 66% of parents have a back-to-school budget this year, as opposed to only 57% who made a budget two years ago. And more than two-thirds of parents reported that going shopping without their kids helped them stick to that budget. So if you can shop by yourself this year, you may be able to avoid the impulse purchases and other non-budgeted items that tempt your children at the store.

2. Make kids’ lunches at home.

Sixty-eight percent of the parents surveyed said they make their kids’ lunches at home every day to save more money. It stands to reason that this would be a big cost saver — and to stretch your budget even further, you might consider packing lunches for the whole family the night before (even for parents to take to work).

3. Count your pennies.

Most parents said that they will use cash on hand to cover back-to-school basics. A creative way to find more money is to cash in spare change from around the house. More than half of survey respondents said they would consider cashing in spare change to help offset costs. It’s easier than ever if you use a Coinstar kiosk, where change can be converted to cash or a no-fee eGift card. Ninety percent of the U.S. population lives within five miles of a kiosk, so you’re bound to find one in your neighborhood. Just go to www.coinstar.com to locate one near you.

4. Crowdfund special expenses.

These days it’s not unusual for people to turn to crowdfunding sites like GoFundMe or Kickstarter to help pay for extracurricular school activities or school trips. A third of the survey respondents said that they would consider doing just that. It can be an easy way for friends, neighbors and family to help out, and is best used for a specific target or purpose everyone can rally around, like a school choir trip, new instrument or graphing calculator your child needs for school.

5. Don’t buy what you don’t need.

Take a good look at that lengthy supplies list from your children’s school before you go shopping, and then go through your children’s backpacks and rooms to see which items are duplicates of supplies you already have (like scissors, rulers or pencil cases). There may even be items that were barely used last year, so you don’t need to buy brand-new ones (like the boxes of colored pencils or markers that are still in good condition). This can cut down on your school supplies costs quite a bit.

Don’t let back-to-school expenses stress you out. They can be manageable if you plan ahead, make a budget and stick to it. These strategies will help make your back-to-school costs a little easier to handle.


Decoding the pet food label [Infographic]

2019-07-17T05:01:00

(BPT) – A recent survey from Purina found that more than half (56%) of pet owners agree that their pets eat better than they do. That’s because pet owners want to keep their pets happy and healthy by feeding them the best food possible. There are tons of options out there when it comes to finding the right pet food, so Purina is here to help you navigate the pet food aisle next time you hit the grocery store. Whether you’re looking for the perfect blend for your new puppy or kitten, or a formula to manage a chronic condition in your older pet, check out what you should be looking for when you scan over the pet food label.


5 easy projects to get the whole family outside

2019-07-17T00:01:00

(BPT) – Want to get the kids away from screens and outside for some fresh air? Many outdoor projects will not only lure your whole family outdoors once the jobs are completed, but the family may actually want to help you.

Here are five ideas for outdoor projects everyone will love.

1. Make a backyard movie theater

Who wouldn’t love watching movies under the stars? You’ll need a DVD projector and a large screen. You can use a large drop cloth or blackout cloth stretched over a PVC frame or between two trees for a screen, if you’ve got them. Stretch it taut and secure so it doesn’t move with every breeze mid-movie. Provide plenty of blankets or rugs and pillows so everyone can relax during the movie, and pop up some popcorn! You can rent a projector, collapsible screen and popcorn machine. Visit RentalHQ.com to find rental companies near you.

2. Build wooden benches

For kids — and grownups — who aren’t keen on lying on the grass to relax, offer outdoor seating options in shady spots. Sturdy wooden benches are not hard to build, and there are plenty of templates online for different approaches. One creative method is to build a bench around the trunk of a favorite large tree. Get kids involved in helping with construction and painting. Supply cushions for a comfy, shady spot for kids to read, talk and daydream.

3. Get out the s’mores

Fire pits are all the rage, and for good reason. They’re easy to make, and people love gathering around a fire to roast marshmallows and enjoy a summer evening. You’ll need to check local ordinances regarding fires before you begin. Pick a spot well away from bushes or foliage, with no overhanging branches or structures. You should also call 811 to check that there are no underground utility cables where you’re building. Fire pits can be dug into the ground, at ground level or raised slightly above ground level. Materials vary, but include stone, brick or metal, and you can make it any shape — round, square or rectangular. Using heavy stones and bricks is an easier task if you have — or rent — a wheelbarrow or cart for transporting materials.

4. Create a playhouse or gazebo

To attract everyone in the family, create a little outdoor space for kids to play in or for adults to enjoy a beverage and relax. Depending on the size and design of your project, this can be a straightforward build or a more complicated structure. Online templates can give you ideas for different design options, so you can choose what works best for your space and skill level. If you can, build a screened-in structure to keep the bugs out for maximum comfort. You will need to purchase lumber for your posts, floor, joists and beams, but again, you can keep the design to a simple rectangle or square to make the job easier. Tools you will need include a miter saw, jigsaw and power drill. If you don’t have all these power tools, you can rent the equipment you need for construction.

5. Put up a tree swing

If you’ve got an older but sturdy, healthy tree with a good-sized horizontal branch, this could be a great spot for a tree swing. Make sure the branch is long enough to occasionally relocate the swing, to prevent damage to the tree. You can make either a simple disk-shaped swing with a single rope, or a traditional rectangular swing with 2-4 ropes. There are plenty of home improvement websites offering rope swing designs. You’ll want to use strong rope, such as a 3/4-inch twisted polypropylene rope. Tools you may need include a handsaw or miter saw, a sander, a power screwdriver and power drill.

The entire family will find renewed interest in spending time together outdoors with your creative additions to the yard. Now is a great time to start a fun new project — before the summer flies by. Visit RentalHQ.com to locate all the tools you need, so you don’t have to buy items you may rarely use.


Breast cancer survivor puts chemo to the test

2019-07-16T14:31:00

(BPT) – As a commercial airline pilot with nearly 30 years of experience, Diane Sandoval, age 50, is no stranger to making difficult decisions. However, she faced one of her toughest challenges not in the skies, but when she discovered a small lump in her left breast during a self-examination. Her worst fear was confirmed after a visit to her doctor when she was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer.

Following an inconclusive mammogram and ultrasound, Diane learned she had several small tumors. She underwent a mastectomy to remove the tumors followed by breast reconstruction, ultimately putting her piloting career on pause.

The next big question was whether Diane should receive chemotherapy or not, so her physician recommended a genomic test — the Oncotype DX Breast Recurrence Score test. This tool has been proven to determine whether chemotherapy will be beneficial for individuals recently diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. The test provides a personalized score based on the biology of the patient’s tumor that can help tailor treatment decisions for their individual cancer. Recent results from the largest breast cancer study ever conducted, called TAILORx, confirmed that the test clearly identified the 70 percent of women with early-stage breast cancer who receive no benefit from chemotherapy, as well as the remaining 30 percent of women for whom chemotherapy can be life-saving.

Diane is one of the nearly 1 million women who has put chemotherapy to the test with this genomic test. Her Recurrence Score result was 13, which confirmed that her risk of experiencing a breast cancer recurrence was low and she would not benefit from chemotherapy. As a result, Diane felt confident that she could forgo chemotherapy and its associated harsh side effects. Subsequently, she was able to resume her career as a pilot and her active lifestyle.

She recently joined a campaign called “Put Chemo to the Test” to raise awareness of the Oncotype DX test and encourage women recently diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer to ask their doctor to order it before finalizing their treatment plan.

“I hope to help women with early-stage breast cancer better understand their treatment options by raising awareness of this test and how it can determine whether they are part of the majority of patients who may be spared chemotherapy and its well-known side effects or are among the important minority of patients who could receive life-saving benefit from chemotherapy,” said Diane. She recommends that women newly diagnosed with breast cancer, or anyone with a friend or family member facing a breast cancer diagnosis, check out ChemoYesorNo.org to learn more about her story and obtain patient-friendly resources to determine if the test can help guide their treatment decision.

Like Diane, one in eight U.S. women will develop invasive breast cancer in their lifetime. The treatment of invasive breast cancer should be personalized because what is best for one woman may not be right for another. If you have breast cancer, it’s important to take an active role in your health by learning about your available treatment options. An ongoing, collaborative discussion with your doctor is key in determining what treatment option best fits your individual needs. Below are a few questions to ask your doctor:

  • What stage is my breast cancer and what are the chances of my cancer recurring (coming back) after surgery?
  • Can you order the Oncotype DX test to determine if I will benefit from chemotherapy?
  • What are my treatment options? What do you suggest for me and why?
  • What are the benefits of each treatment option? What are the drawbacks/side effects of each one?

Breast cancer patients and caregivers can visit ChemoYesorNo.org to download the full physician discussion guide and learn more about the test.

“I want women who were recently diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer to know that there is no one-size-fits-all treatment approach,” said Diane. “The test gave me the confidence I needed to forgo chemotherapy, which has allowed me to continue to enjoy my life with my husband. Ask your doctor to order this genomic test before finalizing your treatment plan.”


Avoiding the summer slide: How teens can learn new skills during summer break

2019-07-16T15:21:00

(BPT) – Summer vacation is all about freedom and flexibility for most teens, and sometimes all they want to do is kick back and relax. While a break from structured school days and homework can be refreshing, too many weeks without flexing mental muscles can mean losing knowledge teens gained over the school year.

This is referred to as “summer slide,” when kids of all ages can forget important knowledge or skills, having to relearn them when they return to school in the fall. Summer slide happens with every subject, from math and science to reading and writing. In math alone, students lose approximately 2.6 months of learning on average over the summer, according to Harvard Graduate School of Education.

But summer vacation can be a fantastic time for teens to utilize existing knowledge, develop new interests and even gain long-term job skills — while making new friends and having fun. One place that provides great opportunities for youth to make the most of summer break is Boys & Girls Clubs of America, with more than 4,600 Club locations nationwide.

In addition to providing a safe, social environment for out-of-school time, Boys & Girls Clubs offer a wide range of enrichment programs, many of which focus on academic success and workforce development. For example, Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Comcast NBCUniversal are celebrating the five-year anniversary of the MyFuture technology platform. The MyFuture online platform helps kids and teens increase their digital literacy and technology know-how through experiences that break down complex subjects, from graphic design to computer programming, into easy-to-learn activities that boost their skills and confidence.

“It opens up their world,” says T.J. Chappel, a local Boys & Girls Club director. “A lot of kids don’t understand how video games are made, or what engineers go through on a daily basis … MyFuture is a first step in breaking down how that technology comes to life. It’s great to see young people get so much enjoyment from learning new things, especially critical skills that will prepare them for success in any career.”

Teens who have participated in the MyFuture platform over the past five years and are now beginning their college and career paths share tips for ways they’ve stayed sharp and sparked new interests while still having plenty of fun over the summer:

Log on to learn new tech tricks

MyFuture provides teens with a safe, fun digital platform where they can learn about computer coding, photo editing, how to make apps or create videos, or learn how to write lyrics — all kinds of interesting projects. Not only are the activities enjoyable, they also teach the digital skills needed for college. Get started at MyFuture.net.

Set up a job shadow

It’s never too early for teens to start networking and exploring potential career paths. By talking to parents, coaches, mentors and other adults in their life, teens can discover connections that could help them get a sense of what those jobs are really like to see if it’s a fit for their future.

Try a new activity

Trying something different challenges the brain in new and unexpected ways, plus helps build important teen confidence. What’s more, new activities can help you learn about who you are and what you like, which can uncover the things you are most passionate about. This can help teens become well-rounded and ready for a dynamic future. So encourage them to try out that cooking class, coding club or art group!

Volunteer

What’s a great way to give back to the community, learn new skills and build a resume? Teens who dedicate some time during the summer to volunteering feel good about themselves and get to meet new people, all while practicing important skills. If your teen has an area of interest, explore opportunities that center around that at local organizations. From computer-based jobs to hands-on activities, opportunities abound at a variety of nonprofits.

Visit a Boys & Girls Club

You can find a Club near you and join programs that fit your interests — from sports, or art and music, to learning about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). There are classes and groups for all ages, so you can find something you really enjoy doing. It’s a fun, safe place to hang out, and there’s always something to do. Check out BGCA.org to find a Club near you.

Summer can be so much more than just playing a video game … it’s an opportunity to learn how to also create the game. Teens who take advantage of their time can keep learning and growing — online and off — in creative ways by using all the opportunities and resources available to them.