1. Be a bookworm.

If you are lucky enough to have the summer off from school or work, you must make time to read at least a handful of books. You’ll be surprised by the amount of life and renewal you’ll gain– maybe you’ll even find yourself eager for more.

2. Go to a drive-in movie theater.

Close your laptop and turn off your cellphone. Take a step back into history and enjoy this luxury while it last.

Here’s where to find them: http://www.nerve.com/movies913/drivein-theater-ope...

3. Go camping.

It doesn’t matter if you’ve never been camping, hate even the sound of the word “mosquito,” or have a self-diagnosis of an allergy to bonfires. You must experience the pace of life off the grid. (No electricity and no cheating)

4. Learn another language.

Consider how neat it would be to be able to communicate with people you previously could not. Take advantage of learning with no pressure– no grades, exams, or due dates.

5. Learn about and visit an Amish community.

This is another opportunity that is cheap but filled with new knowledge, opportunities, and friendships. This is such a change of pace, but it is also how real people live, so be sure to be respectful.

Here’s where to find these communities: http://amishamerica.com/amish-state-guide/#illinoi...

6. Go on a spontaneous road trip.

You got that right, no calendar. No neatly packed and coordinated snack bag. No filling up the gas tank the day before. No going to bed early the night before. No map. And maybe, no cellphone reception.

7. Spend a weekend at Mackinac Island.

Whether you have been here or not, you need to go this summer. Yes, there are no cars and scrumptious fudge. It’s a no-brainer.

8. Give journaling a shot.

Don’t think of it as academic writing, but instead, a way to vent through words and transcribe memories.

9. Subscribe to a magazine.

I know, you’re wondering why you wouldn’t simply type in the website and read the articles there. But it’s not the same. The anticipation for the magazine, the checking of the mail, the sitting down to read it with the windows open on a summer morning in your pajamas. It’s just better. Try it.

10. Join a community or church group.

This is an awesome way to meet new people and get involved in your community. It could be a gathering of people of faith, an exercise class, a knitting class– the possibilities are endless.

11. Hop on a train.

Train tickets can be super cheap. Log on to Amtrak's website, pick a town, and go.

12. Be a tourist in your own town.

Living in a town, big or small, you can get caught in the trap of thinking that you already know every single thing. You can’t and you don’t. Try new restaurants. Relax at the park. Go to little shops downtown. Take a walk or bike ride down the paths. Go fishing in the river or creek.

Here are only a dozen ideas to kick start your summer, but I encourage you to get your own wheels turning on how to make this summer a great one through purposeful and fun activities!