A different summer

CEBU, Philippines - If mom and dad have not planned on a summer outing for the whole family just yet, or perhaps, you aren’t enrolled in a month-long summer workshop, here are a few activities that will make your summer memorable and different:

1. Clean and organize your room. If you share a room with your siblings, ask them to help in the clean-up. This summer, give mom or yaya a break from cleaning up all the mess. Donate stuff that you don’t need anymore to the less-privileged kids like old books, toys and clothes. Arrange your clothes in the closet. Fold or hang them properly. Label storage boxes according to the contents in each box to easily locate them. Place a plant on your desk to cheer you up. Just be sure to water it regularly.

2. Gardening. Help mom with gardening by watering the plants everyday. Keep them tidy by regularly sweeping the surroundings. You can also do research or ask your parents on what plants you can grow in your backyard.

3. Learn a recipe. Summer is a good time to learn to cook local delicacies, bake pastries, and make smoothies, juices, ice candy/popsicles. Ask assistance from your parents/yaya/elder sibling. For the ice candy, here’s a simple recipe from www.lutongpinoy.info:

Avocado Ice Candy

Ingredients:

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 1/2 cup whole milk

3 avocados (Haas)

1 cup sugar

1 tsp. lemon extract

Macapuno

Avocado Ice Candy Procedures:

Place the first five ingredients in a large bowl or blender. Mix till it becomes smooth and creamy, leaving some avocado bits for consistency. Pour into plastic ice candy wrapper or plastic ice cube containers. Drop two to three strands of Macapuno into each plastic bag before tying them tightly. (Makes 15 - 17 ice candies)

4. Arts & Crafts. Buy guide books with easy-to-follow instructions, according to your age. Why not try origami (Japanese paper folding), or bracelet making?

5. Recycle. I’m sure your teachers have taught you some tips on how to recycle. Apply it at home so you’ll get the habit of doing it, and later influence your homies (slang for homeboys, housemates). One simple recycling tip is to utilize the back page of the paper – compile and tie them together and voila, you have a scratch pad for your Math subject next school year.

6. Go Green. Aside from recycling, you may also collect empty bottles (plastic/glass), gather newspapers and ask your homies to sell them. You not just lessen your garbage but you also earn during summer. Also, segregate your garbage, even at home. To learn more about some eco tips for the home, visit www.thedailygreen.com.

7. Read a good book. Go to the nearest bookstore and get yourself a good read or better yet, read some educational magazines. Learn and widen your vocabulary this summer.