Congrats grads! You did it! You’ve completed not only 12 years of schooling, but hundreds of exams, millions of math sheets, dozens of horribly boring assigned books, and so much more. This is truly one of the most important milestones of your life.
Naturally, you have to celebrate- with a grad summer bucket list of twenty things to do this summer! Whatever you’re doing, wherever you’re going- try to complete as many tasks as possible to keep your summer months brimming with fun!
- Participate in Summer Movie Camp! Lacey’s AMC theater is offering a summer of movie discounts every Monday and Wednesday. Check out their website for more information!
- Scrapbook! There’s no better way to preserve an awesome summer than by documenting it physically. Include ticket stubs, pressed flowers, and more.
- Mail a letter to someone far away! Letters aren’t a common occurrence anymore. Break the mold and mail a letter to a friend or family member! Extra points if it’s for your grandparent- they might appreciate it the most.
- Make a time capsule! As stated previously, you just hit one of the most important milestones in your life. Toss in everything that will remind you of this time. And lastly, write a note to yourself detailing fun facts and memories of senior year. You won’t regret it!
- Master a meal! Wherever you go, you need to be prepared for an independent life. Learn how to cook one meal, specifically, and master it.
- Chase 10 rejections! The worst they can say is no, right? Chasing rejections, especially silly ones, is a great way to destroy fear of that infamous no. After all, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger! So just do it- apply for that job, talk to that stranger!
- Host a themed game or movie night! Before most of your peers and fellow grads move away, invite them over for some fun! The internet has a multitude of ideas for hosting themed parties. Remember, this summer has to be memorable.
- Go backyard camping with friends! Camping anywhere is an adventure, but especially in your backyard! (That way, you have access to a real bathroom and running water.) Keeping it local and low-key doesn’t subtract the fun. And plus, it’s free!
- Embark on a sunrise hike! Some of the most satisfying hikes are the ones that reward you with a beautiful view! It’s a great way to move your body, connect with friends, and see a stunning scene. (Rattlesnake Ledge is a perfect place to start!)
- Try a watersport! Many lakes surround Tumwater: many opportunities to go kayaking or paddleboarding.
- Purge your closet! We all have way too many clothes- so go through them! Cleaning and organizing (and getting rid of junk) is so good for your mental health. Then, give it to Goodwill or a nonprofit! (City Gates and the Salvation Army are great organizations to start with!)
- Explore JBLM’s Freedom Fest! On July 4th, JBLM is hosting a local independence-themed festival! There are carnival games, food, and more. This is a great activity for all ages-and a perfect way to spend your Independence Day.
- Visit the Farmer’s Market! The Farmer’s Market is open from Thursday to Saturday, located right by the water in the heart of downtown Olympia. Come support the local businesses and farms in your neighborhood!
- Find a beach! We are so lucky to live so close to the coast. There are so many cute beaches up and down Washington- and even a few in Oregon! My favorites are Westport and Cannon Beach. Need a fun, free day trip? Trek westward to the ocean and spend a day in the waves.
- Organize a send-off party! No doubt a few (or many) of your fellow grad buddies are heading far, far away. So organize a communal party for all of them! Roast s’mores, bake cookies, and soak in your final moments with the kids you spend 12 years with.
- Journey on a family vacation! It doesn’t have to be far. Day trips to the zoo, Seattle or Portland, or a museum are always fun. As corny as it sounds, your family wants to spend time with you before you head off to the adult world. Take advantage of all the time you have this summer!
- Attend the Taste of the Sound Festival! This festival is on June 26th and 27th, held at the Together! Clubhouse right here in Tumwater. Featured are a variety of food trucks, live music and DJ sets, and more! Who can pass up free snacks, after all? Not you.
- Compile family recipes! Recipes are often passed down from generation to generation. Most of us don’t realize the worth of recipes created by someone in our close family. Ask around. Find these gems. And put them together in a book you will treasure for the rest of your life!
- Set a daily goal for yourself! Whether it be physical or mental, setting a goal for yourself to accomplish every day will keep your body and mind strong in a time lacking order. If you fail one day, it’s no matter. Tomorrow is a fresh start. Prioritize forgiveness and well-being over strict perfection. Here are a few ideas: walk one mile; drink eight cups of water; keep a Duolingo streak going!
- Attend the Thurston County Fair! The Thurston County Fair takes place from Thursday, July 30st to Sunday, August 2nd. It will celebrate America’s 250th year with a patriotic theme and a mascot named “Colonel Beaks the Eagle.” There will be carnival rides, livestock shows, live entertainment, arts and crafts, and so much more! (And, an amazing photo op!) Tickets go on sale June 1st.
