I work with many junior high and high school students, and I’ve never heard one of them say, “I’m not looking forward to summer, because it’s going to be boring.”

On the other hand, I’ve heard parents say, “get these kids out of my hair!”  My parents may have said that, but only once or twice when I was a teenager.  With school letting out later this week, I thought I would do a public service and provide you, parents, and you, students, some amazing classes, volunteer opportunities and other things to keep you busy so that “I’m bored” will not be in your vocabulary.

I must start with some shameless self-promotion. I am honored that the Carroll University Academy has asked me to teach two courses in radio broadcasting, one for middle school and one for high school students. This is a topic that is near and dear to my heart. If your children would be willing to spend just 15 hours with me, three hours per day, I will teach them everything they will ever need to know to be on the radio. We will use WCCX 104.5 the Carroll radio station as our learning laboratory, so students will get to host and produce their own radio show.

 The Carroll Academy offers classes to kids and kids at heart throughout the summer.  Some of the more interesting ones are chess, photography and origami. You can read about them by going to the website at www.carrollu.edu, clicking on community and Carroll Academy, or by calling Dr. Kathy Morris at 262-524-7634.

Speaking of reading, kids and teens can participate in the Summer Reading Program through the Waukesha Public Library.  I’ve also been told that the library will be hosting anime groups for teens, for those who enjoy the Japanese cartoons.

It brings joy to this blind man’s heart whenever I hear about youth volunteering to make Waukesha a better city to live in. The United Way of Waukesha County’s Volunteer Center works really hard to keep a great database of opportunities, yes even for youth.  One that comes to mind right a way is the Feed the Kids program through the Waukesha Salvation Army. It is kids helping kids at its finest.  The Salvation Army also has opportunities in the community meal program.  Look at their website for more details, www.waukeshasalvationarmy.org. You can find out about all the volunteer opportunities listed through the United Way by going to www.volunteerwaukesha.com.

After you are done with all of that, you can go swim in a pool or play ball, go paddle boating, tandem biking or take a walk by the Fox River.  All of those are some of my favorite outdoor activities to do in the summer. They are either free or low cost.  How will your teen or pre-teen stay busy this summer?