I love summer, but this year has drained my bank account. As soon as I get home, I’ll have about 24 hours to unpack before I have to clock in for my first shift at the country club I work at. Relaxing, right?
For less than two months before I go to work at a summer camp, I will be cramming in time with friends, saving money, picking up shifts and preparing for my sophomore year of college.
I love my friends, but they like to spend. Trust me, whether it’s for food, travel, concerts, or clothes, they’ll be in line with their wallets ready. Because I’ll need to save as much money as possible and spend as little as I can, I’ve been compiling a list of inexpensive or free things to do with friends this summer:
1. Pick flowers
Picking flowers is so much fun. Not only is it a great way to get outside and enjoy good weather, but one of my favorite memories from high school is making bouquets for prom with my friends.
It can be relatively inexpensive or even free, depending on how far you go to find the flowers.
2. Volunteer
When I was making my confirmation, I had to get five hours of service. For my last hour, I volunteered with the Regional Food Bank in Albany, picked vegetables at their farm, and cleaned them for donation.
I was able to enjoy the sun outside and help people. You just can’t go wrong with that!
It can be a fun time to just get a group of friends and work a shift at a soup kitchen or service organization.
Service looks great on résumés and job/school applications, especially if it’s unprompted.
Go do some good!
3.”Pantry-raid” dinner party
When I get home from work, especially after working parties or weddings, there is usually nothing to eat left, so I’ll be forced to raid my pantry and whip up something creative.
This can actually work as a fun activity, though.
This will take a lot of coordination, so if your friends are easily confused, I wouldn’t recommend it.
Text a meal idea and a recipe in the group chat and send every friend to look for an ingredient with the end goal of some form of a coherent dish for basically no money.
4. Get active
It’s summer. Go outside.
Swim in someone’s pool. Take a late-night bike ride. Go for a walk, run or hike.
Nature is free.
5. Go to a museum
Sometimes, you can’t go outside but don’t fear… there are solutions!
If it’s raining, you don’t have to be boring and stay inside doing nothing. Go to a museum.
Admire some art and learn some history for very cheap or free!
6. bake a cake!
I think we all have forgotten that we have free will and can do pretty much whatever we want (as long as it’s harmless).
You don’t need a special occasion to make a cake. Get some friends together, bake it, and make it pretty.
Cake mix and frosting is cheap and everyone will leave with a slice.
7. go thrifting
I found my favorite T-shirt ever on a trip to a Goodwill not even 10 minutes from my house, and it was less than five dollars.
Grab a group of friends, set a spending limit, and search for gems in the bins.
8. Sunset to stars to Sunrise Sleepover
If you enjoy being outside, go crazy with this one.
Find a camping site near where you live and pitch a tent. Be sure to do this before sunset and watch the sun go down with friends. At night, watch the stars. Then, make sure everyone is awake for the sunrise and watch it together.
Not only is this a great bonding opportunity, but it is a fun way to enjoy nature while the weather is nice.