Our sun-loving crew compiled a list of the best summer-related content KIWI has to offer. Whether you’re into surfing, nature walks, gardening, or cooking, you’ll find plenty of ways to have fun all summer while being kind to the planet. Read all about it at kiwimagonline.com/summerfun.

Whether it was time spent at the local animal shelter, reading to sick children, or preparing meals in a soup kitchen, I always leave my time spent volunteering with a real sense of optimism. This might seem counter-intuitive–after all, I’m sometimes exposing myself to some pretty upsetting situations. However, giving back always makes me feel like something that really needed doing was done, and fills me with a sense of empowerment that it was within my capacity to do it.

Volunteering is one of the best ways to instill in our children a sense of social responsibility and compassion. Fortunately, there are countless ways to give back no matter what your family’s interests, especially during the summertime when schedules tend to be a little more open. You can check out Volunteermatch.org to find opportunities in your community, or consider some of these family-friendly options.

1. Elect to take part in an Adopt-A-Grandparent program at a local nursing home or assisted living facility. Better yet, find out if any of the residents have summer birthdays, and throw a giant birthday bash complete with balloons, simple party games, fun music, and from-scratch cupcakes.
2. Hold an all-natural lemonade stand where you know you’ll get lots of thirsty customers (maybe a local baseball field or community pool?). Donate all proceeds to your favorite charity.
3. Make fun kits complete with coloring books, non-toxic markers or crayons, stickers, playing cards, puzzles, and pocket novels, then deliver them as a family to patients at a nearby children’s hospital.
4. Wake up early one morning and head over to your local park with a supply of trash bags. Have a competition to see which family member can find the most litter.
5. Special Olympics games occur throughout the summer in nearly every state, and volunteers of all ages are needed to make the events happen. To find one near you, click here.

Does your family have a regular volunteering outlet? How has it helped everyone grow and learn?

-Marygrace, KIWI Staff Writer

If school hasn’t already ended in your area, the time is probably coming close. Over at KiwiCommunity, we’ve got a whole host of budget- and family-friendly activities that will quickly get you into the summer spirit. Curious? Here’s just a taste of the fun:

• Visit a local stable to learn how horses are cared for. Find out if you can bring carrot sticks or rolled outs to feed them.
• Hang an old sheet on a clotheslines, then fill spray bottles with a mixture of tempera paint and water. Spray away for a unique, colorful masterpiece!
• Make ice pops with 100% fruit juice.
• Turn your garage into a neighborhood theater and put on a play.
• Make dreamcatchers.

-Marygrace, KIWI Staff Writer