Summer has arrived, signaling the end of another academic year for many students. For parents, it often means planning activities to keep their children entertained throughout the long break. But what do kids themselves think about this time away from school? This article explores how local children feel about summer and their plans for making the most out of it. From family trips and creative pursuits to moments of reflection, these young voices reveal a mix of excitement, nostalgia, and anticipation.

The transition into summer brings a variety of emotions for students. Some eagerly await adventures with loved ones or opportunities to explore new hobbies, while others reflect on friendships formed during the school year. Below, we delve deeper into two aspects of their experiences: the joy of freedom and the bittersweet nature of saying goodbye.

Embracing Freedom and Adventure

For many local kids, summer represents an opportunity to embrace freedom and embark on exciting journeys. Whether through travel, creative endeavors, or simply enjoying downtime, they look forward to breaking free from the routines of school life. Activities such as musical theater, sleepaway camps, and even self-organized events fill their calendars, promising unforgettable memories.

Take Myla Schaer, for instance, who is thrilled about her upcoming summer adventures. As she prepares to leave fifth grade behind, she envisions participating in musical theater and creating her own camp called Kool Kiddie Kamp. Similarly, Asher Collins expresses his enthusiasm for exploring ancient ruins in Sicily and indulging in pasta—a culinary highlight of his trip. These examples illustrate how children use summer as a canvas for personal growth and exploration. Beyond vacations, they also anticipate leisurely days filled with ice cream and late-night fun, balancing adventure with relaxation.

Reflections on School and Farewells

While summer offers countless possibilities, it also marks a moment of reflection for many students. They cherish the friendships cultivated over the past year but must now confront the reality of change. For some, this season symbolizes both liberation and farewell, as they bid adieu to classmates moving on to different phases of life.

Annabelle Shariat captures this sentiment perfectly when she mentions missing her friends, particularly those leaving the school. Her brother Kayvan shares similar feelings but channels his excitement into looking forward to unique experiences like attending Cirque School. Meanwhile, Stella Coppola reflects on the bonds forged during her time at Immaculate Heart, where she spent two years performing plays alongside eighth graders soon to graduate. Despite her sadness, she remains optimistic about reconnecting with them during Shakespeare camp and embracing new friendships. Through these narratives, we see how summer serves as a bridge between endings and beginnings, allowing kids to process change while forging ahead.