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Tag: summer

  • Summer Jobs – Are They Useful?

    Summer Jobs – Are They Useful?

    It’s summertime again, and besides gasping for that first breath of summer freedom and that thing called a “social life”, it also means looking for a part-time job.

    So what is the ideal summer job for you?

    Ask yourself what area of work you are interested in, or what skills you think are essential for a certain career. For example, many careers involve people skills – dealing with customers in a daily face-to-face environment. Becoming a cashier or waiter would be an opportune job for developing your communication skills.

    Perhaps you are interested in management? If you have any tourist hot spots in your city, getting a job within tourist areas and understanding how the tourism industry operates could be a beneficial summer job! Don’t let the thought of having to start at a lower-level position scare you away from a good experience; being able to understand how a company works from the ground up can improve your understanding of management.

    Perhaps engineering is your cup of tea? Getting a job at a retail technology store would be ideal. Previous Niagara Falls resident Zachary Edmonson spent a couple of months in the summer acquiring knowledge working in an Apple tech support company before heading off to Sheridan College in Oakville.

    “Acquiring the technological knowledge and customer service skills, as well as working independently, was a priceless experience for what I am looking to do,” Zach said.

    Understanding the reality that nationwide budget cuts have diminished the number of jobs available to students is essential when hitting the summer job market.  Be creative; even “typical” teenage jobs like fast food can be a great learning experience.  Many large fast food companies have intramural sports teams and volunteer opportunities that increase job value and learning experiences

    Current Brock student Heather Long is volunteering at an after-school program called “When I Grow Up,” where she is learning how to deal with different types of children.

    “I set the room up and organize days for the kids, like ‘physics’ day and ‘musician’ day,” Heather said.

    She usually supervises 12-13 kids between herself and one other employee. Learning how to work with children will benefit Heather in her future career as a teacher.

    There can be time for some fun in the sun, but manage your time wisely! It is never too early to think ahead about what skills you think will boost your resume and get you your dream job.

  • Making the Most Out of Your Summer Vacation (French version available)

    Making the Most Out of Your Summer Vacation (French version available)

    As the weather gets reliably warmer and the assignments begin to die down, you have probably realized that the school year is coming to a close. If you’re a post-secondary student, it’s likely your break is just around the corner; if you’re in high school, you’ve got just a couple of months to go. That in mind, start thinking about how you’re going to spend your time on vacation.

    It may seem great to have all that time on your hands, but it’s important to use it wisely. Being out of school for a few months can cause your brain to get a little lazy, which unfortunately means that the cramming you did for finals isn’t going to stick unless you keep at it. You worked hard for the better part of the year, so you definitely don’t want that knowledge to go to waste.

    Of course, there’s another side to summertime that doesn’t focus on academics. You can use the time to advance your goals, practice your hobbies or just explore. Think of how little free time you have during the school year: aren’t there so many things you wish you could have done? Capitalize on your summer vacation to cross some things off your bucket list.

    There are many ways you can make the most of your summer. Here are some suggestions.

    Summer employment is a good way to gain work experience, as well as make some money (which can be particularly important for those of you heading into post-secondary). A job can teach you responsibility, time management, and work ethic. If you’re looking for something humanitarian or more relevant to your career goals down the line, consider applying for an internship or volunteering for an organization you love.

    We all have something that makes us tick, and summertime can be a great opportunity to practice your hobbies (or develop new ones). If you’re looking for a challenge, try something new—you have a few months to take a class or follow a self-coaching program in an activity you’ll enjoy.

    If you have the opportunity, travelling, exchanging, or a road trip with some friends is a great way to explore (and take advantage of the lovely weather). If travel is not financially or logistically feasible for you, take some time to explore where you live. There’s sure to be a unique restaurant you’ve never eaten at or a fun event you’ve never checked out.

    Think about setting goals for the coming year, and take the opportunity to get a head start. School may seem ages away at the start of the summer, but free time (regrettably) goes fast. If you think ahead, you’ll be at a great advantage once the new semester begins.

    And finally, don’t forget to relax. School’s out, you worked very hard, and you deserve some time just for you. Take a break and live your summer on your own terms—you’ve earned it.

  • Summer Job Hunting (French version available)

    Summer Job Hunting (French version available)

    If you’re a student (and especially if you’re going through midterms or summatives), you’re likely looking forward to the break the warmer months will bring. However, summer vacation is also a great opportunity for work experience – not only to make some money, but also to gain valuable connections and references for future employment. If you’re interested in both of those things, spots fill up fast, so it’s never too early to start your summer job hunt.

    Here’s a step-by-step process on how to find a summer job.

    1) Figure out what you want.

    What kind of position are you looking for? Moreover, what kind of position are you eligible for? Consider both your past qualifications and what field you’d potentially like to get into. It might be difficult to get a summer job that’s directly related to your career goals, but if you do find one, it’s one more thing to put on your resume. (For example, if you’re thinking about a career in medicine, it might be a good idea to check out receptionist or data entry positions at a clinic.)

    2) Revisit your resume.

    If you’ve been busy with schoolwork, it may have been a while since you dug up that old resume, so make sure all of your qualifications are up to date. If you’re planning on applying to multiple jobs (which is what you should be doing!), you should create different versions depending on the position you’re looking for. Cover letters are usually helpful, but not all employers require them; check that out on a case-by-case basis.

    3) Do your research.

    Keeping in mind Step 1 (what you want) and Step 2 (what you have to offer), check out the jobs that would be realistically available to you. If you don’t have a lot of experience, you may not be able to aim too high, but it never hurts to ask whether there are positions available for less experienced candidates (or, specifically, for students). Some good resources for job hunting are Talentegg, Workopolis, Service Canada or even Kijiji, as long as you do a background check on the employer.

    4) Apply en masse.

    Unfortunately, not every employer you contact will call you back (wouldn’t that be nice!). Don’t be afraid to apply for too many positions—in fact, apply to as many things as you can or as you are eligible for. This is going to take a lot of work, but put effort into writing emails, tweaking your resume, and following up for various positions. The worst thing that could happen is that you don’t get the job. Don’t get discouraged: you just have to keep at it until you’re rewarded.

    5) Land an interview.

    With hard work and a little bit of luck, you’ll hopefully be called in for an interview. Be your charming, professional, and qualified self, and you’ll have a summer job in no time. Best of luck!

  • Babysitting in the Summertime (French version available)

    Babysitting in the Summertime (French version available)

    Getting a babysitting job during the summer is a great way to earn extra cash and pad your resume at the same time. But looking after kids all day, every day, can present unique challenges. Especially on rainy days. Rather than overuse electronics, here is a list of activities that stimulate young brains and provide an outlet for their energy. If your charges are tired and happy after a day with you, their primary caregivers will be grateful!

    Outdoor Games:

    • Paint with no paint. A bucket of water and paint brushes are all you need for this activity. Let the kids “paint” the deck, the driveway, anything at all with the water. On a hot sunny day, the artwork will evaporate quickly, leaving a blank canvas for new creations. And spills are safe!
    • Tag: There are so many variations of tag to play with kids. This camping website (http://www.ultimatecampresource.com/site/camp-activities/tag-games.page-1.html) has the most comprehensive list. My favourite is Toilet Tag.

    “When someone is tagged, they must squat down to form the ‘toilet’ and hold one hand out to the side, like the ‘handle’. To get back into the game, someone must ‘flush’ the frozen person and make a loud ‘Woooooosh’ sound.”- http://www.ultimatecampresource.com/site/camp-activity/toilet-tag.html

    • Clothesline art show: Simply hang the kids’ art from clotheslines, make invitations for their family and friends to come to the art show. Pick a time and make it a big event. This would be fun as one last hurrah before school starts again.

    Rainy Day Activities:

    • For little hands, find a colander and colourful straws. Let them simply put the straws in the holes of the colander. This works on their fine motor skills and makes a really cool hedgehog thing.
    • Build a “fort” with dining room chairs, couch cushions, blankets and pillows. Allow them to populate it with favourite stuffed animals, and use it as a reading nook. For good behaviour, allow a camping-style picnic in their fort. If the storm just won’t pass, name the fort, make a sign and a flag. Decorate with paper chains. Just make sure to clean up before the end of the day.

    When in doubt, remember children have endless imagination. Allow them to guide the play from time to time. Set guidelines like “no electronics,” or “stay in the backyard,” or even “no talking” or “walk backwards,” and see what kinds of games they can make up. I guarantee you will be surprised, and they will have a ton of fun! Never forget the internet is a vast source of inspiration for kids’ games. Look for Girl Guides or Scouts sites or camping websites for ideas. Have fun and stay safe!

  • Messy Summer Science Experiments! (French version available)

    Messy Summer Science Experiments! (French version available)

    Ok, so school’s out, you’ve watched every episode of your favourite show on Netflix, and you’re trying to avoid doing chores. Or maybe you’re trying to entertain the kids you’re babysitting, a younger sibling or two, or just really, really feel like making a mess! Here are a few experiments that are fun, messy, and educational! No one can get angry about a mess when you’re learning. Right?

    *TIP: Do these outside.*

    • Giant bubbles: Everyone loves making bubbles, but giant ones are even better! This takes simple supplies you may already have around the house. You’ll need string, plastic straws, bubble solution, and a flat container like a cookie sheet. You’ll attach the string through the straws to form a big circle with “handles” (the straws). Then you can create large bubbles to delight kids of all ages. PBS.org has a great how-to with photos on their website.
    • Rainbow Bubble Snakes: Do you have a pile or a drawer full of socks missing a match? This activity will use those poor, lonely socks. You will need a water bottle, an orphaned sock, food colouring and dish soap. This website has detailed instructions with photos that show just how fun and messy things will get. See how long a bubble snake you can create. Can you create a rainbow? How many different colour combinations can you create?
    • Outrageous Ooze: One of my favourite messy experiments involves corn starch. You only need corn starch and water. You can add food colouring if you want more mess (who doesn’t?). The corn starch feels so silky smooth, and the properties it exhibits while you play in it are so soothing. When you manage to get the consistency right, it will look like a liquid in the container, but if you smack the surface of it hard with the palm of your hand, it feels solid! I did this one with 5-year-olds, and while they didn’t “get” the science behind it, they had a blast! You older kids will enjoy it as well, as you explore non-Newtonian fluids. This site shows you how to do it and explains the chemistry behind the ooze.
    • Ice cream in baggies: Now for an experiment, you can eat! Did you know you can make ice cream in a baggie with your own two hands? This website lists the recipe and the detailed instructions. But suffice it to say that this experiment is a delicious way to explore chemistry. I highly suggest this activity be done outside in case a baggie leaks, and bring your spoons. As an alternative, try doing more than a single serving in a coffee can, rolling it back and forth between you and a friend until the ice cream sets. Don’t forget your winter gloves, your hands will get very cold!  Have fun!
  • Getting Ready for Back-to-School

    Getting Ready for Back-to-School

    Tips for making a smooth transition out of summer:

    Summer is a wonderful time: long lazy days filed with sunshine, amusement park rides, and drippy ice cream cones. With all that loveliness, it’s easy to get swept up in the fun and forget that, however unfortunately, every summer comes to an end.

    Back-to-school is just around the corner, and surely, many of you are already excitedly counting down the days (right?) But even if you’re dreading the thought of being back in a classroom and doing (groan) homework, it’s better to be prepared when September rolls around.

    Here are some suggestions for getting organized and on top of things so that you can smooth the transition between summer and the school year. (Hint: your parents can help you with some of these, too.)

    Befriend your bedtime

    Chances are you’ve been sleeping in a lot since the summer started, and it’s great that you’ve been getting some extra rest. But the school day starts bright and early, so make sure you can wake up on time while still getting the sleep you need. During the last two weeks of August, you can gradually adjust your schedule to fit an earlier bedtime—and earlier wake-up. Every couple days, try setting your alarm clock 10 minutes earlier than the last.

    Lunch and learn

    You might need a packed lunch when school starts, and why bore yourself with PB&J every day? Go through some recipe books with your parents and put together a list of lunches that are healthy, easy to make, and delicious. Preparing lunch the night before can be a fun activity if you do it as a family, and with a shortlist handy, you’ll have something to look forward to on every school day.

    Shop savvy

    Back-to-school sales can offer some great bargains, but they can also be chaotic if you don’t have a game plan. Be prepared for your shopping day by looking through your school supplies now and making a clear list of what you need. If there’s anything you can buy early (and that won’t be cheaper around Labour Day), take the time to go shopping before the crowds hit the stores.

    Goals and dreams

    You had a fantastic time all summer, and now it’s time to get back to work. Think about all the things you enjoyed in the last school year, and what you want to try in the coming months. For example, if you didn’t try out for a sports team and regretted it all year, why not give it a shot this time around? By picking a few things to look forward to in the coming school year, by the end of the summer, you’ll be well rested and ready for action.

  • 3 Surefire Tips for Smart Volunteering

    3 Surefire Tips for Smart Volunteering

    These days, if you wish to get your foot in the door of prestigious colleges and universities and high-profile companies, you need more than a remarkably written application letter and a well-rounded personality to seal the deal and get ahead of the competition. You need to make yourself stand out from the rest of the crop. One good way to do that is to include your volunteer experience in your applications, and more often than not, doing so is an effective way to grab the deans’ or prospective employers’ attention.

    However, if you want to volunteer, always remember that it’s about the people or organization you lend a hand to—not about you. So while it’s good to know that volunteering is adding a feather to your cap, don’t forget to have your heart and mind in the right place. Below are tips for smart volunteering.

    Do an extensive research.

    A wide range of volunteer opportunities exist, but to come up with a substantial list, prepare to do an extensive research. Look in your local papers, community or church newsletters, and websites like Volunteer.ca and Cadip.org. Don’t underestimate other sources, however. Your family, friends, and neighbours may also have good recommendations.

    Find a cause that you are passionate about.

    Once you’ve done your research, chances are, you will have a long list of options, and it can be overwhelming to narrow down your choices, but don’t draw names out of a hat! It all boils down to knowing what issues or causes you care about.

    For example, if you are passionate about animal companions, offer to help shelters in your community. If you feel strongly about environmental causes, submit your volunteer applications to the organizations that promote awareness of environmental issues through tree-planting activities, park or beach clean-ups, recycling campaigns, and the like. If you have a soft spot for the senior members in your community, join organizations that provide meals and transportation for the elderly. Volunteering for organizations with beliefs that are in line with your own means you are likely to give your all, and that is the most important thing.

    Plan your schedule.

    You can volunteer for as many organizations as you like, but remember not to overstretch yourself. Volunteering can be an exciting experience, especially when you begin to see the fruits of your efforts, such as forming friendships with the people you help out and receiving words of appreciation from them, but do not overcommit. The last thing you want is to renege on your promise to help out. As such, if organizations are planning for a big event, such as a pet adoption day at the neighbourhood park, double-check your schedule before you specify a volunteer shift. Remember that volunteer heads have a lot on their plate, and if you agree to a date or time that your schedule don’t really allow, the heads would be forced to move schedules around and rethink their plans as well.

    Take note of the three tips above, and you will be on your way to make volunteering a worthwhile learning experience. After all, it’s a chance to give back to your community. That’s a worthy enough reason to do things right. Good luck!

  • Toronto Highlights: July 2015

    Toronto Highlights: July 2015

    It’s finally summer, and weather permitting, you probably can’t wait to get out and have some fun. Toronto in particular has a ton to offer this month, including festivals, sporting events, and other exciting activities.

    If you’re in Toronto this July, be sure to take advantage of some of the following opportunities. What are you waiting for?

    Pan Am Games
    July 10-26
    You’ve probably seen the advertisements on the TTC—Toronto is very proud to host the 2015 Pan Am Games. Featuring nearly 7000 athletes from across North America, South America, Latin America, and the Caribbean, races, courses, and matches are being held all over the GTA. In Toronto, you can watch sports including basketball, swimming, and gymnastics (the full schedule can be found here: http://www.toronto2015.org/schedule). Don’t forget to keep an eye out for the opening ceremonies on July 10, as well as the Parapan Am games, happening August 7-15.

    Shakespeare in High Park
    July 2 – September 6
    If you’re a theatre buff, what better way to celebrate history’s greatest playwright? Every year, two Shakespeare plays are performed by a talented theatre troupe in High Park. This July, you can attend the Roman tragedy Julius Caesar (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays) or the entertaining Comedy of Errors (Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays). After enjoying the talent on stage, take a stroll through the park grounds on your way out! Plays are “pay what you can”, with a recommended donation of $20.

    Summerlicious
    July 3-26
    Toronto restaurants—especially those of high calibre—aren’t always the most affordable. Luckily, the Summerlicious food festival in July ensures that some of the city’s best cuisine is accessible and affordable for eager diners. Almost 200 restaurants are offering lunches and dinners and reduced rates, prix fixe. You can find a list of participating establishments and their mouthwatering menus on Summerlicious’s Facebook or Twitter accounts. Hungry yet?

    Beaches International Jazz Festival
    July 10-26
    This music festival is a free event for jazz enthusiasts and experts alike. The Beaches International Jazz Festival offers performances by artists, combos, and bands from around the world, in a lovely lakeshore setting. By popular demand, StreetFest is also returning from July 23-25, when performers will be found making music on street corners and rooftops on Queen East between Woodbine and Beech Avenues. Performances include exciting acts by Chris Thomas King, Kirby Sewell Band, and Bustamento. Come for the music, stay for the food—a variety of gourmet trucks will be parked nearby.

    Sources:</
    http://www.toronto.com/events/pan-am-games/
    http://www.toronto2015.org/schedule
    http://www.toronto.com/events/shakespeare-in-high-park/
    http://www.toronto.com/events/summerlicious/
    http://www1.toronto.ca/wps/portal/contentonly?vgnextoid=4cc95f5923be1410VgnVCM10000071d60f89RCRD&WT.rd_id=summerilcious
    http://www.seetorontonow.com/annual-events/beaches-international-jazz-festival/

  • Fun Activities for Summer!

    Fun Activities for Summer!

    You’ve been waiting patiently all year for June… for school to finally be over.

    Sure, for the first week or so it is was nice to relax; unwind; sleep in; lie around; enjoy not having anything you “had” to do. But after a few days, the novelty of doing “nothing” tends to wear off, and you get BORED!

    Really bored. You start whinny to your parents, care givers, friends and relatives…

    “There’s nothing to do!”

    “I’m so bored!”

    “No one’s around!”

    “There’s nothing fun going on!”

    Before these words slip out of your mouth this summer, stop and think of all the great things you can do, now that you have the time to do them.

    Here is a list of fun ideas to get you started:

    • Set up a mini golf course in your backyard.
    • Raise money for charity by having a car wash, BBQ or yard sale.
    • Go camping, even if it’s in your backyard. You can roast marshmallows, sing camp songs and tell ghost stories.
    • If you go on a family vacation be sure to take lots of pics. When you get back you can make a cool memory album for each member of your family.
    • Check out your local thrift store and adopt a new look to rock when you go back to school this Fall (don’t forget to donate your old clothes to charity).
    • Get a summer job, or do odd jobs like yard work, painting, babysitting or dog walking. You can gain job experience and save up some cash to buy something you really wanted.
    • Have a movie marathon sleep over with your friends, or binge watch your favorite TV show on DVD.
    • Organize a fun tournament for you and your friends. You could play volleyball, basketball, ultimate Frisbee, or washer toss.
    • Learn to cook. Or if you already know how to cook try out some new recipes. You could even invent a new kind of pizza.
    • Make playlists for different activates like parties, cleaning, exercising, relaxing etc.
    • Start a book club with your friends.
    • Have an old school board game night. Don’t forget to make a trophy to compete for.

    There are a ton of things to do no matter where you live- sometimes your imagination will be your best tool to discovering new and exciting activities.

    A famous comedian named Louis C.K. once said:

    “I’m bored’ is a useless thing to say. I mean you live in a great, big, vast world that you’ve seen none percent of. Even the inside of your own mind is endless; it goes on forever, inwardly, do you understand? “

  • Every Ending has a New Beginning…

    Every Ending has a New Beginning…

    Hello, Gang!

    My name is Erin Lynne Bouman and I am your new JPD Content Editor! I am very excited to start a new chapter with you and share as much great new content as humanly possible. Right now you are all probably wrapping up your school year with exams and final projects- summer is almost here!

    It is a great time to start thinking ahead. What do you want your summer to look like and how do you prepare for it? These are the types of questions you should be asking yourself. This month, we have some great advice on volunteer options and how to chill out and make the best of your summer. We have tons of new Career Profiles to sink your teeth into, including some great career options in the trades’ section. Have you ever kicked yourself in the butt for not finding a summer job quick enough? Stressed to the max and need some advice on how to deal? Interested in learning about Sports scholarships? We have all those articles and more; we got your back.

    Summer isn’t all sunshine and lollipops. It can be a time to reflect on your past year and what goals you want to set up for your next school year. Work hard, play hard, as they always say. You want to be able to walk into a new school year and shout, “I am ready!” So, don’t fall in the hole that is the summer boring blues so you can look back and go, “I wish I could have done that”; no regrets. Use June as your springboard and spring into summer ready and rocking…