Do high school students need to spend their summers building their college resumes? That's a question only you and your child can answer. But perhaps the answer is not black and white ... there are ways to have fun and enrich your life as well. Here are a few ideas for summer activities the build character, provide life lessons and are enjoyable as well. Contributed by local college advisors Breakaway Prep here's a list of summer suggestions for teens:

1. Read
If we had to suggest one thing that would increase your grades and SAT scores, make you a better writer, a better student, and increase your knowledge of the world, it would be to read as many good books as possible. Read newspapers and magazines, even check out a trashy novel or two. But read!

2. Volunteer
One of the best things you can do this summer is to volunteer in your community. You don't have to travel around the world or sign up for an expensive, flashy project to do something meaningful. There are plenty of valuable local charities that need your help and would work around your schedule. Call Family Services of Westchester, HOPE Community Services in New Rochelle, Mamaroneck's Community Action Program (CAP) or whatever meets your interest. It is never too late to sign up, and volunteer work is challenging and rewarding.

3. Work/Intern
Summer jobs and internships are great opportunities to learn new skills and meet new people. Call local law firms, publishers, radio stations and offer to work for free. If you need the cash, baby sit, clean neighbors' houses, tutor kids, flip burgers—there's always something you can do to expand your horizons and maybe even make some money.

4. Learn Something
Just because school's out is no reason to shut off your mind. Instead of learning the concrete curriculum, teach yourself something totally off the roster. Learn about jazz, cooking, modern art, French films, whatever interests you. Summer is the perfect time to take control of your education and to learn things that you're interested in at your own pace.

5. Check out Colleges
Go to a library or bookstore and check out the many books on colleges. Surf the web and explore different college web sites. Think about what you want in a college. Do you want to go to a large state university, a small liberal arts college, or something in between? If you can, visit local campuses to get a sense of what college life is about. Looking for a city school? Check out NYU, Columbia and Fordham. Want to see what a small liberal arts campus feels like? Visit Sarah Lawrence and Manhattanville. Always wanted to go to a state school? SUNY Purchase is right in Westchester. Even if you're nowhere near the schools that interest you most, visiting a college and talking to professors, administrators and current students is a great first step.

6. Take a Hike
No matter where you live in the US, it's a short trip to some form of wilderness. This summer might be the perfect time to start hiking, to get out of the city or the suburbs, and hang with Mother Nature.

7. Prepare for the SAT
The SAT is a pretty terrible test, causing much anxiety and measuring little more than how well you take the SAT. Unfortunately, it's an incredibly important test and if you don't prepare for it, you're losing out to the hundreds of thousands of students who are. Take courses, use books or software, but prepare for the SAT! Summer affords you plenty of time to do this and Breakaway Prep offers classes and tutorials to fit any schedule.

8. Do At Least One Thing You've Never Done Before
Experiment. Do something great. Act in a play, spend time with senior citizens, skydive, learn karate. The beauty of it is you're making your own agenda. Nobody's telling you what to do, so go crazy.

9. Keep a Journal
Along with how well you read, the ability to write well is one of the most important skills you can develop. And, it is no secret that colleges and future employers value strong writing skills. Keeping a journal is a pressure-free way to express yourself and practice your writing. And it's a lot more fun than writing essays and book reports.

10. Network
Interested in the University of Wisconsin? Talk to someone who goes there. Curious about a career in medicine? Set up a meeting with a doctor or nurse in the area to learn what the job is really about. You'll get a good sense if you're still interested in following those paths and you'd be surprised how happy people are to talk to someone who's interested in what they do.

Breakaway Prep helps guide families though the process of researching, finding, and applying to the right colleges and universities. Breakaway Prep believes that "match-making" is an integral part of selecting schools, and it strives to help families find the right fit. This summer, Breakaway will offer several local 4-day college admission "boot-camps" where rising seniors can actively work with Breakaway counselors on preparing their college applications, developing a college list and timeline, and writing their essays. These sessions will be held at Westchester Reform Temple in Scarsdale. Click here for more information.

Mother's Day is almost upon us. This is a special day for mothers and mother figures of all kinds, such as grandmothers, special aunts, close family friends and caregivers. Some look forward to the day with much anticipation and high expectations for the perfect "Hallmark" holiday. For some families, the day is marked by large bouquets of flowers, breakfast in bed, sparkling jewels or a day at the spa. While most women would agree that these things are wonderful, it's easy to feel disappointed if the day doesn't meet one's expectations.

Let's not forget that Mother's Day is only one day of the year, but being a mom is often "celebrated" in small ways that we usually don't recognize. Although many of us often feel unappreciated and overworked, if we allow ourselves to take a moment and reflect upon our daily lives, we will notice that children show their love and appreciation not by grand gestures, but in small unassuming ways. A smile from your son when you remember to buy his favorite cereal, the sparkle in your daughter's eyes when you say yes to a sleepover, a thank you from your teenager when you trust him to borrow the car, or a nod of thanks when your child asks your advice about a problem with a friend. These moments demonstrate that our children appreciate us in subtle ways we sometimes don't realize. When your children ask you to play or spend time with them, they are inviting you into their world, which is really what being a mother is all about.

Although baubles and bubble baths are terrifically indulgent, nothing beats the feeling a mother gets when a child asks how they can help a homeless person, clean up the environment, or assist in the community. When we see our children demonstrate kindness, compassion and good moral values, we feel as if we've done our job.

It's also important to remember that high self-esteem and feelings of adequacy about our role as "Mom" need to come from within. It's not good to rely exclusively on external validation. Self-esteem comes from the positive messages we give ourselves. Remember, we don't have to strive for perfection as mothers. By doing so, we will inevitably feel disappointed. In fact, research indicates that being "good enough" is actually essential to raising healthy and resilient children. Pediatrician, clinician and child psychoanalyst, Dr. Donald Winnicott studied mother-child interactions for decades and proposed that it is not necessary for mothers to meet the needs of their children at all times. In fact, "good enough mothering" enables children to deal with disappointment and frustration and develop good coping skills.

If you don't get the day at the spa or that sought after necklace on Mother's Day, don't be disappointed because appreciation comes in many subtle and surprising ways. It's up to us to recognize the "gifts" we receive from our children everyday. Remember, you are "good enough" just the way you are!

Licensed psychologists Dr. Karen Bergsman and Dr. Michelle Sanders are known as "Dr. Moms New York." They practice at 455 Central Park Avenue Scarsdale. Call them at 914-730-9208 to register for a free parenting seminar on Tuesday, May 14th from 10:00 am to 11:30am.

It's party season – and whether you're looking to celebrate the big day for a toddler, tween, teen or a friend who's all grown-up, here are some novel ways to mark the big day: Sports, spa, swimming, yoga, candy and the chance to solve a mystery in your own home – are all below. Check these out:

Mystery & Mayhem Adventures has Who-Done-Its and will travel anywhere, anytime to concoct a mystery tailored specifically for your child. Your home becomes the site of a dastardly crime, a riveting mystery appropriate to your child's age group. Created by professional actress and teacher, Judy Rosenblatt, these special versions of villainy (some of which include characters from Nancy Drew, Harry Potter and Sherlock Holmes) excite and engross your kids, aged 8 – 18. We offer a repertoire of tales as captivating as Sherlock Holmes at his best. Your Mystery & Mayhem adventure begins as your costumed guests - the suspects, the sleuths or – God-forbid! – the victim - together with our antic team of seasoned actors, create a swirl of frantic action and riveting improvisation your child will not soon forget. As one young birthday boy exclaimed, "It's like Clue but better!" Hailed by Quest Magazine as "THE BEST OF NEW YORK" we've been stimulating and delighting the inner sleuths and thespians of kids since 1988, and are now excited about bringing our parties to Scarsdale. And for the littler ones, we offer tailor-made treasures hunts, fortune-telling, acting and make-a-play parties. You can investigate our website, mysteryandmayhem.com, or call us at 212-260-2295 for a free brochure, to book a party, or to see what parents and kids are saying about Mystery and Mayhem.

Every child dreams of having their own candy store ...Imagine Candy turns the dream into reality. For children's birthdays at Imagine Candy's Scarsdale shop, we transform the store to match your child's vision. Designed to celebrate and say Happy Birthday from the moment that the child reaches the front door. Once inside balloons and all accessories are orchestrated to match the child's favorite colors and themes. In keeping with the "imagine" in Imagine Candy, activities revolve around candy, chocolate and using the imagination. It is fun, sweet and memorable. Children go home with numerous mementos' .... lunch or dinner is served. Allow our Candy Concierge to assist you in designing that perfect in-store party... Children's Birthdays, Sweet Sixteen's, Family Gatherings and Wine and Chocolate Pairings (for adults only). Our traveling Candy Buffets, Favors and Center Pieces can be customized to make your Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Wedding, Dinner Party or Business Event absolutely fabulous! Call us for more details ... 914.723.7887 or stop in ... Imagine Candy - 22 Harwood Court, Scarsdale 10583.

An Eve Milan™ Spa Party is every little girl's dream and is a excellent birthday idea or addition to any Bat Mitzvah; Transforming your party from great to absolutely fabulous. The birthday girl and her guests are pampered from head to toe with a menu of mini spa treatments. Choose from hair and nail stations, facial and massage stations or go all out and have them all. Turn your spa party into a pre glam fashion show or an afternoon tea extravaganza, the possibilities are endless. Standard and customized packages are available. Call Eden Gilliam, (914) 441-8300, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or click here to visit our site.

LIFE The Place To Be, Westchester's ultimate party destination. 29,000 square feet of fun and excitement, featuring Arcade/Video games, Rock climbing, Laser Tag, Mini Bowling, Huge Soft Play Structure and more! LIFE's Birthday Party Packages are all inclusive. Make LIFE simple, Let LIFE do it all! www.lifetheplacetobe.com.

Birthday parties at Chelsea Piers Conneticut are action-packed, entertaining and hassle-free. We help plan the party, provide the space, supervise the activities, serve the food and clean up afterward. Available activities include baseball, basketball, batting cages, gymnastics, rock climbing, ice skating, soccer, swimming, tennis, water slides and more. Two-hour party packages are available Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. For children's parties, packages include dynamic coaching and world-class facilities, as well as balloons, paper goods and candles. Packages are also available that include pizza, beverages, invitations, party favors, cake and catering services. Phone - 203.989.1004, Email - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or click here. 

The House of Sports is Westchester's premier party location. We handle everything from start to finish so you can sit back and watch your child have the time of his/her life! We can customize any birthday party to the sports theme of your likeness in our climate controlled, state-of-the-art facility. Give us call today at 914-479-5419.

Book your birthday party at Kids' B.A.S.E. Choose from carnival parties, karaoke rock parties, tea cups & tutus, Gigi's Musical Adventures, or sports themes. The $410 fee covers up to 24 children. Maximum number of children is 30 per party. To make a reservation or for more information please call 914-472-5409.

The YWCA is the perfect place to hold a birthday party or a family gathering. At the YWCA, you and your guests can enjoy a memorable hassle-free afternoon. Make it a swim party at the YWCA with two rental options. Whole-pool and half-pool parties at the YWCA's six-lane heated pool are available on Saturdays and Sundays. Celebrate your child's birthday party at the YWCA 8,000-square-foot, air-conditioned gymnasium with spring floor, trampoline, BAB system and 40-foot Tumble-Track. The YWCA gymnastics program values safety while providing fun opportunities for children of all ages. The party rentals include one hour of gym or pool time and 30 minutes in the party room for cake, refreshments, and gifts. For more information, please contact the Aquatics Department at (914) 949-6227 x140 or the Gymnastics Department at (914) 949-6227 x125.

Scarsdale Yoga Studios: Our yoga parties aren't just for the little ones...we throw the best yoga bashes for all ages, including Adult themed parties! Older kids may consider a Yoga Boot Camp theme, Balancing or Back Bending theme, or just a great yoga workout that's challenging, fun and entertaining. Yoga Games, too!
Relax...our professional staff will be there to handle everything.
www.scarsdaleyogastudios.com, 914-874-5555, 7 Popham Road, Scarsdale, NY.

The 2013 Scarsdale High School Carnival on April 19-20 was a bittersweet event for School Government Advisor Neil Ginsberg. He has been organizing the event for years with the help of school and class government officers. This year was his last as he as announced his retirement effective June, 2013.

Ginsberg reports that "we must be living right" because the rain held off and the show went on for both Friday night and Saturday afternoon. He says, "People seemed to have a great deal of fun and joy was in the air. It was a great feeling of community." He estimates that 2,000 – 2,500 attended and that approximately $17,000 was raised to be donated to various charities. Perhaps the biggest hit at the carnival was the Pharaoh ride, though from the pictures the roller coaster looked like a thrill as well.

Junior Class Representative Madison Bell-Rosof said, “The carnival this year was one of the best yet! The junior class raised money for prom by signing up to grill on Friday and Saturday. Everyone did their part, which was great because our hotdogs and burgers were in high demand. Besides the delicious food, I would say that our biggest success was bringing everyone's favorite ride, the zipper, back! Between all of the fun rides, the baked goods from the high school clubs, and the chance to dunk your favorite government reps in the dunk tank, it seemed like everyone had a great time.

Junior Class President Solange Azor also enjoyed the carnival. She said, “The carnival was definitely a success this year, as it usually is. The weather was gorgeous, we had a huge crowd and we even ended up extending the carnival on Saturday to 7 pm from 6pm as planned. There were no major problems or disturbances. We raised lots of money for charity and everyone had a good time.”

Ginsberg wished to thank "The School Government officers - especially Jacob Cannon -- as he was the organizer, plus the others who sold tickets; the group of young women who helped set up the club booths and scanned tickets; the students from around 50 school clubs, and the many teachers who chaperoned and advised clubs as well as the administrators for being there and always willing and ready to help." He added, "This is quite a place and I've been very lucky to have such great kids as students and officers and to work with such talented, professional colleagues."

Check out these beautiful carnival photos taken by Scarsdale High School Senior Becky Schwartz.

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