For young people, the dog days of summer offer time for growth, exploration, and self-discovery. July is National Anti-Boredom Month, and a reminder that Summer can be much more than a break; it is an opportunity to reengage teens left feeling disconnected or uninspired outside the structure of the school year. At the Texas Youth Action Network (TYAN), we challenge our trusted adults to view boredom through the lens of Positive Youth Development (PYD) and Youth Adult Partnerships (YAPs). Rather than seeing boredom as a problem to solve, we can see it as an invitation to help young people discover new challenges, interests, and leadership opportunities.

Boredom as a Developmental Signal

When a teen says, “I’m bored,” they may be communicating much more than a lack of activities. The Institute of Digital Media and Child Development suggests that boredom can signal a need for greater challenge, social connection, creativity, purpose, or voice. Instead of immediately filling every free moment, adults can use boredom as valuable information.

A simple conversation can reveal what a young person is really looking for. Ask questions such as:

• “What kind of challenge are you looking for right now?” or,
• “Would you like something creative, social, active, or meaningful to tackle?”

Help youth reflect on their interests and take ownership of their next steps. When supported appropriately, boredom can encourage problem solving, imagination, and initiative rather than passivity.

Co-Creating Summer Activities with Youth

One of the most effective ways to increase engagement is to involve youth in planning summer activities. Consider asking teens to create a bucket list for the remaining weeks of summer by having them fill in categories. For example:

1. Something to create, such as a mural project, collaborative art activity, creative writing circle, or youth led podcast.
2. Something to see, such as a local performance or community event.
3. Something to help with, including a youth designed service project.
4. Something to watch, such as a concert, theater production, or sporting event.
5. Somewhere local to go, including museums, parks, libraries, or visits to senior living communities.
6. Something to achieve, such as completing a summer reading challenge hosted by your local public library.

Then, come to a consensus regarding any group bucket list items, and work everything into two schedules, one personal (items that can be achieved independently), and the second, a YAP, or group calendar.

Every Activity Can Build Leadership

For YAP, or group activities, make them more meaningful by including leadership opportunities. Whether youth are organizing a service project, planning a museum visit, or hosting a storytelling event, they can play active roles throughout the process.

Consider rotating responsibilities such as activity planner, materials coordinator, or facilitator. Encourage youth to set goals before each activity and lead reflection discussions afterward. Ask questions like:

• “What went well?”
• “What are you most proud of…” or
• “What would we change next time?”

Help young people develop communication, critical thinking, and collaboration skills. This approach transforms youth from participants into partners.

Community Partner Spotlight: YMCA of the Brazos Valley

When summer arrives, the YMCA of the Brazos Valley shifts into high gear, providing youth and families with opportunities to stay active, engaged, and connected through camps, enrichment programs, and community activities. TYAN appreciates the YMCA’s commitment to creating safe, supportive spaces where young people can build confidence and develop new skills. Their dedication to serving makes a lasting impact on our community and exemplifies the power of PYD in action.

Summer of Choice, Connection, and Growth

As you plan summer programming, remember that engagement does not require filling every hour. Providing options, encouraging independent exploration, and allowing different ways to participate can help foster a sense of belonging and agency. The goal is not to eliminate every moment of boredom. It is to create conditions that help young people transform them into opportunities.