Attention young people! Attention teenagers!

OK, so we know the editorial page isn't always the first page younger readers peruse in their daily newspaper.

But with summer in full swing, we want to be so bold as to command the attention of this group, recently freed from the shackles of the daily school grind.

Yes, summer means freedom — more sleep, more fun, no homework.

But we would humbly offer some suggestions to young folks to make this summer more than just one long nap or playtime. Parents, perhaps you could share these with your children in the hopes that their summer is a healthy mix of frivolity and substance.

1) Don't stop learning. Yes, we know, we know, school is out and you want to have FUN! But just like it's easier to get out of physical shape than to get IN shape, the same is true with your brain. Set aside time — not a lot, just a little — to do something educational. The easiest thing is to read a book — doesn't have to be some highfalutin Shakespearean classic. It could be a biography on somebody you find interesting, such as a sports star or famous leader. But learn something about something this summer so that when you return to school in the fall, your noggin will not be awakening from a three-month slumber.

2) Do something to help somebody. Too often, summer becomes a "selfish" season — "I get to go to the beach." "I get to sleep in." "I get to go swimming." But the needs of those less fortunate do not diminish. Take some time — not a lot, just a little — and help somebody. Maybe it's volunteering to visit folks who are sick or lonely. Maybe it's making a card for an elderly neighbor. Maybe it's something bigger like helping with a Habitat house or volunteering at a soup kitchen. Whatever it is, throughout the summer, commit to doing just 10 things that will help somebody else. Make a list, then check them off. You'll be glad you did.

3) Sweat a little! Yes, it's hot in the summer, but don't get addicted to the air-conditioning. Too often, we fear, young people spend too high a percentage of their summer free time in front of the TV, game console, or computer screen and not enough in the great outdoors. Here is a simple plan: Set a limit for "screen" time. Turn on a timer when you start playing a computer game or watching TV; when the time is up, you are finished for the day and must make your own fun outside. Also, when you do go outside, don't forget to wear sunscreen!

4) Don't stop going to church. You won't get proselytizing in this space, but it's traditionally true that church attendance dips during the summer months. We know that faith is a huge part of our community's fabric and is a source of comfort and joy to many. That shouldn't change just because school is out or because it's hot outside.

5) Channel your inner entrepreneur. Summer is a great time to make some money! See what services are needed in your community and if folks are willing to pay for them. You'll have more money to do things you want if you can make some money for yourself.

6) Have fun! Even if you do everything on this list, there will be plenty of time for all the fun stuff young people like to do in the summertime. Keep a big block of time for fun, and then fill in the rest with some of the stuff listed above.

Have a great summer!

REPRINTED FROM THE KINSTON FREE PRESS