By tamaraSummer is my favorite time of the year. I spend my weekends wandering the local farmer’s market gathering fresh fruit and veggies, followed by a relaxing nap in the warm summer sun. There’s so much to do during the summer, too. It’s a perfect time to take a family road trip, learn how to sail or just bike over to your favorite ice cream spot for a delicious cone or sundae; the possibilities are endless. What you may not know is there are several scholarships attached to these fun summer activities. Most students know about academic scholarships and need-based scholarships, but few realize that working in an ice cream parlor, traveling or even surfing can land you some cool cash, too. Check out this short list of fun summer scholarships just waiting for you. 1. Flavor of the Month Scholarship People are just like ice cream; some are a little nutty, others are exotic and some are comforting. Decide which ice cream flavor best describes you in this wacky scholarship program. If your short essay response (250 words or less) licks the competition, you’ll win $1,000! Deadline: July 31, 2012. 2. Bryce Thomson Scholarship Fund The National Ice Cream Retailers Association (NICRA) offers 10 scholarships to high school seniors and college students who are employed full-time or part-time at any NICRA member business. The award amounts range between $1,000 and $3,500, and students may choose how to use the money (tuition, room & board, books, etc.). U.S. and international students are eligible to apply. Deadline: August 29, 2012. 3. Teen Travel Writing Scholarship Family Travel Forum, Inc. sponsors this national writing contest for students who have taken unexpectedly wonderful, or terrible but funny, trips with their families. Students who have journeyed somewhere with school groups or sports teams, and have some advice on how to make the most of the experience or destination, are also encouraged to apply. Three (3) scholarships ($200, $500 and $1,000) will be awarded, as well as a two-night family stay at any Homewood Suites for each winner. Students must be 13-18 years old and be attending a junior or senior high school in the U.S. or Canada. Deadline: August 16, 2012. 4. CaptainU Student-Athlete Scholarship Are you on your college surf or swim team, or do you participate in another sport? CaptainU is offering four (4) $2,000 scholarships to high school and junior college students. To apply, students must complete a profile with CaptainU and be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Deadline: June 30, 2012. 5. Florida Swimming Pool Association Scholarship To be eligible for this award, the applicant must be a resident of the State of Florida and be a dependent of an owner or of an individual who, for two or more years, has been an employee of a Florida Swimming Pool Association member firm. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and be attending college this fall. Value: varies. Deadline: July 2, 2012. 6. Make Me Laugh Scholarship ScholarshipExperts.com recently added this scholarship to its annual list of programs. Instead of telling the scholarship committee why you deserve a scholarship or answering some serious essay prompt, you simply have to submit a short paragraph or two to make the committee laugh for a chance to win $1,000 for college. What you write about can be real or fiction, so use your imagination and have some fun! Deadline: July 31, 2012. Whether you crave sports, travel or a good old-fashioned ice cream cone this summer, chances are there’s a scholarship for you. So, slip on your favorite swim suit, lather on some sun screen and start applying for summer scholarships! Are you looking for other types of scholarships? Start a free account with ScholarshipExperts.com and find scholarships that are perfect for you.