If you live in a region where it snows every winter, then afternoons basking in the sun with friends, swimming at the beach and playing soccer outside may seem to be years away.

Though you may not have thought about your plans yet, it is never too early to start saving for summer activities. Do you need a new bicycle or want to visit an amusement park? Or, remembering your experience at Ambassador Youth Camp 2007 and all the fun you had, have you thought about how you will afford to return this year?

Even though your friends may rely on their parents for money, you don’t have to copy their example. Showing your parents that you can earn your own funds now will give them confidence that you can handle greater responsibility later.

But as your eyes pop at summer’s mounting expenses, don’t be daunted! Meeting financial goals simply requires you to begin saving now. Learning to do so will get you to camp and help you achieve your goals this summer. And it will guide you as you strive toward larger goals in the future.

Below are some money-saving techniques that will help you store up cash for camp—or any other goal you set!—and will assure that you don’t get “left out in the cold” while others enjoy “fun in the sun” this summer.

• Get a Job! The only way to earn money is to have a steady source of income. A job will teach you a strong work ethic and assist in budgeting as you strive to meet goals.

• Be Creative! In most places, jobs are only viable options for those 15 and older. If you are younger than 15, there are other ways to earn money. Many younger teens have earned cash by shoveling snow or performing other chores for neighbors or Church members, such as painting walls, cleaning garages or basements, moving furniture, etc. Do you play an instrument or speak another language fluently? If so, you could offer to tutor younger children. Do you like to baby-sit or have you considered a morning paper route? Another alternative: exchanging extra housework for a weekly allowance. Although this option involves parental funding, most likely they will be more than willing to help you if they understand your goals. By employing creativity, you will soon find there are a myriad of ways to earn money, regardless of your age.

• Develop a Budget! As you begin to earn money, calculate the exact cost of your goal and how you will achieve it. For example, if camp is five months away and costs $200, then you have to save $10 of your weekly paycheck of $50 to attend. Knowing this amount will help you meet your goals, and you will know how much extra spending money you have in the meantime.

• Learn to Say No! Although seeing the latest movie is tempting, keep your goal in mind. Do you want to know that everyone is canoeing, playing softball and having a good time at camp without you? Similarly, do you really want to spend money on a new CD when just a few more weeks of saving could buy an iPod? Determining if something is a “want” or “need” reduces spending that can deter you from achieving a goal.

• Count Coins! Contrary to what society generally practices, pennies, nickels, dimes and other coins are still acceptable currency in North America and abroad. To save this valuable legal tender effectively, empty an old jar and use it to collect loose change you find. Encourage your parents to contribute to this “savings” account with their own coins. Though it doesn’t seem like much, the cash inside quickly adds up!

• Save Wisely! One way to store money is in a bank account. There are two types: savings and checking accounts. Though a savings account earns interest (a percentage the bank gives you based on the money deposited), it usually requires a minimum balance of $300 or more. While most checking accounts have no minimum balance, they can be accessed with a debit card. Be careful; these can be harmful if you are unsure of the amount in your account. By using a register (a small accounting book given by the bank after opening an account), you can ensure you correctly subtract your purchases. This will guarantee that you always know the exact amount in your account—and will prevent you from overspending and ruining your budget.

• Tithe and Trust God! After earning money, God commands us to give 10% to Him (First Tithe) and keep 10 percent for ourselves to spend during His Feast days (Second Tithe). It might seem like a lot to give if you only earn a small amount of money, but tithing reaps tremendous benefits. God always provides for us in ways we don’t expect—if we trust Him and obey His Law.

If you work hard to meet your financial goals, your parents and God will help you take care of the rest. With a little patience and advance planning, you can be confident you will have the funds to have the best summer yet!