In a tough economy, building a bank account trumps building a resume. The catch is, jobs are scarce. When competition for spots at top universities increased, summer break became a way for students to burnish their resumes with foreign travel, community service and other enrichment activities.

After 2 rough years, resorts, marinas seeing a small uptick in business Bruce Retzke's summer recreation habits reflect the economy. When times are good, he rents a boat to troll the waters of Chain O' Lakes