Ah, summer, when “Go jump in a lake” is a good idea and not an insult. July is the ultimate summer month! The weather is usually warmer than it was in June but not as muggy and sweltering as August will be. (Well, in New England anyway.) Winter clothes are finally packed away, beach towels are in heavy rotation, and there’s a drastic increase in the amount of food I eat on sticks or in cones.

This month’s PowerPerks are here to help you make the most of these great summer days, and they’re twice as exciting because you picked them. In July, you’ll earn 5% cash back at:

Ben & Jerry’s, Cold Stone Creamery, and Dairy Queen

My ice cream addiction isn’t bound by seasonality, but I especially love it in the summer. Whether you crave sorbet on a hot day like me or need an ice cream cake for your daughter’s birthday party, you’ll get a sweet deal with 5% cash back at PerkStreeters’ favorite ice cream shops.

Old Navy

New shoes for summer camp. A(nother) new bathing suit for a growing kid. Finding the perfect sundress for a summer wedding. Not enough flip-flops. There are lots of potentially expensive summer stresses that can be solved with a trip to Old Navy. With an extra 5% cash back on already low prices, you’ll be able to outfit the whole family and earn extra perks to get ready for back-to-school.

Movie Tickets

Surprise! We threw in an extra PowerPerks category just for you. For those of you who live in places where being outdoors in July is entirely unreasonable and those of us who love the action-packed summer blockbuster genre, this perk’s for you! That air-conditioned theater will feel even cooler when you’re earning 5% cash back on your ticket purchase.

Details: The amount you can earn at the 5% cash back bonus rate is limited to $250 per household annually (starting on the day your account was opened). The total amount of cash back you can earn remains unlimited. Unless specific stores are named, qualifying purchases are determined by MCC codes. Non-PIN debit card purchases will earn 5% cash back in July 2011 at the following stores: Ben & Jerry’s^®, Dairy Queen^®, Cold Stone Creamery^®, Old Navy^®, and on movie tickets (MCC code 7832).