Summer Adventures for the Whole Family
by Kimberly Blaker | Contributor
With summer finally here, it’s time for families to embrace the warm days ahead. How can you make the most of these enjoyable summer months? Dive into the spirit of the season with these entertaining outdoor activities that can be enjoyed right in your own backyard.
Stargazing Nights
Utilize those serene summer evenings by camping out in your backyard. Start your night with a sunset view, set up a cozy bonfire (using a fire pit), roast some marshmallows, and explore the night sky. Grab a star guide and see if you can identify constellations like the Little Dipper, Hercules, or Sagittarius.
Croquet Competition
Arrange a family croquet game, a timeless outdoor challenge that everyone can participate in. As summer winds down, hold a friendly family croquet tournament while adjusting scores for fairness so everyone has a fair chance at victory.
Soaring Kites
Don’t let the wind ruin your outdoor fun. Instead, embrace it! Try flying a kite and enjoy the thrill of watching it dance in the sky.
Backyard Carnival
Create a festive atmosphere by hosting a backyard carnival to benefit your preferred charity. This project can be a delight for the entire family as you organize the event together. Advertise locally by posting flyers and reaching out to community media. Get friends and neighbors involved to help run activities like a bean bag toss, number wheel, baked goods stand, face painting, and more.
Gardening Together
Turn summer gardening into a family project. Encourage each member to select their favorite vegetable to grow. If you’re starting late, consider purchasing young plants. Collaborate on preparing the garden bed, and then assign everyone their tasks: watering, weeding, harvesting, and preparing the fruits of your labor for meals or storage.
CHECK OUT HOW HARDWORKING COLLEGE STUDENTS ARE SPENDING THEIR SUMMERS
as reported by Savannah Peer | Contributor
Bethany Powell, TWU Senior
Major: English / Minor: Education
“This summer, I’m balancing my part-time job as a library assistant at North Central Texas College with my role as a student assistant in TWU’s Financial Aid Department. From my experience, working while studying means I often save 40-50% of my earnings every two months after covering my bills.”
Caitlyn Fahey, Texas A&M Senior
Majors: Communication and English
“My summer plans include completing my final class during the summer session, followed by my graduation in August. I have an interview lined up for an online marketing agency, and I also work as a Global Ambassador for International Studies Abroad, promoting their programs at Texas A&M.”
Shelby Ball, Baylor Junior
Major: Geology
“This summer will be active for me. I’ll spend the first half attending a six-week field camp for my major, traveling through different geological areas in the western and mid-western United States, while the latter half will involve a volunteer internship with the National Weather Service at the River Forecast Center.”
Jessica Serna, UTD Junior
Major: Psychology
“As an Eagle Scholar Intern, I’ll be working at a local school where I’ll teach photography and assist 7-12th grade students with college preparation through project-based learning.”
Zachary Helmberger, UTD Senior
Major: Mechanical Engineering
“As I approach graduation in May with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, I intend to travel briefly at the start of summer. I will then begin a full-time position with L-3 Communications in Greenville, Texas, which is a defense contractor for the U.S. Armed Forces.”
Abrielle Cuccia, UNT Junior
Major: Behavior Analysis
“I’ll be a children’s worker at Gateway Church, leading games and teaching on stage during various nights.”
Tomás Rangel, Collin College Sophomore
Major: Business
“This summer, I’ll be involved with a real estate firm, focusing on flipping houses for profit. I also plan to invest my earnings in the stock market and cap off the summer with a trip to Jamaica.”
