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It’s easy to say the summer months are our favorites. It’s daring, however, to say the summer months are the most fulfilling. But it’s most accurate to say the summer months are set aside for sporting activities, both new and old. For four months out of the year, warmth and sunshine resonate around our brains, creating a sense of relaxation and positive interaction. What would summer be without the weekend barbecue alongside some backyard tossing of the football or homerun derby?
Seriously though, there are unlimited options to engage yourself in every summer, and as school winds down to a screeching halt – thank God – it is imperative you incorporate at least three of these items around your summer schedule. Do it and you will have created a few events to look forward to in an otherwise hard-working college summer – if in fact you actually did get a job in today’s economy (and I applaud you on that if you did).
1) Take trips to the beach. Nothing screams summer more than the ocean and all it provides. Low tide makes for ideal conditions when launching the Frisbee or football, or playing my favorite ultimate lazy beach game: bocce ball. It’s all here and waiting for you to descend upon the sand. After a few days in the sun and water and perhaps playing games you hadn’t thought about all year, the work-week suddenly will seem more bearable.
2) Hit up a little league field after hours and play homerun derby. Everyone’s favorite game back in middle school, homerun derby was sort of an underground cult society. Rules were different everywhere but we all insisted the way WE played was the right way, no matter whose turf we were on. There was always that one kid who no one would let pitch, and he was made to just stand in the outfield and shag fly balls. Yes, it does bring back memories. So do it again this summer; if anything, you’ll get some aggression out.
3) Go skydiving. This is a ridiculous sport and something everyone should try. It’s first on my list and I’m sure I’ll do it more than once before August. It may cost a pretty penny but every cent is worth the adrenaline rush you get before, during and after the free-fall. Should your stomach or fear of extreme heights prevent you from doing this, try bungee jumping instead. It’s much lower to the ground than skydiving and less expensive. Plus, you’re attached to a perfectly safe and stable rubber line, which is tightly wrapped around your feet … cue sarcastic grunt here.
4) Go to a major league baseball game. Contrary to the rumors of American Idol taking over, this sport is still America’s favorite pastime. If you can, try to make it to a day game. The afternoon sun casting shadows across the diamond is enough to make a native from Greenland understand what summer is. Side note: attempt to eat one hot dog and drink one beer during each inning. If the game goes to extra innings, well, then I hope you brought your MasterCard.
5) I have two words for you: water sports. Tubing, water skiing, knee boarding, fishing, boating, jet skiing. Makes you want to jump in the ole’ swimming trunks right now doesn’t it? It would take up a whole page describing how fun and appropriate all of these are during the summer, but no time between the months of June and August are more perfect. Make sure three of them are accomplished before Labor Day weekend, or try and do them all … in one day.
6) Take up golf. Even people such as myself – with a horrible temper when it comes to sports and competition – can learn to play and tolerate this game. It’s simply the best sport for warm weather. No lawn is groomed as nicely as a golf course and no satisfaction is equal to that of your first par on a golf hole. Start at the driving range, maybe take a lesson, or just hack at a round of 18 on a low-cost course. Soon you’ll be making contact, becoming knowledgeable and eventually be obsessed with the game – trust me. It happens to everyone.
7) Make up a new game. Each summer tends to bring this practice into full swing. Boring weekend afternoons carry with them a creative spark that shocks everyone at one point or another. The stupidity level is astronomical when it comes to these new games, but incredibly fun at the same time. At that point it doesn’t matter – just as long as friends, food, drinks and a game of any type are involved. The game will go on.
Of course the activity list is eternal, but try a couple of these. You might be surprised at what interests you. Look at this as additional fun to accompany post-exam, or post-graduation, euphoria.
