Enjoying Family Time Right at Home
by Kimberly Blaker | Contributor
It’s that highly anticipated season for children—summer! How will you make those sun-drenched days memorable with your family? Embrace the spirit of the season with these enjoyable outdoor activities and experiences that everyone can appreciate—right in your own backyard.
Camping Under the Night Sky
Take advantage of the serene summer evenings with a backyard camping adventure. Start the night by watching the sun dip below the horizon, then gather around a fire pit for a cozy bonfire. Roast marshmallows while you marvel at the stars. Bring along a star chart and see if you can identify constellations such as the Little Dipper, Hercules, or Sagittarius.
Croquet Tournament
Arrange this timeless outdoor game suitable for the entire family. Plan a summer-end croquet tournament and introduce handicaps according to players’ recent performances to ensure everyone has a fair shot.
Letting Kites Soar
If the wind seems to hinder your plans, don’t worry! Make the most of it by flying a kite and watching it dance in the breeze.
Backyard Carnival
Host a fun-filled backyard carnival to support a cause that matters to your family. Everyone will enjoy participating in the preparations. Advertise the event through local businesses, and consider sending a press release to your nearby radio station and newspaper. Invite friends and neighbors to volunteer at the booths and set up engaging activities like bean bag toss, number wheel games, bake sale items, fortune telling, face painting, and refreshments.
Family Gardening
Turn summer gardening into a collaborative project. Have each family member select their favorite vegetable to cultivate. If you’re starting late in the season, consider purchasing seedlings. Work together to prepare the garden and plant the seeds, then assign responsibilities for maintaining the garden—such as watering, weeding, harvesting ripe vegetables, and preparing them for meals or storage.
LEARN HOW ENTERPRISING COLLEGE STUDENTS ARE SPENDING THEIR SUMMERS
as shared by Savannah Peer | Contributor
Bethany Powell, TWU Student, Senior
English Major / Education Minor
“This summer, I’ll be a part-time library assistant at North Central Texas College and also work part-time in the Financial Aid Department at TWU. My experience balancing work and college has shown me that I often save 40-50% of my earnings every two months, as I’m usually too busy to spend money.”
Caitlyn Fahey, Texas A&M Student, Senior
Communication and English Major
“Currently, my goal is to complete my last summer class and graduate in August. I have a job interview lined up with an online marketing firm, which, if successful, will keep me busy this summer. Alternatively, I work as a Global Ambassador for International Studies Abroad, promoting their programs at Texas A&M. As a double major in Communication and English, I hope to gain valuable experience that assists me in securing a job post-graduation.”
Shelby Ball, Baylor Student, Junior
Geology Major
“This summer is packed for me. During the first half, I will participate in a six-week field camp for my degree, traveling across various geological sites in the western and midwestern United States to study formations. In the latter half, I’ll complete a volunteer internship at the National Weather Service within the River Forecast Center.”
Jessica Serna, UTD Student, Junior
Psychology Major
“I have taken a position as an Eagle Scholar Intern, where I’ll be teaching photography and guiding middle to high school students in preparing for college through project-based learning.”
Zachary Helmberger, UTD Student, Senior
Mechanical Engineering Major
“As I approach graduation in May with my Mechanical Engineering degree, I plan to travel early in the summer to unwind. By late June, I’ll begin working full time at L-3 Communications in Greenville, Texas, supporting defense contracts for the U.S. Air Force and Army.”
Abrielle Cuccia, UNT Student, Junior
Behavior Analysis Major
“I’ll be employed at Gateway Church, where I work with children by emceeing events, leading games, and occasionally teaching during the evenings.”
Tomás Rangel, Collin College Student, Sophomore
Business Major
“This summer, I will work with a real estate firm that flips houses for profit. I plan to invest my earnings in the stock market, and later in the summer, I’ll be heading off to Jamaica.”
