Things to Do In Summer

CEBU, Philippines - School's out and summer is here! It's a most awaited time - a time to relax, to spend time with friends and family, and, of course, to have fun.

So what's good to do this summer? Most city dwellers prefer to spend their summer out in other places. Unfortunately, not everyone can go. Either for budgetary constraints or for lack of time.

But those that have to stay put need not really feel bad. There are activities to do for which spending extra or extra time is not necessary. Following are some ideas for a productive and fun summer for those who can't go to Boracay or Malapascua or to Lola's province:

1. Outreach Teaching.

That's right. School maybe out, but there's no harm in teaching the neighborhood kids additional ABCs and 123s, especially those that have not been attending regular school. For grownups who have some knowledge to share, summer is an opportunity. The teacher doesn't only get to share his knowledge but polish it too in process, and, most all, benefit from the enriching experience, as well.

2. Reading. Read more and learn more.

Lots of adventures can be experienced in books. Boracay, Malapascua, Bantayan, Disneyland, or any other vacation spots may be far, but, in books, places like those are near.

3. Learning Music.

Cebuanos are noted to be music lovers. Summer may prove to be a good time for enhancing musical abilities. There must be someone who might be able to teach the skills and who might also be generous enough to lend a musical instrument.

4. Cooking and Baking.

These activities are some of the best to try in. Spend time with a person who has skills in this area. Cooking utensils and ingredients are the basic requirements. Personal recipes can be created or the internet can help. Some of the sites to visit are:

http://allrecipes.com/; http://www.epicurious.com/;

http://www.myrecipes.com/;

http://www.food.com/; http://www.cooks.com/.

5. Painting and Drawing.

Creative skills can enhance greatly by engaging in these activities. The surrounding sceneries can be the subject of a painting or drawing. The activity can be done alone or with friends.

6. Sewing and Carpentry.

In the full year of consistent use, some things at home need repairs, including clothes. Summer offers the perfect chance to do them. Tools for carpentry and sewing are the simple requirements. Broken furniture or worn-out sections of the house, or torn or frayed clothes get fixed, and the process gives family members time to bond together.

7. Gardening.

Greens give a wonderful ambiance to the house yard. Aside from ornamental plants, vegetables or fruit trees are good to plant around the house. Gardening tools are needed, and, of course, seedlings. With plants, the air is cleaner and the family can have a steady supply of fresh fruits and vegetables.

8. Spending Time with Loved Ones.

Having time with the family is a treasure. Holding a picnic at the park brings the family closer together. Or maybe, after doing general cleaning at home, going to a garage sale or having a movie marathon is a good reward. Or, if not, just having time with friends, classmates, or relatives, to get to know one another better.

9. Doing Sports.

The summer sun is perfect for basketball, volleyball, table tennis, soccer, softball, or any outdoor sport. Or, maybe, enrolling in a summer sports clinic together with friends.

10. Mall Strolling.

In order to avoid the hot summer sun a little bit, malls are the more convenient places to go. The air-conditioned mall environment is free; spending is not really necessary.

11. Biking.

 With family or friends, the beauty of the surroundings can be enjoyed through this activity. Biking can reduce stress, too, and decrease the risk for heart disease.

12. Handicraft Making.

Rug-making, cross-stitching, embroidering, pottering, furnishings, and wood carving are only a few of the handicrafts that are fun to do. The materials needed depend on the chosen handicraft.

13. Zumba Dancing.

It is an upbeat and fun physical fitness program for all ages, because it is a combination of dance and exercise. For this, water and towel are necessary. It is also important to wear comfortable shoes and clothing that is stretchable and breathable.

14. Brisk Walking.

This is an easy exercise to do, with minimal need for equipment. Like biking, brisk walking can lower cholesterol levels and decrease the risks of heart ailment. It can also brighten the mood, strengthens the muscles and the lungs.

15. Swimming.

It is one of the most popular activities in summer. It can be enjoyed with family or with friends. Swimming is not just for fun. There are many other benefits: makes life longer, relieves stress, promotes high spirits, makes for better brain power, lowers the risk of diabetes, alleviates asthma symptoms, keeps body weight under control, develops muscle tone and strength, and many more. 

16. Attending Summer Workshops.

Workshops in dancing, singing, drama and more are both fun and good learning opportunities. These activities boost self-confidence and promote camaraderie.

17. Doing Summer Jobs.

A good opportunity for earning money and gaining experience at the same time is to have a summer job. Many public and private establishments have job openings for summer, to fill up the posts of vacationing regular employees.

18. Volunteering.

Helping others without expecting something in return is a good learning experience and very enjoyable too. Many dental and medical missions, relief operations etc. are conducted during summer, with much room for volunteers.

These are just a few suggestions. A lot more summer-activity ideas are waiting to be thought up. There are many ways to make the summer a time to remember. (FREEMAN)