As soon as Winter Break ended, Clarion University students were counting down the weeks until the semester ends May 7. Students are finding it hard to concentrate in classes and to study when the weather is beginning to change outside. The trees are starting to bud, the grass is getting greener and students just want to spend their time outside in the sunshine.
Students are beginning to make their plans for summer vacation. For almost four months, they will be free from the confines of school and free to do what they want, when they want. Some students already have a summer full of activities and plans, but others are leaving Clarion with open minds for their summers.
For those students who have yet to plan their summer, here are 10 ideas for summer break:
1 Work
Most definitely the least fun of all the 10 ideas for summer vacation, working is also the most practical. Working in your hometown over the summer allows some students with the freedom to focus only on studies during the school year. The more money students make over the summer, the more they have to live on during the rest of the year. However, some students use the money earned over the summer for entertainment during those warm months. Summer job money is often used for activities with high school friends back at home.
“I’m going to be working at Hershey Park this summer,” said Clarion student Shawn Hallowell.
2 Take a Summer Class
Taking classes during summer is unpopular among the typical student population, but it can be a saving grace for others. Summer classes at Clarion provide students with a chance to get ahead (or catch up) with three-week or six week courses that count for credit. Summer courses often provide an opportunity to take electives because these courses often have condensed content. This is perfect for classes that are fill-ins, but not recommended for core classes in your major. Soon-to-be Clarion graduate, Janelle Zabresky, will be taking this summertime opportunity.
“I’m going to Fort Lauderdale to get a head start on law school,” Zabresky said.
3 Volunteer
Volunteering is another unpopular, yet rewarding choice of activity for summer vacation. It provides students with a chance to do something worthwhile, either within your community or in a foreign land. Volunteering also gives students a chance to meet new people during events or projects and sometimes results in lasting friendships. Volunteering is a great thing because you are helping other people in need, feeling good about yourself and another plus; volunteering looks great on your résumé. Clarion University student Philip Wass is planning on volunteering as part of his summer internship.
“I am doing public relations work for the theater department here at Clarion,” Wass said.
4 Go on a Vacation Whether it is a planned vacation with the family or an unexpected road trip with old friends, vacations provide a
great sense of relaxation in summer months. Beach trips are popular over summer vacation, but mountain-hiking trips can be fun too. Mountainous regions provide vacationers with cooler weather and more exercising activities than beach areas. Foreign countries are also becoming more popular with vacationing families over the summer.
5 Go to a Concert
Summer provides students with the best time of the year for concerts. Summer is known for its free concerts in parks during the summer and also it’s the season for county fairs. Many county fairs are able to provide locals with popular musicians of various styles. Whether the band is well-known or not, concerts provide students with a place for socializing with others and having a good time.
6 Go to a Theme Park
Theme parks offer students with a variety of different activities all in one place. Most parks offer visitors with a plethora of rides, a water park and a midway filled with games. Parks also provide a wide choice of food vendors to satisfy any craving you may have. Theme parks are a perfect location for a summer day because they cater to all types of personalities and adventurers.
7 Exercise
Summer provides the perfect opportunity to jump-start an exercise and diet plan. Sunny weather is a great backdrop for a new start regarding exercise and meal changes. During the summer, students have the ability to go outside and walk or run in their hometown. Summer is also a good time to start training for a marathon or other type of race. Many marathons are held as charity events, so students could spend their summers getting themselves in shape and running for a good cause too. Clarion University senior Elijah Daubenspeck enjoys exercising during the summer.
“I like to play basketball and ride my bicycle on summer break,” he said.
8 Host a Barbeque
Summer is the perfect time to get all of your old friends together (or new ones) and family for a barbeque or picnic. Another alternative to a barbeque is having a fire at night and inviting friends to sit around it and eat s’mores and mountain pies. Hosting events like these are a great way to catch up with friends you haven’t seen for while and share stories from the past year.
9 Go to the Drive In
Drive-in movies offer a glimpse of old-time fun with a hint of romance. Instead of taking the traditional car to drive-ins, borrow someone’s pick-up truck to take to the movies. Then take along folding chairs to set up in the back of the truck and take a cooler for whatever you may need during your movie viewing experience.
10 Have a Summer Fling
Summer provides the perfect backdrop for a quick summer romance on vacation or back at home. Getting to know someone new or getting reacquainted with an old friend can be a fun summertime adventure that might result in something more once the season comes to an end.
