With millions of Americans fully vaccinated and millions more registered for a vaccine, it is safe to say we are finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. With that being said, COVID-19 is not gone yet. We all want to have the best summer ever after such a long year and a half, but we must remain safe while doing so. We want memories this summer, not super-spreader events! Here are four fun things you can do with your friends this summer while staying safe!Ā
- Go for a hike.
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This is the perfect summer activity! Find a local, state, or national park near you and meet your friends for a day out in nature! Hiking trips, whether short or long, are perfect for social distancing while still being social. Hiking is also a great way to get some exercise in. Make sure you know your parkā€™s rules before you go, as some parks may have mandatory mask mandates!
- Have a socially distanced picnic.
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What better way to spend a summer day with your friends than having a picnic? Have everyone bring a blanket and distance yourselves as you eat to minimize the spread of germs. Potluck-style picnics are always a great idea for a group, just make sure to limit the number of contact points. I recommend bringing silverware sets for each person, so everyone can share the same dish without touching the same utensil! Bring your disposable camera and have a blast!
- Go to a drive-in movie.
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With big movies set to release this summer (Black Widow, anyone?), drive-in movies are sure to be a hit this summer! Get your friends together and park near each other, bringing a radio and camp chairs to *safely* watch your movie. Drive-ins are generally inexpensive as well, and bringing your own snacks from home is super easy! No more paying $25 for a bag of popcorn and a drink at a conventional movie theatre!Ā
- Have a bonfire.
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This is the perfect hang-out idea for a chilly summer night! Break out the sweatshirts and lawn chairs and space yourselves out around a bonfire! Depending on space availability, you can string a sheet across a rope, turning your backyard into a movie theatre! I recommend getting a projector and plain white sheet online, as you can find both for fairly cheap!
I hope everyone has a fun, relaxing, and, most of all, safe summer! If you havenā€™t already, get vaccinated and keep masking up to protect those around you. This school year has been extremely challenging for us all, and we all deserve a break this summer :)