The summer of 2022 has by far been my best one yet; I credit this fact to one component that is essential to having a quality summer, and that is the great outdoors.
As students struggle to hold on to these last few days of school, summer plans are constantly on their minds. When LHS students develop their summer bucket list, they should consider taking time to ensure they do more than just be outside and lay in the sun, but also take into advantage the endless activities that nature has to offer.
Biking: Biking was one of the most fun activities I rediscovered this past summer. My family and I always went on bike rides when I was young but I never appreciated it enough. However, when I began to go biking with my friends throughout last summer, I discovered a new admiration for it. Going for a bike ride at night quickly became a daily routine for my friends and me. It is so easy to meet up with friends to go for a nice ride, listen to some music on a speaker and have good conversations. Biking allows for a person to appreciate their surroundings and find a sense of relaxation. It does not have to be an intense workout, it can just be a leisurely journey. Biking is easily one of the best ways for a person to spend quality time outside in the summer.
Camping: Camping may sound inconvenient and like a hassle, but it is one of the best ways for friends to bond and become closer. The past summer for me was filled with many camping trips; whether it is just one night here in Sioux Falls at the Palisades, or a weekend trip in the Hills, camping is a must-do for everyone this summer. Camping involves more than just sleeping in a tent, it allows for a person to feel independent and as if they are living on their own. My friends and I had some of the most memorable experiences during our camping trips. We had a great deal of fun making our own dinner on a campfire, waking up early for the sunrise and picking out places to go hiking. Hiking is one of the best activities to do when camping; going for a hike with friends is a great opportunity to have heart-to-heart conversations with one another and to experience the beauty of nature. Camping is the perfect way for a person to not only build their connection with nature, but also with their friends.
Going to the lake: When I think of summer, I instantly think of the lake; for me, lakes are the epitome of a good summer. What I always look forward to is inviting my friends up to my lake cabin to tube, paddle board, swim and just lay around by the water. Even if a person does not own a cabin, there are plenty of public places by lakes for people to spend the day at. Specifically in the Black Hills, this past summer my friends and I took every opportunity we had to go for a lake swim. Not to mention, late night swims are always the most fun and make for the best memories. When in doubt, this summer everyone should find every chance they have to go to a lake because simply being by the water guarantees to bring about good vibes.
The outdoors have so much more to offer other than these three activities, like hammocking, stargazing or going for a picnic. The outdoors should not just be the setting during the summer, they should be a part of the experience. The great outdoors are not called great for no reason, so for this summer, I encourage everyone to appreciate the outdoors and its beauty. Soon enough we will return to school where we will be staring at our computer screens once again, wishing we were back outside.