Cooling off at the lake or beach, while sipping on your favorite beverage, is a great way to spend the long hot days of summer.   Some of my fondest memories are from summers past. The relaxed schedule provides time to listen to the birds sing, smell the salt air, hear the roar of the ocean, gather around the campfire roasting marshmallows, and sharing secrets under the stars. Here, we are able to refresh our heart, our body, and our spirit. During this time, technology should be set aside.  There will be plenty of time for emails, text-messaging, video games, and movies when we return to the routines of daily life.

Outdoor activities are front and center during the summer months and whether you are at the beach, boating, or camping, you are a guest in the great outdoors. Every place you visit should be left in better condition than you found it. Treating the environment respectfully is a hallmark of good stewardship and an important value to pass on to the children you influence.

• Safety is priority number one! Accidents are a sure way to ruin a fun day.
• Wear sunscreen and apply it often.
• Use bug repellant and know what may lurk in the environment you are in.
• Keep yourself well hydrated and properly nourished.
• Swim in designated areas that you are competent to handle.
• Make sure you wear a life jacket when engaged in water activities.
• Build campfires in designated areas only and keep a watchful eye on them.
• Let others know the activities you will be engaged in and when you will return.

Be considerate of others who are in your area. Consider the content and volume of your speech, your dress, and general behavior.  Think ‘family friendly’! If you have children in your care, it is your responsibility to make sure they are safe, they have fun, and they do not offend others.

Pets often travel with us when we are away from home, and extra attention is needed to ensure their safety and the safety of others. Check in advance to see if the place you are going is pet friendly and what is required for their stay.

• Make sure your pet is properly trained and ready for the public.
• Supply plenty of fresh cool water.
• Protect your pet from the summer sun and heat.
•  Maintain your pet’s regular diet and eating schedule.
• Keep them on a leash when around other people and other pets.
• Make sure your pet’s vaccinations are up-to-date and you have their records with you.
• Require children to ask permission before they approach your pet and you are present.
• Clean up after your pet.

Whether you are away for the day, a weekend, or week, everyone should be involved in the day’s activities; including, meal preparation and clean-up.  Spend some time thinking about creative and healthy meal options that require very little work on-site. A small amount of preplanning will ensure nutritious meals and ease of preparation.

Finally, keep your schedule light to allow for unexpected moments. These are typically the ones that will create the fondest memories.