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Teachable Moments from Prevention Action Alliance
Know! You Are Not Alone
Summer fun for youth typically includes packed pools, backyard camping,
fairs and festivals, sporting events, and lazy days spent simply
hanging out—with their friends. This summer is unfortunately going to
look and feel different for them and for us. Depending on where you
live and the personal choices you’re making for your family, you and
your children may fully be experiencing a shelter-in-place lifestyle,
or you may be starting to reengage in slightly closer social
interactions.
There is still a great deal of uncertainty, and differing opinions on
how best to move forward, taking into account the physical and mental
health wellness of ourselves, our children, and extended family
members. There is no question however that our tweens and teens want
and need social interaction, whether that means virtual hangouts with
family and friends or getting together while staying six feet apart.
Socially Distant Summer Fun
Tasked with coming up with summer activities young people can do apart,
but together, we went straight to the experts – parents and youth. Here
are some of the fantastic ideas they came up with:
Take a hike, bike ride, or walk together—just maintain distance
Play cornhole, frisbee golf, or putt-putt with a friend
Hammocking is a big trend among teens. They can still hang out and
hammock in the same area together, just make sure it’s one person to a
hammock
Grab a pole and go fishing with a friend
Try canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding (always with another person)
Set up an inexpensive kiddie pool in the backyard for each friend
invited, and have guests bring over their own popsicle and lemonade
Go skateboarding, go-karting, or paintballing
Start a weekly running club
B-Y-O-B – Bring Your Own Basketball and play H-O-R-S-E or 21—apart, but together
Volunteer with a friend—do some yardwork or go shopping for an elderly neighbor
Meet up with friends for a picnic at the park—just bring your own blanket and food
Plant a backyard garden or build garden boxes, nurture, and watch your plants grow
Try geocaching: follow GPS coordinates to find treasures near you
Create a scavenger hunt and invite friends to join – check out Google for endless ideas
Come up with Amazing Race-type challenges
Invite surrounding backyard neighbors to a socially distant, outdoor movie night
Firepit and smores with seats spaced out
Go old school with traditional yard games like horseshoes, badminton,
or croquet—just use separate mallets, racquets, and horseshoes
Get creative by painting, pressing flowers, or sculpting with clay
Find a good-old-fashioned pen pal
Better yet, try creating an “Ongoing Story” with friends—get an
inexpensive journal, write how much or little you want to get the story
started, then leave it on a friend’s doorstep with instructions to keep
it going (and on and on). Or, go virtual and tell the story in an
online format like a shared Google doc.
Have an online cupcake decorating contest—post photos and ask for votes
Create fun TikTok videos
While in-person escape rooms may be temporarily closed, virtual escape
rooms like Hogwarts Digital Escape Room and Jumanji: Escape to Camp
just might be calling your name
This summer is going to look and feel different for our children, but
it need not be wasted. There are plenty of opportunities and a variety
of ways for them to get outside, get active, have fun, soak up the
summer sun and fresh air, and yes, even enjoy time spent with friends!
About Know! Teachable Moments
Everyone has a role in prevention. By reading and sharing this Know!
Teachable Moment today, you’re doing your part to prevent substance
misuse and create a healthier world for all.
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