Chatham's Guide to 2020 Summer Fun
It’s safe to say Summer 2020 is going to look a little different than its predecessors. And while you may not be able to take the vacation of your dreams, there are still plenty of ways to have fun in the summer sun— just be sure to choose activities that keep yourself and others safe. As always, we’re here to help. Join us as we explore 15 ways to make the most of Summer 2020… there’s nothing wrong with getting creative!
1) Get outside
A little fresh air can bring a lot of joy. Take a hike! If you’re in Pittsburgh for the summer, Ohiopyle and Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve boast great outdoor hiking options. Go foraging for wild berries (blueberries and wild strawberries are delicious and native to PA), hammock, bike, or simply lie outside and soak up the sun. No matter what you do, don’t forget to wear sunscreen!
2) Don’t stop learning
Classes may not be in session for most students right now but that doesn’t mean you have to stop learning. Grab a good book— check out JKM Library’s summer reading list—or listen to a new podcast. Learn a new language or watch how-to videos on Youtube.
3) Become an influencer
With the world going virtual, now is as good of a time as ever to up your social media game. Get into taking photos. Try out some creative selfies (the outdoor mirror trend is our favorite). Go live and make a cooking video. Learn a TikTok dance and become the star you were born to be.
4) Be intentionally lazy
If you’re going to be lazy, you might as well do it right. Plan out your lazy day. Set aside time for sleeping-in, Netflix binging, and phone-scrolling. Pick out the perfect hoodie and sweatpants combo ahead of time. Order food delivery (remember to shop local!) so you don’t have to leave the house or lift a finger.
5) Keep up with Chatham
Tag us in your summer pursuits on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Keep your eyes open for “The Screaming Squirrel” in your inbox for updates on all the fun virtual events Chatham is holding throughout the summer. Add Student Affairs on Snapchat, @chathamusnaps, for scavenger hunts, bingo, and a chance to win a gift card every other Thursday this summer!
6) Use your extra time to tell someone you love them
Whether it be platonic or romantic, the world needs a little more love. Call up your grandparents, do an act of service for your parents, or send a letter to a friend you miss. If you’re feeling brave, text that person you’ve had eyes on all semester (plenty of people are professing their love in quarantine!)
7) Break out your inner child
Do something you haven’t done since you were a little kid. Jump rope, roller skate, dust up on your sidewalk chalk skills, and eat a popsicle. We promise you won’t regret it.
8) Slow it down
Try slowing life down a bit for the day. Turn off your phone, make some sweet ice tea, and do an afternoon of porch sitting. Consider taking up bird watching, knitting, or crocheting.
9) Build your career
Summer is a good time to freshen up your resume and update your LinkedIn. The Office of Career Development is always happy to help with anything you need. Take this time to network with alumni and find a mentor to help you in your journey through Chatham Connect. Make sure to check out Handshake for job postings and remember that every job is a stepping stone to your dream career.
10) Make the chop
Slice up some veggies for the perfect summer meal. Cut your hair to a new length—don’t worry, chances are you won’t be seeing too many people before it grows out. Break out the grill and make legendary pork chops or wait for a warm night and split some wood for a campfire.
11) Go back to the basics
Can you hammer a nail? Have you ever grown a plant from a seed? Know how to sew a button? Tried changing the oil in your car? If you’re bored, there is no harm in learning some good old fashioned life skills; future you will be grateful.
12) Challenge yourself
In a summer that’s going to be a little isolated, it’s important to keep up with your closest friend—you! If you aren’t super active, try taking up a sport or working out. Not much of an artist? Try something simple like doodling or using old magazines to make a collage. If you’re not a reader, set a goal of reading one article or chapter of a book each day.
13) Do an act of service
When you do good, you feel good. There is never a shortage of need for volunteers. Get groceries for your elderly neighbors or help at your local food bank. A safe and easy way to help from home is by donating to those in need.
14) Document your summer
We’re living in a historic time right now and it’s important to document your experience. Plus, there’s nothing more fun than watching old videos or reading old journals. Take a photo or video every day and make a compilation at the end of the summer (1 Second Everyday is great for this). Submit your experience to the Chatham COVID-19 Collection Project to share it with Chatham students of past, present, and future.
15) Change it up
It’s easy to fall into routine (wake up at noon, stay in pajamas, watch TV until 3 am, etc..) but making a few small changes can make a big difference. Rearrange the furniture around your home. Order a funky accessory to add to your outfits. Have breakfast for dinner. Walk somewhere you’ve never walked before. Roll your spare change and cash it in.