Category Archives: summer

Empowering Kids with Disabilities to Ride: My Volunteering Journey

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During the summer of 2024, I volunteered at a camp where I had the opportunity to teach children with disabilities how to ride a bike on special bikes. The program was called “iCanBike” and I came across it through Lion’s Heart, a teen volunteering non-profit organization. I pursued two of my friends to volunteer at the week-long camp hosted by the nonprofit organization iCanShine, and all three of us loved every moment of it. 

We attended orientation where we learned how the specialized teaching bikes worked, the student that we were assigned to teach, and different strategies to keep our student focused on biking. 

At the beginning of the week-long camp, my student rode the specialized bike that iCanShine provided while I kept full control of the handle. I taught my student how to use his pedals and how to steer. My friends and I had split jobs to keep our student engaged, as they were in charge of keeping him motivated, while I was in control of our student’s safety (like keeping the bike from running into walls). 

Gradually, my student learned how to fully pedal the bike without my assistance. Using cues, I would tap my finger on his shoulder as a reminder to keep pedaling. As the camp came to an end, my student was able to bike on a two wheel bike instead of the specialized bikes and it was so amazing to see his growth!

Overall, this was an extremely rewarding experience. I got to connect with my student one-on-one and teach him the basics of how to ride a bike. I even made an impact on his family, as his mother was so excited to see her child ride a bike. Additionally, the smile on my student’s face when he realized that he was in control and riding the bike all on his own was invaluable. His mom even got him a bike of his own, showing how I’ve had an influence on his life. This volunteer project was important to me because I realized that I can help children with special needs to gain self confidence in their skills like bike riding. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and would 100% do it again.

-Sophia B

Gleanings For the Hungry

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Imagine being followed by the scent of peaches everywhere you went. That’s what it was like serving at Gleanings for the Hungry, a Christian volunteer camp in Central California. Their main goal is to feed both the physically and spiritually hungry through shipments of dried peaches and nectarines. These are distributed to poverty countries all over the world, along with excerpts of the Bible.

Our youth group went there in July. It was a 6 hour drive, and we would be spending 6 days there although it was open all summer. When we got there, I was immediately hit with the sulfurous fumes from their plant. The weather was oppressively hot, maintaining an average of 110 degrees all day.

We got settled into our cabins, which were separated by gender. Inside were 10 pairs of bunk beds, and we would be sharing with the other churches and families. Soon after, we went to the dining building to get an overview of how our day would be like. At 5 am, we would do 1 hour of field work before the sun came up. Then, we would work in 4 shifts of 2 hours in the plant, turning peaches for the machines and sorting out the bad ones. In total, 9 hours of work a day.

My week went exactly like that. Every day, we got up early to work our shifts, taking breaks in between to eat lunch or snack. After we were completely finished with the work shifts, we cleaned ourselves up. Everybody was splattered in juice and chunks of nectarine. Crickets hopped around the bathrooms.

After work, we had free time. We happened to be at Gleanings during National Slurpee Day at 7/11, so we drove there to get free slurpees. Other days, I mostly spent time in the game room, bonding with members from the other churches. There was pool, ping pong, and card games. You could go out to the volleyball and basketball courts to challenge your friends, or go swimming in the pool. Or, you could walk around the plot of land, hiking up the surrounding hills to see the view of the far away city. Towards the end of the day, we had dinner and chapel. I got to hear amazing testimonies from some of the Gleanings’ staff.

In total, Gleanings was a blessed experience. It was the subversion of my expectations that made the experience all the more worthwhile. I thought we would be exhausted and irritable after all our work. Not to be mistaken, we were exhausted, but our smiles were as bright as the sun.

If you’re planning on going, I highly recommend it. Especially if you’re on the fence about Christianity or you’re looking for a good service opportunity. Just remember to pack clothes you’re not attached to. After Gleanings, those clothes are not recovering.

The Tutoring Experience

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This summer, I had the opportunity to tutor for the first time for an organization called MathMatters. I would teach kids, usually elementary schoolers, different mathematical concepts. This was a unique but fun experience, and I have enjoyed helping younger kids grow a liking for math.

For the past few years, I have helped my brother with different subjects, including math and ELA, trying my best to teach him efficiently and effectively. Tutoring for MathMatters allowed me to put this to the test and see what ways of teaching benefited each child the most, while also noticing the differences in personality between each student. This aspect, in my opinion, was the most intriguing part of the entire opportunity. Some students were talkative, while others were more shy and reserved, meaning different ways of communication were essential for a proper session. This process allowed me to understand the difficulty of being a teacher. Teaching requires great patience and compassion, including the ability to interact with all students, knowing each person is unique. While some students understood everything quickly and easily, others required more practice to grasp the concepts.

Overall, tutoring was a unique experience that came with different challenges but allowed me to grow as a person and learn strategies about how to help children in the most effective ways.

Best Beaches for the Summer

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It’s summer, and one of the summer activities that are always good but especially on hot days is to take a trip down to the beach. There are a lot of local beach spots that are great for swimming and scenery or to just relax and unwind, here are some of my personal favorites.

Laguna Beach: Laguna Beach is one of my personal favorite beach spots. There are many beach choices in this area. One of the best beaches at Laguna Beach is Heisler Park. This is because it is great for walking on as well as swimming since it is sandy and not rocky. This beach also has a marine reserve with tide pools that you can explore as well. Another great beach in Laguna Beach is Treasure Island Beach. This beach is a great spot to snorkel and observe sea life, and it is also good for swimming and has clear water as well.

Balboa Beach: Another great local beach to visit is Balboa Beach near Newport Beach. It is a very calm beach and is great for swimming, and is a great place to relax as well. There is also a pier with fishing and restaurants, as well as a ferry to the nearby Balboa Island. The beach is also very clean with clean restrooms as well.

Crystal Cove: One of the best local beaches to go to is Crystal Cove in Newport Beach. The surf is also very calm and it is also a good spot for swimming. It is also a good spot for snorkeling and has coral reefs and lots of sea life as well. It also has several tide pools to visit and is great for taking a walk as well. There are also hiking trails above the beach that give great views of the ocean.

Huntington Beach: Huntington Beach has a large variety of activities to do as well. The areas close to the beaches there are good for swimming as they are mostly calm, but some areas of the beach have larger waves making them a great spot for surfing and there are in fact several surfing competitions held in the area. This area is also great for paddleboarding and there is also a pier on this beach, which has fishing and views of the ocean as well as great spots for photos.

Corona Del Mar: Corona Del Mar is also a very scenic local beach with plenty of things to do. This beach has views of much of the local coastline and is a great place to get photos, with cliffs and rock formations, and you can even see as far as Catalina Island on some days. The beach is located in a cove which makes it very calm and good for swimming. It is also a great snorkeling spot as it is clear as well which allows for great views of the sea life. I would recommend walking on this beach as it has walking trails along the beach, and it has great views of the sunset as well.

I hope everyone has a great summer and that this helps you to find the best activities this summer!

Kansas School of Engineering Camp Review

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Student Involvement | School of Engineering

Hey Everyone!

One of the amazing opportunities I had this summer was going to an amazing camp at the University of Kansas for Engineering! This week long sleep-away camp was such an amazing experience since I am currently looking at careers in engineering.

Through the week I went to different classes where I learned more about the field of civil engineering and got to meet many different personals from the campus as well as see some guest speakers, like Phd students and professors.

Overall I would say this was a super fun camp and I would recommend it not only for people who are interested in engineering but also because of all the different people you get to meet from many different places.

Some of the cons of this camp were that it was in a different state, so it was definitely less of an environment that I was used to and in addition to planning for the camp you must also figure out the transportation. However, this camp was much more reasonably priced compared to many camps in California. Even including my flights, round trip it costed around one third of some of the other camps I was looking at located at some UC’s.

I would definitely recommend this camp for everyone because I think it’s such a fun experience, even if you aren’t too interested in engineering since it provides great insight into career options outside of engineering too, along with college guidance.

Best Activities for the Summer

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Summer time is here, and sometimes it can be a challenge to find things to do and you can find yourself just sitting around. Summer can be much more fun when you have activities to do, so here are some activity ideas for you to get the most out of your summer vacation.

1. Go to the pool or beach.

Going to the pool is a fun summer activity that is great anytime. On a hot day, one of the best things to do can just be to take a nice swim in the pool, and it is a great summer activity that everyone can enjoy. Going to the beach can also be a great option for the summertime, as there are many activities you can do such as playing in the sand and swimming. Some great beaches nearby include Crystal Cove and Doheny Beach in Dana Point.

2. Go on a camping trip.

Another great activity to do over the summer is go on a camping trip. I personally enjoy camping because it’s a great opportunity to get into the outdoors, and I also enjoy visiting and exploring new places. Some great nearby camping spots are O’Neill Park and Carbon Canyon Park, as well as the San Gabriel Mountains north of Los Angeles.

3. Go fishing.

One of the best activities to do over the summer is to go fishing. Fishing can be a great activity if you live near a river or lake. Fishing can be both very fun and relaxing and a great way to get outdoors. Local piers such as the Huntington Beach and Dana Point piers can be great places to fish, as well as lakes such as Irvine Lake.

4. Go on a bike ride.

Another activity that you can do over the summer is going on a bike ride. Biking is a great way to get exercise as well as to go places, and it can be a fun way to get around and explore. Santiago Canyon near Irvine Lake is a great place to go biking, as well as other trails near the beach areas as well.

5. Read a book or magazine.

A great way to beat summer boredom is to read a book. Try to read a new book that you haven’t seen before. Some of my personal book recommendations are the Dune series by Frank Herbert, as well as the informational book Salt by Mark Kurlansky. Reading a magazine can also be very entertaining as well if you are bored during the summer.

6. Go on a hike.

My favorite activity to do during the summertime is going on a hike. Going on a hike is a great activity because it allows you to get a great view of nature and scenery, and it also allows you to get exercise in as well as avoid boredom. Some of best hikes nearby in my opinion are the trails in O’Neill Park and around Irvine Lake.

7. Play a sport.

Playing a sport over the summer is another activity that I would recommend since it allows you to get in shape and have fun with others. There are many sports you can do over the summer, but my personal recommendations would be swimming and tennis.

These are some activities that you can do over your summer break, so be sure to try this out if you are bored and to have fun!

Summer Solstice of 2024: The Longest and Hottest Day of the Year

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As we enter the peak of summer in 2024, nature gifts us with the Summer Solstice. This celestial event marks the longest day and shortest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. This astronomical phenomenon holds significant and natural importance in many cultures and various civilizations. This year, on Thursday, June 20th, at 1:50, we experienced the Sun at its zenith, casting the Earth in abundant daylight and warmth.

The summer solstice results from the Earth’s axial tilting a certain degree, 23.5 north to be exact; this tilt causes different parts of the Earth to receive varying amounts of sunlight throughout the year. However, during the solstice, the North Pole is tilted closest to the Sun; hence, the duration of daylight hours and amount of heat from the Sun in the Northern Hemisphere is more intense. As a result, we have longer daytime and shorter nighttime on this day, and it’s also the hottest day of the year.

The term “solstice” itself originates from the Latin words “sol” (sun) and “sistere” (to stand still), reflecting the apparent pause in the Sun’s movement across the sky as it reaches its highest point. This event has been observed and celebrated by cultures worldwide throughout history. Ancient monuments such as Stonehenge in England and Machu Picchu in Peru are believed to have been constructed in alignment with the solstices, highlighting their importance in early societies’ calendars and agricultural cycles.

The cultural significance of the summer solstice is shown in various traditions and celebrations. In many cultures, it’s a time for feasting, bonfires, and rituals celebrating to celebrate the power of the Sun and the abundance of summer. For example, the festival of Midsummer in Scandinavia and Baltic countries and the ancient festival of Litha, celebrated by modern pagans, are all rooted in honoring the solstice and its symbolic meanings of renewal, fertility, and the triumph of light over darkness.

The extended daylight during the summer solstice also affects ecosystem and wildlife behaviors. It’s the best time for growth and harvest because plants utilize prolonged sunlight for photosynthesis, promoting growth and vitality. All living things taking advantage of the extended daylight also adjust their behaviors.

In summary, the summer solstice is the Earth’s natural cycle and the interplay between our planet and the Sun. It’s a scientific event that also intertwines in a cultural and human celebration throughout history, reminding us of our connection to the rhythms of nature and the enduring significance of light as human beings.

Happy Summer Solstice!

Bella H.

Ideas for Summer

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Hello everyone!

We are coming into the months of June, July and August and school is out! With all this new free time in our hands, here are some ideas of what to do for the summer:

  1. Beach trip – Enjoy a day at the beach, soaking up the sun and enjoying the waves. There’s nothing that says summer more than the beach! 
  2. Camping – Sometimes its nice to get away from our homes and go camping to enjoy nature. Even if you can’t go camping we can still connect with the outdoors by camping (you may want to do it in the morning before it gets hot)
  3. Movie Nights – One of the most fun things to do in the summer afternoons is an outside movie night. Most cities, like Mission Viejo, offer fun families movies in the parks to everyone. It’s especially fun to hang out outside with your friends at a movie.
  4. Farmer’s Markets – There are always so many farmers markets happening around Mission Viejo! It’s always so fun to enjoy the atmosphere of the bustling markets and enjoy all the tastes, flavors, and goods of the market. You don’t even need to buy anything to have a blast!
  5. Learn Something New – Even though its summertime and we should be relaxing in our break away from school, its not a bad time to learn something new! Whenever you have some free time on your hands and are feeling bored, its always ok to try and learn more about what you are curious about, like a skill or language!

I hope everyone has an amazing summer and may be able to use these ideas to have a fun summer!

Summer Fun Unlimited

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“Happiness is a picnic blanket and a basket full of goodies”. We all need mini vacations from our everyday hustle. Here are my favorite spots to spend beautiful Southern California summer in the perfect blend of food, fun, friends and family.

Crescent Bay Park
  • Crescent Bay Point Park is located in Laguna Beach, and is great for a picnic with a view of the Pacific Ocean. It offers panoramic views and overlooks Crescent Bay Beach. The park has nicely manicured grass lawn, picnic tables and benches, hiking trails, tide pools to explore at low tide. For photography enthusiasts or for that perfect insta worthy shot, this park offers multiple scenic spots and sunset views.

    Address: Crescent Bay Dr, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Capri Laguna - 'Top of the World' is a ...
  • Top of the World is a scenic picnic spot in Laguna Beach, California. It offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, coastline, and surrounding hills. The park has grass areas, picnic tables and benches, hiking trails, sunset views, photography spots, seasonal whale watching, restrooms and parking lot. Pro tip: bring layers for changing weather, arrive early for parking and best views

    Address: 3350 Alta Laguna Blvd, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

LOCATION!! Lantern Bay Park Ampitheater ...
  • Lantern Bay Park is a popular park with spectacular views of Dana Point and the harbor. It has large grassy area and shaded areas with pine trees. The park has BBQs and picnic tables, playground, bocce ball court. There are also donation-based yoga classes in the park. It’s in the walking distance to the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa. The park has public restrooms, free admission and parking.

   Address: 25111 Park Lantern, Dana Point, CA 92629

Pines Park in Dana Point - Orange ...
  • Pines Park is situated on a bluff and offers beautiful ocean views. There is a playground for kids, water fountains, lit path, benches, picnic tables, barbecues, grassy area and grassy hills, paved trails, fun tunnel slide, climbing wall, sunset viewing benches. Parking is on the street along the side of the park. There are no restrooms, swings and the playground is slightly sunken below street level.

   Address: 34941 Camino Capistrano, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624

Treasure Island Park Laguna Beach ...
  • Treasure Island Park: You can do whale watching from the grassy lawns. The park has sandy floor, making it ideal for swimming. The water is clear for snorkeling. There is a hidden cove called Middle Man’s Cove. The park offers ample parking, clean restrooms, wheelchair ramps. The park has benches. It’s at walking distance to Goff Cove and Wesley Drive. The park has free admission, is dog-friendly (on a leash)

   Address: 30799 Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Picnic Beach at Heisler Park in Laguna ...
  • Heisler Park: The Heisler park is stretched along the bluffs on Cliff Drive from Aster Street to Diver’s Cove. The park has ocean views, walking trails, gardens, a marine refuge with tide pools, picnic tables, barbecues, lawn bowling greens. Popular park wedding sites include a Gazebo and Monument Point. Amenities include restrooms, wheelchair access. The park is dog-friendly (on a leash)

    Address: 375 Cliff Dr, Laguna Beach, CA 92651-1623

Heat Warnings!

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Now that it’s summer, we have to be more observant of the temperature outside as well as the heat warnings that the government sends out. It can be hazardous for everyone, especially for student-athletes who are participating in summer sports.

There are two types of heat strokes. One is exertional heat stroke and the other is classical heat stroke. Exertional heat stroke is one of the top 3 killers of athletes and soldiers in the U.S.

An exertional heat stroke is a sunstroke that is caused by intense exercise in the heat. In contrast, classical heat stroke is caused by prolonged exposure to hot weather and is most common in more vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, infants, and individuals with chronic illnesses.

The reason why extreme heat is so dangerous to your body is because it denatures your cells, causing them to leak their contents out into your blood. When the contents leak, it may cause liver/kidney damage and even failure of vital organs.

Some ways to identify exertional heat stroke are increased heart rate, confusion/disorientation, low blood pressure, and if your core body temperature measures above 40 degrees Celsius. Here is a little infographic below for more information:

The best method for cooling someone is to first remove any athletic or protective gear from the victim if any. Then, place them in an ice water tub while stirring the water and monitoring vitals continuously.

Besides cold water immersion, another way to cool an individual with exertional heat stroke is by dousing them in ice water and applying wet towels over their entire body, aiming to cool as much surface area as possible.

Stay safe and cool out there everyone!