First Person: Not Your Average Summer School Experience

Spending the summer at St. Lawrence has opened my eyes to all of the different activities accessible to students in the North Country. After this crazy year, getting outside and enjoying the sweet summer weather with friends has been refreshing. Trying new things is what this summer was all about. From learning how to barbecue to hiking in The Adirondacks, it is certain that St. Lawrence students are adventurous and driven to try different activities.

Here are eight fun activities to do at St. Lawrence in the summer! 

1. Have a cookout with friends

One of my favorite memories from this summer was grilling kabobs and burgers at the barbeque behind Whitman. My friends and I prepared watermelon salad, a charcuterie board, delicious kabobs, and of course s’mores. None of us had a ton of experience with barbequing but that was part of the fun. Together we learned how to barbecue and shared several laughs during the process. College doesn't just teach you academic skills but life skills, too.

2. Rent Bikes from Fox Hall 

If your car was too full to bring your bike along for the semester, don’t worry! You can rent one from Fox Hall (formerly Madill Hall). Whether you are running errands in town, or want to cruise around campus after dinner, renting bikes from Fox Hall is easy and accessible. Located at the center of campus, Fox Hall was recently renamed after our recently retired President Bill Fox. 

3. Go Golfing

Located on campus, the Oliver D. Appleton Golf Course has been a popular spot to blow off steam this summer. Many students have been hitting the green with hopes of victory. However, if you are new to golf or just want to go for fun, there are plenty of students who are game for a more relaxed round of golf. 

4. Hike in the Adirondacks

There are 46 high peaks in the Adirondacks that many students spend time climbing during their four years at SLU. The summer has provided a unique opportunity for me because the hiking is absolutely incredible. I recently climbed Cascade and Porter; the weather was phenomenal and the view from the top of Cascade was unbelievable. If hiking a high peak is intimidating, don’t fret, there are plenty of shorter hikes that provide just as breathtaking of views. Mt. Arab is an easier climb and it even has a fire tower at the top, making it perfect for sunrise and sunset.

5. Go Rollerblading 

Until a couple of weeks ago, the last time I went rollerblading was for a birthday party in second grade, but rollerblading has become an activity that my friends and I do a couple of times a week. It is a nice way to end the day and to spend time catching up with friends. Unlike bikes, we do not have rollerblade rentals on campus, but Walmart is only 10 minutes away if you want to pick up a pair.

6. Take a trip to Lampson Falls for a swim

Grab your towels and some sunscreen! Summer in the North Country does not come without heat, and Lampson Falls is just a 20-minute drive from campus. It is a wonderful place to spend the afternoon, jumping in and out of the water, swimming across to the falls, and spending time with friends. 

7. Yoga on the quad

After a long week of biking, golfing, hiking, rollerblading, swimming, sunbathing and of course schoolwork, students may find themselves needing time to catch their breath and relax. Yoga on the quad, taught by current sophomore Lily English, is a great way to reset on Sunday afternoons. Whether you are an advanced yogi or it’s your first time practicing, Lily is ready to guide you through a relaxing yoga class!

8. Chase the sunset with friends

There is nothing better than finishing the day with a North Country sunset. Start driving in whichever direction you choose and I promise you will find a nice spot to park the car and enjoy the sky as it changes colors! 

The experiences that students have from this semester will be memories that they look back on fondly for the rest of their lives. In a year full of confusion, St. Lawrence has provided a strong anchor for students, fostering their friendships, experiences and providing a light at the end of the tunnel.