Can you feel it?
The end of the school year is rapidly approaching. In fact, it will be here next week.
Summer is almost here.
School children in Magnolia — those who did not graduate last Friday night, at least — are basically down to the snow days that have to be made up this year. (Yes, the wintry weather that we all enjoyed just a couple of months ago must now be made up for here at the end of the school calendar year.) Homework is now a thing of the past — until August, anyway. Children are already focusing on summer activities and vacations and, best of all, staying home these next three months.
No doubt that is the focus of their parents, too.
So, as of June 4, the backpacks will be put away, the pencils will be returned to the desk drawer and the books will all but banished from the daily lives of most children. (Maybe a few will still read a book here and there over the summer, but no one will be surprised if not a single page is turned.)
There’s plenty to do in Columbia County and southwest Arkansas over the summer. Swimming, hiking, fishing, bicycling, and camping opportunities are readily available to vacationing families. Lake Columbia and Logoly State Park are just two local recreational sites that can be quickly accessed from Magnolia, but we are fortunate to live in a part of the country where scenic beauty abounds. For anyone looking to trade their view of the inside of a classroom to a forest or sparkling body of water, there are lots of choices.
However, should always remember to use caution any time they are recreating with small children. We hope that everyone enjoys this time of year, but we also want to remind parents that there are potential dangers during the summer months.
For example, wherever you put your foot outside, there is always the possibility of getting a tick bite, and ticks carry diseases. Wear protective clothing and remember to use bug repellant before going outside.
Sunshine is great, but exposure to too much sun is not so great. Be sure to wear protective clothing and sunscreen. (And, yes, sunscreen should even be worn on cloudy days.) Look for products with UVA and UVB protection of at least 15. Sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats are also recommended.
At the lake or pool, parents need to focus on their kids 100 percent of the time. Remember, a child can drown almost anywhere, so adults, pay attention.
In addition to ticks and other pesky insects in the wild, poison oak and ivy can also cause problems for those who go outdoors unprepared. Learn how to recognize what these plants look like and avoid them.
Okay, safety tips done. Now get out there and enjoy the summer!