Safe and fun! Here is how to socialize this summer
The summer months always seem to fly by, even during a pandemic! Don’t just count down the days, make the days count with these safe social ideas!
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THROW A BYOE PARTY
While the number of people allowed to gather in a space is increasing, it’s important to still keep distant. So sharing food buffet style as you gather with friends and family isn’t the best idea. Instead, try a bring your own everything party.
Pack your own meal, drinks and utensils - kind of like going on a picnic! You can ask guests to do this as well if they are socializing in your space.
Remember, being outdoors where air has a better opportunity to circulate is the best way to gather right now according to many Canadian medical professionals.
PLAN A BACKYARD MOVIE NIGHT
Cramming into a movie theatre seems very unappealing to many people right now. However, you can still have the popcorn and enjoy a great movie ! Take advantage of the warm summer nights by hosting a movie night in the backyard.
You’ll need a projector and either a white sheet or light coloured fence to project the movie onto. Or if your cables are long enough perhaps a TV on the deck could work too!
Invite friends over and ask them to bring their own chairs. Space out families by 6 feet and remember no sharesies on the popcorn! Stick to your own bucket.
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CHECKLIST BELOW! NEIGHBOURHOOD SCAVENGER HUNT
It’s easy to think you know your neighbourhood like the back of your hand. But if you actually spend some time analyzing it, you are likely to discover things you have never seen before!
Make a checklist of things you can seach for in your neighbourhood. Race your friends, kids or neighbours to see who can find them all first.
Here is an example of somethings you could look for:
Red Cardinal
Sidewalk chalk drawing
Personalized license plate
Dandelions
Red front door
Cat in the window
Grey squirrel
Blue Jay
Baby in a stroller
Someone jogging
Butterfly
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Depending on how active the wildlife is, completing this checklist could take a couple walks!
ORGANIZE SOME FRIENDLY COMPETITION
It’s very likely that your community has either a soccer field, baseball diamond, tennis court or volleyball net for public use.
Organize a game day with some friends. Tennis and volleyball are especially great since teams do keep socially distant while playing.
The Government of Canada recommends the following:
Limit the use of shared equipment during outdoor recreational activities (e.g., sports equipment, golf clubs, bats/ batting helmets) and clean and disinfect equipment after play and between users
Wash or sanitize hands following play, especially following contact with shared equipment
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TRAVEL VIRTUALLY
It’s discouraging to think about all the cancelled trips due to the pandemic. However, you can still see things like The Louvre, The Great Wall of China and Universal Studios. There are many huge tourist attractions that have taken the tours virtual.
If you want to stay in Canada, you can check out The Royal Ontario Museum online, as well as the Vancouver Art Gallery and the Parliament buildings in Ottawa.
The pros: no lines, no admission fee and the weather is not going to dampen the mood!
You could make the experience even more memorable by serving themed snacks to help you and your guests feel like you are really there!
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As we navigate a new normal don’t be discouraged about all the lost opportunities. Instead, start making new ones! Things may feel a little different however the changes we make now will allow us to travel, socialize and gather in the future.
For more advice on how to socialize safely this summer, visit sunlife.ca.
