Summer is finally here, and remaining students take to the outdoors

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Winter semester has come to a close and many students have gone their separate ways, but those that remain in the Provo area are re-discovering the joys of the great outdoors.

The Provo area has a lot to offer when it comes to outdoor recreation. Students have access to a number of activities ranging from hiking and camping, to boating on Utah Lake. The large amount of city parks in the area provide students with a quick getaway where they can participate in activities like Ultimate Frisbee, and new crazes like Spikeball and slack lining.

Many students that remain in the Provo area for spring and summer terms are from all over the country and are discovering new unique ways to enjoy the outdoors. Many of these activities are made possible by the geographic landmarks that are just a short distance to the east.

“I’ve always loved the mountains,” said Brooke Morgan, a sophomore majoring in exercise science and athletic training from South Lake, Texas. “There are no mountains in Texas and I’m really excited to go hiking.”

The close proximity to the campus and students’ homes makes the mountains easy to visit.

“I love the hiking nearby,” added Derrik Chandler, a senior from Wendell, Idaho, majoring in chemical engineering. “The mountains are only ten minutes away, it’s awesome. That also makes it easy to go camping. … I love to camp, That’s the best part of summer.”

Hiking and camping are just the beginning when it comes to what can be done in the mountains. Students have discovered the joys of rock climbing on the jagged cliffs of Rock Canyon, and riding down Provo Canyon on a long board. The adventurous possibilities are endless in the nearby Wasatch Mountains.

Students found a number of ways to enjoy the summer sun, including long boarding (courtesy of Jake Slater)
Students have found a number of ways to enjoy the summer sun, including long boarding. (Photo by Jake Slater)

The mountains are not the only natural landmark to keep students entertained. A short distance to the west of Provo lies a body of water that also provides many opportunities for students to spend their time.

“I’m looking forward to going boating,” said Kristin Young, a senior from Pittsburgh, Penn., studying human development. “I don’t have a usual spot, but last summer I went to Utah Lake.”

Utah Lake provides a number of opportunities for students to enjoy the summer sun: fishing, canoeing and picnicking near the lake, just to name a few.

Provo’s local parks provide a perfect place to participate in a number of social games and sports.

Ultimate Frisbee has become one of Provo students favorite summer past times (courtesy of Jake Slater)
Ultimate Frisbee has become one of Provo students’ favorite summer pastimes (Photo by Jake Slater)

“Spikeball is super fun to play,” Chandler said. “It’s a great social game that pretty much anyone can play.”

Spikeball has made a large imprint among students in a short amount of time. Spikeball is a variation of volleyball, but is played with a small round net placed at ankle level that the teams use to bounce the ball off of to change possessions. Only four people can play Spikeball at one time (two teams of two players) but it has proven to be an enjoyable social game, which is why it is taking Provo by storm.

Of all the things that the remaining students are enjoying about the summer months, being with friends in a time of minimal stress has been the favorite.

“I like that here in Provo, as opposed to back home, all my friends are right here,” Young said. “And it’s so close I don’t always have to be far from home to be with friends.”

The college scene provides a social atmosphere that makes it easy to meet new people and make new friends, which is very easy to do during the summer months.

“Being at college, it is a lot easier to do things with a large group of friends,” Morgan added. “It’s easier to do things at BYU because everyone is so nice.”

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