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The student news site of Pleasant Valley High School

Spartan Shield

The student news site of Pleasant Valley High School

Spartan Shield

Best things to do in the first week of summer

A+tent+set+up+before+camping+near+the+river.+
Ryan Vance
A tent set up before camping near the river.

As the school year comes to a close, there are endless activities to do with the spare time and nice weather that comes with summer. As is often the case, being with friends makes everything more fun. Bettendorf is a great place for groups to gather and partake in activities. Summer ventures can bring friends even closer than they already were. Here are some of the best activities to do in the first week of summer.

Play ball

The nice weather in Iowa makes ball sports a perfect summer activity s. Whatever the sport, it seems like there is a place to play it in Bettendorf. Heading to the court or field is a good way to spend a few hours with friends. The friendly competition brings groups together over an activity.

Go swimming

On a hot day, jumping into a pool is one of the best feelings there is. Bettendorf is home to many pools and bodies of water for public use. Many of these available pools are cheap and home to other water attractions for all ages. Diving boards, splash pads, slides and more are available at most of the public pools.

Go camping

Heading to Scott County Park and making a campsite is a great bonding experience. There are many activities to do at the park before settling down for the night. Games, fires and marshmallows are just a bit of what camping has to offer. Even if the campground is just the backyard, it is a fun experience for everyone.

Elementary games

Grab a ball and head to the local elementary school with some friends. Play on the playgrounds or shoot some hoops; relive the days of recess. Many of the games played can be enjoyed at any point in life. The playground can offer hours of entertainment.

Have a picnic

Going to a park and having a picnic is something that happens all the time in movies, but people never really seem to do them in real life. Picnics are a fun way to enjoy the environment. Sitting in a field or park and watching everyone go about their day can be calming. Adding some tasty food can make the activity more enjoyable. 

Go for a walk

Being near the river makes Bettendorf a great walking spot. The breeze from the water can be refreshing on a hot day. If the river gets old, there are many parks and roads that make for great walking paths. Bringing a friend is a sure way to make the walk more interesting.

Have a bonfire

Bonfires are a sign of summer all over the world. Sitting by the fire is a great time to tell ghost stories, cook food, make friends and keep warm during a cool night. The light of the fire is something that just seems right at the end of a night. Time seems to slow down and the night feels as though it will last forever.

Climb a tree

Climbing a tree is something many used to do when they were younger. It can be a great way to get in touch with the inner child in us all. There are many trees all over Bettendorf waiting to be climbed. It requires some movement, but the view at the top is worth it.

Fish

There are many great places to fish around Bettendorf and many places to buy supplies. Catching a fish can put a smile on almost anyone, but some people don’t know how to start. Buying a pole and some line with friends won’t disappoint at the right fishing spot.

Host a barbeque

The grill is one of the best smells at the end of a beautiful summer day. It is a great way to get any group of people together. The food almost never disappoints and isn’t difficult to make. Grills are also available in many public parks if far from home.

There are many activities for students and adults to partake in this summer. Some of them can be done in the backyard and some are more enjoyable in a public place. These can be done at any point throughout the summer, not just the first week, and there are many more opportunities out there, people just have to look for them! 

 

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About the Contributor
Ryan Vance
Ryan Vance, Buisness Manager
Ryan Vance is currently a Senior at Pleasant Valley and is the Business Manager for the Spartan Shield. He is a varsity starter for the PV Boy’s Swim Team, and he is also a team captain. Next year, he plans to study engineering at an undecided university. His favorite classes are French and AP Physics. Ryan recently became an Eagle Scout and was inducted into the National Honors Society, and although he is always working hard on academics and extracurriculars, you can often catch Ryan at a breakfast joint hanging out with his friends. Outside of school, Ryan likes to stay active; he enjoys skiing, playing Spikeball and cliff jumping. Over the summers, he spends his time working at Wendling Quarries and hanging on by the river. Ryan is looking forward to working on the Shield this semester.
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Best things to do in the first week of summer