For Those Not Already On Vacation

In March of this year, I had the privledge to take a group of high school girls to New Orleans. Working through the Archdiocese of New Orleans, we spent 5 days repairing two homes damaged from the levee breaks in the 9th ward. Not only did I create bonds with my two teachers and the students, I was so impacted by how much work STILL needs to be done and the personal stories of the many people we met while we were there. The devastation was still evident throughout the city - especially the Lower 9th. I couldn't believe how much the residents had suffered and how hopeful they were for the future. Many people have not returned but the ones who made the choice to rebuild and renew, were an inspiration to me. I fell in love with the city and the people. What an asset this city is to the diverse fabric of our country. It was hard work, but I plan on going next March. - Kristen Denver, CO

Sent by Kristen Ferguson | 3:50 PM | 7-4-2007

During the course of my life I've had many interesting and fulfilling trips such as doing medical work in 3rd world countries like Guatemala and Ethiopia....but my favorite "life changer" occurred when I was eight years old: my dad took us camping in the Northern California Redwoods. My first sight of those majestic trees imbued me with a sense of humility that has remained with me all these years.

Sent by Kip Tulin (too-lin) | 3:54 PM | 7-4-2007

A couple of yrs ago our family served as lighthouse keepers at the New Dungeness Lighthouse in Sequim WA. My husband and two children (7 and 9) joined my husbands brother, his wife and their two children for one week at the lighthouse. We had keeper responsibilities such as polishing brass and taking visitors on tours. We were lucky enough to participate in January so there were very few visitors. We had some great storms and did a lot of reading. The kids made movies with the cam corder. The lighthouse is on a long spit so the lighthouse coordinators drive the volunteers out to the lighthouse at low tide and pick us up one week later at low tide. It is important to go with people you love as you are on the spit/at the lighthouse for one week without being able to drive out with supplies etc. You bring all your food and toiletries with you. The house itself is a beautiful, clean and well appointed home with pool table/ping pong table in basement and washer/dryer. It was a great opportunity to see wild life, view ship traffic and spend time together..

Sent by kim pasic | 3:54 PM | 7-4-2007

My husband and I spent the weekend at Jim Thorpe, Oennsylvania. It was a retreat into the past. We stayed at the Jim Thorpe Inn and among other places, visited the Jail at which the Kolly Mcguireses were hung. We were told that this old, dingy jail with a dundgeion was operating up to 1995. The town is full of old gothic style homes, and an OLd Opera house where we attended a concert. Great mini vacation

Sent by josephine murphy | 3:56 PM | 7-4-2007

The comment "Education Vacation" - brings me back to my childhood. As a youth the only kind of vacation I knew were museums (well.. amusement parks, too). It's a culture I grew up with - this should be a standard culture with families. I know many teachers become frustrated after summer break trying to bring the children back to the school mind-set reminding them what they learned the year before. When summer comes, it seems much is forgotten. Parents who volunteer in the sciences (parks, amateur astronomy, museums, etc.) raise well rounded and informed children. I look at amateur astronomy as a window to help in science literacy, the beginning step to the universe of science exploration. As for the gentleman that lost his job after 20 years - you can become a part of science at any time your life. I also remind parents in public outreach programs -- if your children see you as an explorer they will too become explorers.

Science hobby communities are full of explorers of all economic and social backgrounds (you do not have to wealthy - I was living in poverty when I started). If your camping at a State or County Park discover what programs they have to offer and start exploring. Also for amateur astronomy, you do not have own a telescope to join a group - all you have to do is start participating in meetings (we'll do the rest).

Suzanne S. Aleva
Academic Administrator (2002 - )
Amateur Astronomer (1998- )

PS Do check with your local university and community college to see what programs they offer for you and your children - and, yes, some may even be free!

Find your local astronomy club at: http://www.astroleague.org/

Sent by Suzanne Aleva | 4:35 PM | 7-4-2007

One of my favorite, and life perspective changing, ways to take a vacation is taking an annual, week long trip on the Kalalau Trail on the N?? Pali coast on the island of Kaua???i. It is one great way to get away from the civilization, leaving behind phones, computers, and other gadgets that are supposed to make our lives comfortable. With a heavy pack on your back with everything you need for the trip in it, you walk all day, going up and down and in and out the valleys. The rewards are instant: everywhere you look is beautiful and breathtaking with lush green, bright colors of plants and flowers, the clear blues from the ocean and the sky, and all you hear is nature. The few people you pass or meet on the trail are very nice. Ambitious hikers go all the way in one day, but my boyfriend and I hike leisurely, taking our time on the way to the Kalalau Valley, camping at Hanakapi???ai and Bluff. This allows us to take hikes up to beautiful waterfalls and take our time to savor the nature. Once we get to the Kalalau Valley, we take day hikes deep into the valley for swims in creeks, pick oranges, limes, and guavas to add to our humble meals, and venture off on the Kalalau beach, where there is hardly any soul. The Mother Nature surrounds you completely and to the core. We rejuvenate our senses, bodies, and souls on this trip. This must be one hiking trip that many outdoor lovers dream to do one day. As locals say, ???so lucky we live Hawai???i???.

Sent by Meiko Arai | 4:44 PM | 7-4-2007

I'm looking forward to a vacation trip to the Caribbean on an escorts resort at all inclusive.

Sent by hacker123 | 3:13 PM | 7-30-2008