SUMMER  GUIDE

Bees’ll buzz, kids’ll blow dandelion fuzz

And I’ll be doing whatever snow does

In summer

A drink in my hand, my snow up against the burning sand

Prob’ly getting gorgeously tanned

In summer

Boy o’ boy, did good ol’ Olaf had some serious ideas on how to enjoy his summer - that is, should he (or it?) ever see one. Wish we all were that clear in that respect. Since that is not the case, summer (or vacations as it’s popularly understood in our part of the world) is not exactly fun for most of us. With heat breaking past records and fewer options still to bask in, how do we make the most of our times? Does your bucket list fall short of these activities? Let’s find out!

1. Enrol in summer courses

“What in the &@&@!” I hear the exasperated tone; however, I choose to ignore the curse following it. Yes, I know there’s an “obvious” reason you didn’t pay the fee for the summer courses your university was offering. So, why would I even suggest this in the first place? I won’t. See, what I’m talking about here is you getting in touch with different institutions such as The School of Writing (TSW) for their summer courses. They, for one, have programmes in the pipeline and what caught my eye was the range of activities they have planned for with these courses for different age groups.

There is “The Film Experience”, which would discuss several aspects of film. Imagine, two hours, every Monday and Friday for six weeks to learn the intricate techniques and aesthetics as well as how to critique cinema and to investigate film and videos as unique works of art. They are also offering other sessions like “Listen to Write” (a three-hour, one-day experience to develop the sense of listening and observation skills); “Writing Leaders Programme” (training young writers to mentor on multiple writing styles; the trainee will be given a chance to volunteer at the Ruqaiya Hasan Writing Center (RHWC) set-up of TSW).

Dull? Boring? Will a photo walk all around the city make you sit up? A programme free for all participants, including transport and the use of cameras, TSW’s “Yeh Hai Karachi” in collaboration with Karachi Youth Initiative (KYI) is just the thing to engage the youth in constructing narratives of peace, tolerance, and global citizenship, specifically from within their own communities. Photojournalism, literature, filmmaking lies at the crux of these stories by participants, which will then be showcased and published, too.

2. Go for personal development

Interning at a good, reputable place is an option. A pro’s trick now, it’s how you get to show some (uncalled for) experience that ‘fresh’ graduates are supposed to have all black and gleaming on their resumes. Again, not all internships are related to the big commercial industry. It’s Ramazan, how about some volunteering? It’s not just about the selfless part, that you “owe” it to your family or the State; think how many brownie naiki points you will earn.

Cannot spare more than a couple of hours? Visit Dar-ul-Sukun or spread love at one of the Edhi Foundation centres as befits your interests and skill sets. For instance, you can be a caregiver or assist with fund-raising. Similarly, you can join The Citizens Foundation or the bi-annual Student Volunteer Program at SIUT. Donation is easier - and important, yes. But this? This is strangely more rewarding. And while you are at it, look for animal shelters and rescue homes that await your zest and zeal for a positive change to happen.

3. Be a sports fanatic

A leading label and Khelokricket facilitated a women night cricket tournament. The fair gender, despite their knack for athletics, did not always have the opportunity to play their heart out on the pitch so this was obviously very heartening. Any neighbourhood whose streetlight is working properly is liable to host such matches every night till sehri commences and one by one the players return home, though not after having asked their parents to wait and trying their luck at bat for one ‘last’ time.

But when you talk of night cricket, one cannot ignore the club cricket trend, encouraging healthy T20 face-offs between youngsters. These have been held regularly for the past several years. Keeping up with the culture, joining cricket clubs like Vital Five CC and Customs CC won’t be a bad idea; players associated with them have the chance to show off their talent in any of the tournaments their club is simultaneously part of.

As it happens, not all of these best tournaments happen to be in close vicinity. But, with TV and laptop/mobile and a good internet connection, you can always cheer your favourite team. The UEFA Euro 2016 has recently kicked off. Its new format guarantees you 50 games to be played over a 31-day period.  Also, what with two of the previous tours tainted by spot-fixing and forfeiting of game, Pakistan’s tour of England is one of the highly anticipated games of the season; the updated schedule lists ten matches, including five ODIs, four Tests and one T20 match.

4. Plan an itinerary

I remember the days when June-July was all about spending time at nani’s house. Some of you may still be keeping the tradition alive; some, I believe not. Those living at southern tip of the country would like a splash in the cool sea though not the sun if they had dared to venture during the day hours. Often in this instance, you would be joined by kids and adults from other parts of Pakistan, mostly interior.

But, with travelling packages in abundance, there’s no stopping you from exploring other cities yourself, especially if you have this wanderlust and been dreaming to go on a hike or take your pick and go to one of the wildest water parks around the world.

For the couch potatoes

The fun is superficial for them; they aren’t the party-poopers but they would rather spend three days at home, wearing the same set of lounge pyjamas, than socialise. I know the aforementioned pointers would do little to change this summer for them and make it more eventful than their last one. So, what else can I suggest for them? I think a challenge is in order: get a copy of Us (June 3, 2016), read the cover story and note which summer movies will be worth your time and money and book yourself a ticket when it hits the theatre. Doesn’t matter even if you are ‘dating yourself’; if you are watching every movie you listed, you are winning the challenge.