How One Volunteer Made a Summer of a Lifetime
Alyssa Barnea, the volunteer in this article, is a Volunteer at FC of Livingston, NJ

Summer; my favorite season of the year. Two whole months of no school, going to the beach, hanging out with friends, going to camp, or even going to a water park; the possibilities are endless. But for some, summer is not as enjoyable. My special friend can’t do all the fun activities I do during summer. He usually spends his summer inside watching TV, or playing on the computer. But this year was different. This year I wasn’t going to let that happen. I wanted him to have the chance to enjoy summer like I do. Although it was somewhat difficult, we overcame many obstacles together, and I have a feeling this is going to be one of the best summers he will ever have in his childhood.          

Being only seven, there are select few activities I am allowed to do with him. Going to the playground is by far his favorite activity during the summer. He loves to climb across the monkey bars and loves being pushed on the swings. Bike riding is another adventure we came across. Although taking the training wheels off was a bit of an obstacle, he never gave up, and learned to ride a two wheeler in record time.  Because he wasn’t allowed to go to the water park, wemade our own. We got dressed in our bathing suits and played outside in the sprinkler, making up our own water games and obstacle courses in the backyard. Every week is a new adventure with more fun surprises and activities for us to do together.         

Summer should be a time where every kid can enjoy themselves and have loads of fun. You don’t need a water park or a beach to have fun with your special friend; all it takes is some teamwork and imagination. There are millions of fun activities to do with your special friend to make their summer very enjoyable and memorable. Even if you are going to camp, surprise your special friend with a letter telling them how you are, or telling them you miss them. Summer is the perfect time to have fun and make memories that will last a lifetime. long have you been working with Friendship Circle?