HCC Team Favorite Summer Activities
Summer looks a little different for everyone.
For some, it's spending time outdoors, exploring local markets, or enjoying long evenings with friends. For others, it's revisiting traditions, reconnecting with family, or simply finding peace in nature. No matter what summer looks like, these moments give us an opportunity to slow down, recharge, and reconnect with ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities.
At Hayes Consulting & Coaching, we believe community isn't only built through our work. It's also built through the experiences that bring us joy outside of it.
We asked members of our team to share some of their favorite summer memories, traditions, and the simple moments they look forward to each year.
Here's what they had to say.
What are your favorite ways to spend time during the summer?
LaTice
One of my favorite places during the summer is the park with my guide dog, Skor.
I love listening to everything happening around me—the children playing on the playground, people riding bikes, dogs barking, birds singing, and conversations happening nearby. Being outside reminds me of spending time with my dad. We would walk together, sing church songs, and simply enjoy being in nature.
I also love spending time with my friend Kelsi. We shop together, bake desserts, read books, swing at the park, and enjoy lunch or dinner together. Even simple moments feel meaningful because they remind me that joy can be found in everyday experiences.
Ronesha
One of my favorite things about summer is how it brings people together and makes every weekend feel like an opportunity for a new adventure. Whether I’m traveling to a new destination, backpacking through the outdoors, or spending quality time with friends and family, I love making memories and taking advantage of the longer days.
You’ll usually find me on a hiking trail, cheering at a sporting event, or wandering through local farmers markets and community events. Summer is my favorite season because it combines everything I enjoy most: being active, exploring new places, connecting with people I care about, and soaking up the energy that comes with warm weather and sunshine.
Rossalyn
I try to spend as much time outdoors as possible during the summer because once fall and winter arrive, I'm much more likely to stay inside and cozy up.
One of my favorite traditions is going to U-pick farms for strawberries, blueberries, and cherries. I also love taking walks at the park, playing pickleball, hiking, floating at the lake, exploring local markets and community events, and watching the sunset.
Summer is the time to soak up some sun and be outside!
Are there any traditions you look forward to every summer?
LaTice
Growing up, summer meant family. My parents would organize picnics and barbecues where friends and family gathered together to eat, play games, and simply enjoy each other's company. My dad's barbecue was always everyone's favorite. I also looked forward to church picnics filled with food, music, games, and laughter. When I was younger, my brother and I spent summers in Chicago with family until we turned eighteen. I taught songs, played piano at church, shared my Braille Bible, and spent time with cousins, grandparents, and friends. Those summers taught me the importance of family, faith, and community.
Ronesha
I love the simple moments of relaxing outdoors, sharing meals, laughing together, and making the most of the warm weather. Those traditions remind me to slow down and enjoy the season.
Rossalyn
In my family, we have quite a few summer birthdays, so every Fourth of July we celebrate with a big BBQ potluck. It's one of my favorite traditions because everyone comes together - it might be a small family gathering or as big as the whole family flying in from different areas of the county to catch up, celebrate birthdays, and eat good food. I'm also a huge fan of baby back ribs with a side of papaya salad - it’s one of my favorite summer meals! Beyond family gatherings, I always look forward to spending time at the lake and U-pick season. There's something special about filling a bucket with fresh strawberries, blueberries, or cherries and making a day out of it.
What kinds of places help you feel connected to your community?
LaTice
Church picnics always make me feel connected. They're places where I feel at home. Everyone is together sharing food, music, games, and conversation. Sometimes people forget that I'm blind, and I still need to explain the support I need. But even then, I still feel included because people are willing to help, and I can participate in many of the activities with a little assistance. Being surrounded by my church family, enjoying the sunshine with Skor beside me, reminds me that community is about belonging.
Ronesha
The places that help me feel most connected to my community are church, local celebrations, and farmers markets. I enjoy being in spaces where people come together to support one another, celebrate local businesses, and build meaningful relationships.
Rossalyn
Summer is the perfect time to explore farmers markets, local markets, and community pop-ups. It feels like every weekend there's something different happening, and I love seeing so many people out supporting local businesses, artists, and makers.
One of my favorite things to do is walk through the vendors, discover new small businesses, try different foods or drinks, and, of course, stop by a matcha or coffee stand along the way. To me, community grows when we intentionally choose to support one another, and these local events are one of my favorite reminders of that.
How do you recharge during the summer?
LaTice
When it's especially hot outside, I enjoy slowing down in different ways.
I love reading Braille books, especially mysteries like The Boxcar Children and books about dogs. I also spend time painting rocks and wooden crafts with my friend Ashby.
Painting reminds me of spending time with my dad and allows me to express how I'm feeling through different colors. My favorite color is pink.
Those quiet moments help me recharge.
Ronesha
The best way for me to recharge is by slowing down and taking care of myself. A good nap is nonnegotiable, and I make it a priority to rest, stay hydrated, and give my body what it needs to feel its best. I believe taking care of myself allows me to show up as my best self in every area of life.
Recharging doesn’t always mean being alone. Sometimes it looks like an indoor self care day, an energizing cycling class, or spending quality time with friends over a great meal. Those moments of connection, movement, and rest help me reset and leave me feeling refreshed and ready for whatever comes next.
Rossalyn
Being out in nature is my favorite way to recharge for the summer! Whether it's spending the day at the lake, driving out to the Oregon Coast, having a picnic with friends, or simply taking a walk on a sunny afternoon, being outside helps me slow down and appreciate what's around me. Summer reminds me to disconnect from my devices, be present, and enjoy the little things. Spending time in nature helps me recharge, clear my mind, and practice gratitude for the places and people around me.
What's a summer memory that has stayed with you?
LaTice
One of my favorite memories was competing in track while attending the Washington State School for the Blind. I competed in races like the 100-yard dash, the 200-meter, and the 50-yard dash. My dad was my guide runner. He tied a string between our wrists and encouraged me every step of the way. Together we traveled to competitions in different states, including New Mexico. Winning ribbons and medals felt wonderful, but what I remember most is hearing my dad tell me he was proud of me. Those memories still stay with me today.
Ronesha
The summer memories that stay with me most aren’t tied to a specific place, but to the people I shared them with. I love spending time with the people I care about, trying new experiences together, and creating moments we’ll laugh about long after summer ends.
Rossalyn
One of my favorite summer memories is riding my bike around the neighborhood as a kid. When I think of summer, I think about waking up early, hearing the birds chirping, and the smell of freshly cut grass. I also loved going to my parents' company picnics at Oaks Park. We would spend the day riding the amusement park rides, eating barbecue, and just having fun together as a family. And, there is nothing like hearing the ice cream truck in the distance. My brother and I would get so excited waiting for it to make its way down our street. I always picked the strawberry shortcake ice cream bar or an otter pop. Looking back, it's those simple moments that made summer feel so magical.
What’s something simple that brings you joy during the summer?
LaTice
Fresh fruit. Riding my bike. Selling Kool-Aid as a kid. Those small moments taught me responsibility, independence, and how to save money, but they were also simply fun. Sometimes the simplest memories become the ones we treasure most.
Ronesha
The simplest things bring me the most joy during the summer: sunshine and being near the water. Whether it’s soaking up the warmth on a beautiful day, spending time by a lake or the beach, or just enjoying the fresh air, there’s something about the combination that instantly lifts my mood.
Summer reminds me to slow down, be present, and appreciate the little moments. Sometimes all I need is a sunny day, a view of the water, and good company to feel completely recharged.
Rossalyn
Seasonal fruit is definitely one of my favorite parts of summer. Watermelon, strawberries, blueberries, and cherries just taste better this time of year. I also love how long the days are. Having sunlight until late in the evening makes it feel like there's so much time in my day. I simply just enjoy being out in the sun, fresh air and being surrounded by nature during the summer. And I'm so grateful to be living in the PNW, because of the views we get to see!
Final Thoughts
One thing we noticed while reflecting on our favorite summer memories is that none of them centered around being busy.
Instead, they centered around people.
Family barbecues. Farmers markets. Church picnics. Long walks. Afternoons at the Lake. Reading books together. Supporting local businesses. Watching sunsets. Spending time with friends.
While each of us experiences summer differently, these moments all remind us that community is often built in the smallest ways through shared meals, conversations, traditions, and simply making time for one another.
As we continue enjoying the season, we hope you also find moments that help you recharge, reconnect, and create memories with the people and places that matter most.
From all of us at Hayes Consulting & Coaching, we hope you're having a wonderful summer! ☀️
