When I was a teen-ager, the ultimate outing was a camp-out. We invited Mrs. Carpenter (Helen) to be our chaperone. She brought a friend. Helen was a newlywed. I wonder how her young husband liked that. We rented a cabin in the river. We could swim, boat, fish, or hike. I remember that was when I cut my hair for the first time.

Men always have gone on fishing trips and boys go skiing. Men and women enjoy doing separate get-togethers. What does that mean? No family vacations?

Now is the custom for young students to go far away during spring break. They go to Mexico, the Texas Coast, or maybe other places. No chaperones — at least I haven’t heard of any.

Some people do take that time to do mission work. One of my grandsons is taking his wife and two high school students to do that in Mexico through their church. There are some bad things going on in Mexico. The drug situation is causing it. I hope the family will be safe.

Some people go to retreats. I went on one at Rock Springs Ranch. Food and bed were provided. That is a wonderful place. It even is air-conditioned in the buildings.

Instead of giving up something for Lent, one of my friends made plans to do something good for someone or some group. You have to give former President Carter credit for starting the habitat activity. That could be done for Lent.

— Norma Hannaford