Off the Radar Uncovering Hidden Parks in Your State
CAMPUS DINING MAGAZINE
5 Ways to Stay Connected with Friends During Summer Break
Summer Daze to Summer Grades Your Guide to Summer Academic Success
Uplifting Films to Watch JuneteenthDuring Celebrating Black Joy
A Melting Pot of Flavors Celebrating Diversity of Caribbean American Cuisine
Welcome to Summer, the season of “Bold Connections”! This is the perfect time to build new relationships and strengthen existing ones by being bold and reaching out to others. As we enjoy the longer days and warmer weather, it’s a time to connect with others and create meaningful relationships. This season is all about embracing the power of connection and building strong, supportive communities.
Whether it’s meeting new people, reconnecting with old friends, or reaching out to colleagues, this is the time to be bold and take steps towards building new relationships. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and initiate conversations with others. So join us in our mission to live boldly this Summer. Let’s embrace the power of connection and build new relationships while strengthening existing ones. Let’s reach out to others, engage in meaningful conversations, and make the most of this season of connection and community. This is the time to build a network of support and make lasting connections. Let’s make this a season to remember!
Get ready to add a touch of smokiness to your dishes this June with the Smoky flavor profile. From grilled meats to roasted vegetables, smoky flavors can add a bold and complex dimension to your meals. Challenge yourself to incorporate smoky ingredients like smoked paprika, chipotle peppers, or hickory smoke seasoning into your dishes for a tantalizing and savory taste. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner cook, there’s no better time to experiment with smoky flavors than now.
Umami is a mouthwatering and robust flavor that can enhance the taste of many dishes. We challenge you to infuse umami-rich ingredients, such as soy sauce, mushrooms, or miso paste, into your meals and snacks this month. Let’s savor the taste of umami together!
As summer settles in, it is time to let the allure of sunshine and fresh air motivate your sense of adventure. To commemorate the season of exploration, we at Campus Dining by Thompson Hospitality want to encourage you to check out the exciting places in your state. Often, well-known parks dominate travel guides and social media feeds; however, many hidden gems await discovery!
Many parks await exploration, from secluded forest trails to picturesque lakeside oases and mesmerizing waterfalls. They offer unique natural beauty and recreational opportunities, the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable summer. Whether it’s a picnic, a hike, or just sitting, relaxing, and enjoying the weather, spending time outside this summer is sure to be the perfect escape from the stress of daily life.
If you need ideas for incredible parks in your area, look no further! Be sure to visit your local park’s website to find out its hours of operation and review any rules or restrictions the area may have. Here are a few hidden parks in your state!
The historical Susquehannock State Park, open every day from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on 224 acres in Drumore, Pennsylvania, is ready to explore. This historical location was formed to help prevent deforestation during the 19th century. With the help of American conservationists, the land began to flourish. In 1897, the Pennsylvania General Assembly passed legislation authorizing the purchase of unseated lands for forest reservations, beginning the State’s Forest system.
Adjacent to the Flowood Elementary School in Mississippi lies the Flowood Nature Park. Filled with walking trails for runs and walks, a serene lake with a fountain, and various plant species for people to learn about, this park is a great place to get a feel of the great outdoors. This nature park has various rentable pavilions across the 43-acre park and an amphitheater for hosting multiple events.
From a gorgeous garden filled with various plant species to wooded trails, a nature center, and a historic mansion waiting to be explored, Cylburn Arboretum is the perfect escape from fast-paced city life. Known as Baltimore City’s urban oasis, it is open all year and always looks for new visitors.
Before, the Miami Beach Botanical Garden was a beautiful garden for the public to enjoy; the area was on the Collins Canal, used to transport mangos and avocados by boat to the port of Miami. After the many transformations of the land and the destruction of it by natural disasters, the Garden deteriorated. Residents in the city in 1996 got together to create the Miami Beach Garden Conservancy, a nonprofit organization with the mission to restore the garden. Over the years, the garden has become a place for arts and cultural programming, environmental education, and cultural tourism.
Steeped in historical significance, Springfield Village Park gives visitors a glimpse of the past, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in its charm. This park was dedicated to the history of the Springfield community, which serves as an integral part of African American history in Georgia. A large population of free African Americans settled in Springfield by 1787 and established one of the oldest independent black congregations in the United States, Springfield Baptist Church. After emancipation, the area became the center of educational and political activities for Augusta’s black citizens. The Augusta Baptist Institute was founded in 1867 in the Augusta Springfield Baptist church, eventually moving to Atlanta and becoming Morehouse College. In 2002, the park was built to commemorate the church and to pay homage to the journey and progress of the citizens, including sculptures and plaques in remembrance.
Within the city of Raleigh, North Carolina, lies a beautiful landscape waiting to be explored. The Raleigh Little Theatre Rose Garden is perfect for taking a break from the rush and stress of the world. Bursting with vibrant colors and aromas, this garden is ideal for nature lovers and those who seek a peaceful stroll during the warm weather.
The Little River Canyon National Preserve in northeast Alabama was established in 1992 to protect the canyon’s landscape. Spread over 15,288 acres, 11,042 of which are federally owned and managed, this land provides a variety of scenic views and recreational opportunities for visitors to enjoy.
Indian Mound Reserve is filled with discovery and wonder. It has three parks: Peterson Park on the west end, William Mound at the North Point, and Cedar Cliff Falls on the east side. Each side of the park offers a unique experience, unlocking your inner nature explorer. Throughout the reserve are rivers, streams, and a mesmerizing waterfall.
Within the city of Raleigh, North Carolina, lies a beautiful landscape waiting to be explored. The Raleigh Little Theatre Rose Garden is perfect for taking a break from the rush and stress of the world. Bursting with vibrant colors and aromas, this garden is ideal for nature lovers and those who seek a peaceful stroll during the warm weather.
The best part of summer break is the promise of endless sunshine, relaxation, and the excitement of freedom from classes and work. However, for many college students, the prospect of extended time away from campus also brings a sense of loneliness and disconnection from friends.
Loneliness in college is normal. TalkSpace.com, cited in 2023, cited a recent study that found that about 87 percent of Gen Z adults in college said their college experience was a significant source of stress in their lives, which can lead to feelings of loneliness. Furthermore, according to USA Today, many Americans are lonely as the population becomes older and sicker with chronic diseases. In addition, USA Today stated that “Modern conveniences have also caused loneliness to expand dramatically across the population, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic.”
To combat loneliness, it is essential to be intentional about your social interactions. Be sure to remember the importance of maintaining meaningful connections with those who matter most in your life. There are many fun, creative, and impactful ways to stay connected to friends during your break that can foster deeper bonds and brighten your day.
Here are five fun activities you can experience with your friends to ensure your summer is filled with endless memories.
In 2020, the popular streaming service Netflix created a fun way to connect with friends and family virtually. Netflix Party allows users with accounts to watch movies together virtually while commenting and reacting using the chat feature on the side. Over the years, Netflix Party transformed into Teleparty, expanding the time spent sharing and watching media with loved ones. Teleparty now allows users to watch content together on YouTube, Disney Plus, Hulu, and much more. Gather your friends this summer, get some snacks, and have a virtual movie night! This is a fun way to connect with your friends who live miles away and gives you something to look forward to during your break.
As TikTok has grown in popularity as a social media platform, it has helped with the resurgence of book sales around the United States. Book TikTok, commonly called BookTok, has helped sell many books and given popularity to unknown authors. In 2021, about 20 million books were sold with the help of BookTok, and over 2.2 million books were sold in the first quarter of 2022 alone, according to wordsrated. com. Because of the new popularity, many have been introduced to exciting books and reading wonders. If you want a fun activity with your friends to spark great conversations, visit your local bookstore to check out their BookTok section, filled with all the trendiest books. From self-improvement books and fantasy stories to drama and romance novels, there’s something for everyone to indulge in.
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Giving back to the community is always a good idea, and summer is a great time. Volunteering with friends allows you to have a shared experience and build strong bonds while helping people in need. From volunteering at a soup kitchen, donating hygiene items to shelters, helping local recreational centers for children, and picking up trash in your neighborhood, many activities will make a big difference in someone’s life. Sharing meaningful experiences can create lasting memories that you can look back on and appreciate
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If you are into thrilling rides, fun souvenirs, and lasting memories, then amusement parks and fairs are just for you! Amusement parks thrive in the summer as they return from their winter hiatus. In areas with frigid winters, amusement parks are typically shut down due to the damage that can happen if the rides are operated in cold temperatures. Most recreational parks are also closed during the winter months to cut the cost of electricity. Meeting up with friends at theme parks can break up the monotony of the summer, welcoming all to the thrill of adventure and bonding. Riding rides and playing games with friends can bring you closer, creating lasting memories you can reminisce on during the school year.
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Potluck dinners are a great way to have a budget-friendly hangout with friends. Whether it’s brunch, lunch, or dinner, gathering your friends for a tasty meal will strengthen your bonds. To take your potluck to the next level, you can add a theme to the gathering, selecting foods that match a specific region, country, and color. You could also have people bring food connected to the first letter of their names or have people bring various categories of food, such as appetizers, desserts, BBQ, fried food, or snacks, to name a few. This is a great way to encourage participation with all your friends and create and establish traditions that can last a lifetime.
As vacation plans begin to take shape, the notion of hitting the books makes it seem out of place for the carefree spirit of summer. However, for some college students, the summer months are an opportunity for a second chance or the ability to propel forward.
The summer semester offers many students the chance to retake classes to keep them on track to graduation, as well as a chance to accelerate their progress. Many universities offer the opportunity to take courses during the summer to help students gain extra credits or complete additional credits to help them make time for other classes during the fall spring semester. Whether taking on an intensive course load or tackling challenging subjects with undivided attention, the summer semester offers a chance to stay ahead of the curve and emerge stronger academically.
To ensure you are equipped with the tools to handle the summer semester, we at Campus Dining by Thompson Hospitality would like to offer some tips to help you thrive. Here is your guide to summer academic success!
It is easy to overwork yourself during the summer break as you try to get your work done. However, trying to finish everything all at once can hinder you from success. Setting unrealistic goals can lead to burnout and frustration. You can track their progress and celebrate your success by setting achievable objectives. Begin by breaking down your assignments into smaller tasks so that you can better manage your workload, all while finding time to enjoy your summer break.
During the summer semester, you might be inclined to stay in study mode to get assignments done as fast as possible. While being a hard worker, you may forget to care for yourself properly. During an intense study period, prioritize healthy eating habits, sleeping well at night, and taking breaks. Neglecting self-care practices can lead to decreased productivity, increased stress, and even physical and mental health issues. When you practice self-care, you ensure you have enough energy and focus to excel throughout the semester.
Though the condensed timeline of the summer semester can be intimidating, students need to maximize their study efficiency. Now is the time to practice new studying habits for the upcoming fall semester, including minimizing distractions, utilizing active learning techniques, or creating a studying schedule. You can also enhance your efficiency by organizing your class notes by the key concepts and highlighting the information your professor repeats or emphasizes. Another great tip is practicing selfassessment to identify areas of improvement.
The intensity of the summer semester can be overwhelming. Therefore, it is vital to make time for fun and relaxation. Use your downtime to indulge in your hobbies, enjoy the warm weather, and hang out with friends and family. Maintaining a balance between schoolwork and leisure time helps reduce stress, prevent burnout, and improve overall mood.
The summer semester can feel isolating whether your classes are in person or remote. However, you can still turn to your university if you need assistance. During the summer, your campus library or computer lab may have different operating hours, so visit your university’s website for updates. You can still access university programs via your personal computer using your student email and password. Be sure to contact your professor for guidance on resources available during the summer. You will be surprised as to what is offered during the break
As we celebrate the freedom and resilience of the African American community on Juneteenth, it is crucial to recognize the importance of portraying the full spectrum of the African American experience in media. While films documenting the struggles and resilience of the African American community are essential in educating and raising awareness, they often overshadow the narratives of joy, triumphs, and everyday moments of happiness.
Black trauma films describe the type of movie about the African American experience that includes elements of traumatic events that often occur in the community. These experiences are and are not limited to microaggressions, prejudice, and covert and overt racism. Black trauma films can frequently lead to a re-traumatization of the audience, which can have effects on one’s mental health, invoking feelings of post-traumatic stress disorder. According to the Counseling at Northwestern blog post on racial trauma in film, when re-traumatization occurs, “a memory is triggered, and it is brought back into the conscious mind.”
Nevertheless, it is vital to understand that many films that are considered Black trauma films have a substantial historical context, giving us a better understanding of the past to encourage the world to continue to progress. However, the issue with the vast amount of trauma in movies is the lack of balance between trauma and joy. The African American experience has just as much triumph as hardships. It is essential to showcase various experiences, from fantasy to humor to romance.
By celebrating Black joy on screen, we affirm Black culture’s beauty, resilience, and diversity. This Juneteenth, you are encouraged to explore the transformative power of joyful representation and embrace the richness of the Black experience through cinema.
In this modern take on this classic fairytale, the hit singer and songwriter Brandy stars alongside the late and great songstress Whitney Houston with a star-studded cast to bring a new life to the story of Disney’s Cinderella. With enchanting music and captivating performances, this film celebrates diversity in a magical and heartwarming way.
Serving as a spin-off of rapper, actor, and producer Ice Cube’s Barbershop film series, Queen Latifah stars as Gina in this lively comedy. Beauty Shop centers around a determined hairstylist who opens and manages her hair salon.
The movie that broke records and brought a sense of pride to the black community, Black Panther, is a fantastic movie to watch with friends and family. Set in the fictional African nation of Wakanda, this Marvel adventure follows the noble king T’Challa as he grapples with leadership responsibilities. When confronted by a surprising enemy, T’Challa must harness the power of the Black Panther to protect his people and preserve their way of life.
Though it is often commented that there were not many video recordings from the past, Summer of Soul showcases that there is more evidence of the past than we think. Journey back to the summer of 1969 to the Harlem Cultural Festival, where music legends took center stage, creating history and celebrating African American culture and pride. Through archival footage, powerful interviews, insightful commentary, and electrifying performances, Summer of Soul showcases the blackecommunity’s beautiful essence while honoring an unforgettable event’s cultural legacy.
This groundbreaking animated film, Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse, gives the audience a new take on a classic superhero. Meet Miles Morales as he navigates the challenges of becoming Spider-Man while balancing the qualms of being a teenager. When multiple dimensions collide, Miles teams up with alternate realities Spider-people to realign and save the multiverse. This new take on Spider-Man allows people to see the traditional character in a new light and introduces the world to the authentic theme and message of Spider-Man that anyone can be behind the mask.
This visually stunning film by music icon Beyoncé brings to life the story of Disney’s The Lion King through the lens of black culture and heritage. With breathtaking imagery and powerful music, this film aims to celebrate the black community’s beauty, resilience, and diversity.
In this thought-provoking comedy and drama, American Fiction follows Monk, a frustrated novelist who dislikes how the industry profits from using harmful stereotypes and offensive tropes of the black community. He uses his writing talents to produce an outlandish book with those same tropes to prove his point, sending him on an unexpected journey of hypocrisy and madness. Based on the novel Erasure by Percival Everett, this humorous and poignant film will make you laugh while making you think.
A charming and romantic comedy set in London introduces an unlikely pair as they navigate the highs and lows of relationships and everyday life as young adults. With captivating dialogue, endearing characters, and witty humor, this movie will tug on your heartstrings, reminding you of the joys of black love and fellowship.
• 3 cups of Low Sodium Garbanzo Beans, Drained
• 3 tsp of Smoked Paprika
• 2 tsp of Ground Cumin
• 2 tsp of Kosher Salt
1. Preheat oven to 425*F.
2. Pat dry beans then, in a bowl mix chickpeas, paprika, cumin, and salt until beans are fully covered.
3. On baking sheet with parchment lay the spiced chickpeas in a single even layer.
4. Bake beans in oven stirring beans around 15 mins, 25 mins, and every 5 mins after to allow and even coating. Bake until crispy all the way through.
5. Let cool completely before storing for use.
Make It Memorable Episode 6: How To Host Your Own Luxe Life Staycation
Chef Talk Season 3 Episode 3: Welcome to the Luxe Life: The Art of Self-Care Pt. 3
The great food and good vibes will continue this fall. Be sure to get a meal plan to get the most out of your dining program and elevate your campus experience.
Marketing Contacts
Daniela-Gabrielle Smallwood, Vice President of Marketing and Programming daniela.smallwood@thompsonhospitality.com (571) 446–7430
Stacey Gibson, Director of Retail Marketing stacey.gibson@thompsonhospitality.com (571) 524–8566
Editorial Staff
Gina Godwin, Creative Director
Yolanda Waters, Chief Editor
Heaven Smallwood, Editor
Joellen Allah-Mensah, Graphic Designer