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5 activities to keep you busy this winter

By: Christia Assa, Managing Editor

January 20, 2022

Photo Credit: Mrs. Danielle Allen

During the 2018 Seaside Height’s Polar Bear Plunge in New Jersey, 7,161 participants, many in costume, jumped into the frigid Atlantic Ocean on February 25. This single event raised $2.125 million raised for the Special Olympics of New Jersey.

With the cold weather and dull skies, winter seems like there is no activities to do. No worries because here are five things you can do during the winter season.

Ice Skating

No matter what age you are, it is never too early or too late to learn this thrilling activity. Take the opportunity to ice skate with a great view and find an outdoor ice skating rink. The fresh cold breeze blowing in your face as you ice skate around is a refreshing feel. For those who really love the cold weather, it is an activity you certainly won’t hate. It is also a fun group activity to do with your friends.

Snowboarding and Skiing

It is no surprise that snowboarding and skiing are on this list. The two popular winter sport are fun activities to take upon. It also makes a great trip to see the mountains. Typically there are different difficulty levels ranging from intermediate to “expert.” If you are in the east coast near New Jersey, the American Dream Mall offers indoor skiing and snowboarding.

Polar Bear Plunge

Every year thousands of people help fundraise money for the Special Olympics. The fundraiser, Polar Bear Plunge holds an event where participants of the fundraiser would jump into the freezing cold ocean waters. In this event, people come out to show support for the Special Olympics Not only that, but a majority of the participants would wear costumes as they dive in the cold waters.

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Spa

If you are not a fan of the cold, spas are the perfect activity to warm you up. Find a nearby spa to destress and relax from all the possible chaos in your life. Spas offer great options like a relaxing massage, or you can stay warm by entering into one of their saunas.

Holiday light shows

Another “indoor” activity to enjoy this winter is drive-thru light shows. Night show You can stay inside your car and enjoy the festive lights in the comfort of your own car. The drive-thru light allows an opportunity for a merry and bright It is kid-friendly and something that everyone can enjoy.

About the Contributors

Christia Assa, Managing Editor

Christia Assa is a 17-year-old Senior at Colonia High School. Managing Editor of Social Media of The Declaration Newspaper, Assa has been a part of The Declaration for 3 years. Assa is involved in the school in various ways as she is a part of the choir, Black Student Union, Ecology Club and many more. Assa is also a mentor for the Big Brother Big Sister program and part of Congressman Frank Pallone Youth Advisory Council. She advocates for social justice issues and hopes to be a part of great changes in the world. To get away from the world, Assa enjoys listening to music and read. In the future, Assa aspires to travel and learn about different cultures. She loves to travel and discover new things! Most importantly, she loves to write about things she is passionate about. As a journalist, Assa strives to write content that interests not only herself but her readers too.

Mrs. Danielle Allen, Newspaper Advisor

Mrs. Allen (formerly Simkovich) has been the advisor of The Declaration for 11 years and an English teacher at Colonia High for 18 years. She assisted in writing the curriculum for Intro to Journalism, Media Journalism and Broadcast Journalism which are all offered at Colonia High School. Allen also runs a Poetry Club at Colonia High and is the Costume Director for the school musicals. In 2009, Allen received her Master's Degree from Georgian Court University and has been an Adjunct Professor at Middlesex County College in the evening for the past 11 years. In 2018, Allen was named Colonia High's Teacher of the Year. This year Allen is piloting a course at CHS that she created called Screenwriting and Video Production for students who want to work in the film industry or who want to make better YouTube videos. She is always looking for experts in the field of Journalism, Broadcast Journalism, radio, film and media to come speak to her classes so her students can learn first hand about the industry. If you are interested or someone you know is interested in possibly speaking to her class, please email Allen at the address below. When she is not grading papers, tweeting for CHS, or working on the newspaper, Mrs. Allen likes to garden, sew, and make burlap wreaths She can be emailed at [email protected].