Summer Games

Summer Games

This is a space for quiet reflection and shared experiences

June 29, 2026

Dear Friend:

I still remember the slap of the rope on the sidewalk, which only added to my fear. My sisters patiently encouraged me to jump in. Finally, gathering all my courage, I took the leap.

Jump rope.

It seemed simple enough. You just jumped in at the right moment and kept jumping. But like learning to ride a bicycle, it took practice. My sisters were right, though. Before long, I found myself looking for someone to play jump rope with.

Once I mastered a single jump rope, there was an even bigger challenge waiting: Double Dutch. Timing was everything. If you missed your moment, the ropes would quickly remind you. I was always amazed by the girls who could jump effortlessly while talking, singing, and performing tricks at the same time. Double Dutch looked easy, but it definitely was not.

Do you remember the rhymes? "Cinderella dressed in yellow..." or "Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, turn around..."?

Another summer favorite was Four Square. Do you remember Four Square? All you needed was a ball and four squares drawn on the pavement. At our local playground, there were a few boys who were very serious Four Square players. This was not a game I excelled at, although that did not stop me from trying.

There was also Red Light, Green Light. I could stop well enough, but freezing in place was another matter entirely. I was always moving. My parents used to take turns sitting beside me in church because I simply could not sit still. Some things never change. I still keep moving until I drop.

Then there was Tag. This game was much easier for someone who did not enjoy standing still. Hide-and-Seek, on the other hand, was more of a challenge. Apparently, hiding quietly was not one of my strengths. I did much better with games that required movement, such as Hopscotch.

You cannot talk about summer fun without mentioning jacks, marbles, Red Rover, or Simon Says. There always seemed to be a game to play and plenty of children ready to join in.

Of course, there were also the typical summer ball games: baseball, basketball, and my oldest sister's personal favorite—volleyball. My sister was very good at volleyball and even played in tournaments.

Those games were about much more than simply passing the time on a summer afternoon. They taught us how to take turns, follow rules, work together, and sometimes how to lose gracefully.

They taught us about friendship, competition, and perseverance.

Most importantly, they brought us together. All we needed was a ball, a piece of chalk, or a jump rope, and before long the neighborhood children would gather.

Tell me about your favorite childhood games. I'd love to hear about the games you played and the memories they bring back.

Until next time, stay well, stay safe, and stay connected to those you love.

Be well,

Emma

Emma is the voice behind Sharing with Seniors, a blog dedicated to honest conversations about life in later years. She writes about everyday challenges, meaningful decisions, and the importance of staying connected.