Photo courtesy of USNWC

Who can avoid acknowledging the impending start of school, with all the fabulous Target commercials airing? They are brilliantly crafted with enough cuteness to fill up an entire student body’s worth of backpacks. But, as any young student or parent can tell you, it’s not all primary colors, pencils, and coordinated outfits. There’s also a certain amount of anxiety this time of year as evidenced by the marching band version of super group Queen’s “Pressure” in the background. I can recall my own nervousness and sleepless nights as it approached pondering how the year would shape up. Would I like my teachers? Would they like me? Would my friends be in my class? Where would I sit at lunch and with whom? And, more importantly, what would I wear? You know, the answers to life’s big questions and more that would only be revealed after the first day.

And, of course, parents aren’t off the hook, either. I can’t exactly speak to what they’re going through since I don’t have children of my own. But I can imagine the stress and pressure they’re feeling as well as they navigate the back to school madness. If nothing else, they’re dreading the return of the alarm clock. Have you seen how early some of these buses show up? I have one in front of my house at 6:10am. Let me repeat that: 6:10am.

So, what’s a kid or parent to do to salvage what’s left of summer? I have the perfect solution. To anyone not familiar with the US National Whitewater Center, I take great pleasure in introducing it. Or, maybe you’ve heard of it but haven’t bothered to check it out. If that’s the case, whether you do or don’t have kids, get there quick. You’re missing out. And then there are those of  us who know how wonderful it is and see it not only as a conduit for fun and nature but an excellent stress buster of physical activity.

If there’s one thing I learned in all my years of failing the President’s Physical Fitness Test in elementary school, it’s that I really wanted to nail the Flexed-Arm Hang. I never did. But, who knows. Maybe if I’d had a playground like this I would have performed it better.

Don’t let that be your kid. Get out and get active. And blow off some steam in the process. Make a splash this weekend at the USNWC.

What you’ll find if you go: whitewater rafting, paddle boarding, obstacle course, flat water kayaking, rock climbing wall, zip line course, hiking and biking trails, gift shop, and restaurant with outdoor seating perfect for when you’re hungry, need a break, or want to people watch. Pets welcome.

BEAST FEAST

This Saturday, Aug. 10, the Whitewater Center hosts its first Beast Feast, a daylong food truck competition and festival that invites guests to sample food from various local food trucks while enjoying live music performances. The festival also includes a variety of other events, including the Amphibious Duathlon, a Quadzilla Relay Race and live music. (See more in the listing in our Events Calendar.)

Located conveniently from Lake Norman off I-485 Exit 12 Moores Chapel Rd. Follow signs. Please note parking is not free. Very reasonable but prepare to pay $5 for the day. Contact the center for hours, event schedules, and daily activity details. 5000Whitewater Center Parkway Charlotte, NC 28214  (704) 391.3900  info@usnwc.org  www.usnwc.org

Enjoy what’s left of your summer!

Robin Gibson is a writer living in Cornelius. You can find her blog at http://www.robingibsonart.com/blog.html. See her previous columns under the “Robin Gibson” category.

MORE WEEKEND EVENTS

See more weekend events in our expanded Events Calendar. We’ve added new features and made it easier to find events on a given day or in your favorite category.

http://davidsonnews.net/guide/events/