By Dawn Belamarich
As someone who works with recovering individuals each day at Recovery Centers of America at Lighhouse (RCA) in Mays Landing, I find that it’s imperative that you be able to access activities that help you successfully continue along your journey. Fortunately, our local community has a plethora of activities that will not only foster a healthy recovery, but also won’t have you spending a ton of money. RCA also offers an extensive alumni program for former patients and those in recovery, and a list of our summer events can be found at www.rcaalumni.org.
Whether you love the outdoors, are a fitness junkie or prefer the comfort of indoor air conditioning, these sober activities are ones that you should not miss this summer:
Outdoor Lovers
*A.C Surf School, www.acsurfschool.com – surf lessons, stand-up paddle board with qualified instructors for a reasonable price. They offer lessons 7-days per week during the summer months.
*Boardwalks – check out the incredible boardwalks located in Atlantic City, Ventnor, Wildwood, Ocean City and many of the other beach towns in our area. Great views and even better times!
*Cape May Zoo – this free zoo offers everything for the person who loves animals and sightseeing. The Cape May Zoo is also offering free Yoga on July 13th.
*Beaches – there are so many, but each has their own splendor. Atlantic City offers free beaches, but several other beaches in our area can be accessed for reasonable rates.
*Movies Under the Stars – is there anything better in the summer months than catching a movie under the stars with your family? These offerings are available in many of our surrounding towns, including Atlantic City, Sea Isle City and Wildwood. More information on these events by county can be found at https://www.njfamily.com/where-to-find-free-outdoor-movies-in-nj-this-summer/.
Fitness Lovers
*Races – working on your fitness as a part of your recovery? Don’t miss an incredible opportunity to participate in a race in some of the most beautiful beach communities around. Check out http://www.jsrc.org/race-calendar.
*Yoga at the Leadership Studio – this incredible nonprofit in Atlantic City offers recovery Yoga, as well as free community Yoga classes throughout the week. Check out their website for more information at http://www.leadershipstudioac.com/.
*Hiking and Walking Trails – looking for something to increase your fitness and your connection with nature? Look no further – there are tons of paths and hiking trails in our beautiful region. https://www.njhiking.com/nj-hikes/
*Fitness classes – there are several beach fitness classes, including some well-known ones on the beach in Ocean City. More information on these classes can be found at https://imageserv11.team-logic.com/mediaLibrary/242/2015_AF_Summer_Schedule_3.pdf. Walking tours and ghost tours can be done in Beach Haven and LBI each summer, as well.
Indoor Activities
*Escape Rooms – these are becoming more and more popular and provide an opportunity for those in recovery to connect with members of a team and to have fun while using critical thinking skills. Tropicana Casino and Hotel in Atlantic City has an escape room, and there are locations in Northfield and Toms River.
*Movies – is there a better time to catch a movie than during the summer months? Local theaters have a number of matinee deals and family rates, so check out your local theaters in Mays Landing, Northfield and Manahawkin.
*12-step Meetings – for those in recovery, there is no better opportunity for connection, networking and support than attending a local 12-step meeting. Information on the Cape Atlantic Intergroup can be found at https://www.capeatlanticaa.org/ and additional meetings can be found at http://www.narcoticsanonymousnj.org/meetings/. Recovery Centers of America at Lighthouse also offers five or more open meetings each week at our location in Mays Landing, including AA, NA, Nar-anon, and Adult Children of Alcoholics, amongst others.
If you are looking for sober activities to do this summer, our community has a ton to offer. At Recovery Centers of America at Lighthouse, we are always willing to provide information on community activities, while also fostering the growth of our own Alumni programming and events. If you need additional information or would like to join our Alumni program and be a part of this powerful mission, contact us today.
(609)837-4602
dbelamarich@recoverycoa.com;
www.recoverycentersofamerica.com
Dawn Belamarich, LPC, LCADC, CCS, ACS, CCTP
Executive Director, RCA at Lighthouse
