[A picture containing text, clipart, sign Description automatically generated]Friends and families are always looking for ways to spend time together. Trying out a new activity from Hobbies & Crafts Reference Center<https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?database=ebscoprofile-hcrc> in MeL<https://mel.org/welcome> offers the opportunity to bond and share new experiences. Articles with a PDF Full Text designation may include the images just how they were printed in the original publication. While there are thousands of possibilities to explore, here are some great ideas to get you started. Outdoor Adventures Long summer days provide lots of light for taking a long hike. Camping is another popular summer activity. While it is nice to enjoy each separately, there is always an option to combine them for a vacation full of adventure. * Weekend Blast<https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customlink/proxify/proxify.php?count=1&encode=1&proxy=https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?url=&target=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=cfh&AN=137919474&site=hcrc-live> from Backpacker<https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customlink/proxify/proxify.php?count=1&encode=1&proxy=https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?url=&target=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=cfh&jid=BPK&site=hcrc-live> is about a weekend trail hike in High Rock Bay, Michigan with a description of the various geology and wildlife one might expect to see along the way. * Knives Illustrated<https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customlink/proxify/proxify.php?count=1&encode=1&proxy=https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?url=&target=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=cfh&jid=53Z8&site=hcrc-live> offers DIY Camp Creations<https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customlink/proxify/proxify.php?count=1&encode=1&proxy=https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?url=&target=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=cfh&AN=150311868&site=hcrc-live> which is an article with ten projects such as making wooden spoons and roasting sticks while on camping trips. Crafting and Hands-On Activities Whether it’s a rainy day or you’re looking for ways to learn a new skill, Hobbies & Crafts Reference Center offers many publications with instructions, patterns, and videos about a variety of hobbies. * Attending comic-cons and fan events is a popular way to spend time. Cosplay, or dressing up as favorite characters, can make these events even more fun. Sew News<https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customlink/proxify/proxify.php?count=1&encode=1&proxy=https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?url=&target=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=cfh&jid=SWN&site=hcrc-live> is a great place to learn about how to make costumes in articles such as Sewing with Character<https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customlink/proxify/proxify.php?count=1&encode=1&proxy=https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?url=&target=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=cfh&AN=109059160&site=hcrc-live>. * It’s nice to have handmade items that can be used as gifts. Create cross stitch bookmarks<https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customlink/proxify/proxify.php?count=1&encode=1&proxy=https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?url=&target=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=cfh&AN=150659077&site=hcrc-live> with free patterns and instructions from CrossStitcher<https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customlink/proxify/proxify.php?count=1&encode=1&proxy=https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?url=&target=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=cfh&jid=9JA&site=hcrc-live> magazine. Observing Nature Spending time in nature is calming and can be a great reset for people with busy lifestyles. Trying out a new hobby can help you see the outdoors in a new way. * Birdwatching provides purpose during trips to the woods. Collecting birds in a journal or photo album is one way enjoy the outdoors. Bird Watcher’s Digest<https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customlink/proxify/proxify.php?count=1&encode=1&proxy=https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?url=&target=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=cfh&jid=23J7&site=hcrc-live> suggests Birding Michigan’s Eastern Upper Peninsula<https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customlink/proxify/proxify.php?count=1&encode=1&proxy=https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?url=&target=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=cfh&AN=125826357&site=hcrc-live>. * Pebble Pups to Rock Hounds<https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customlink/proxify/proxify.php?count=1&encode=1&proxy=https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?url=&target=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=cfh&AN=118100102&site=hcrc-live> describes rock-collecting as an activity that combines science and nature. Heritage Magazine for the Intelligent Collector<https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customlink/proxify/proxify.php?count=1&encode=1&proxy=https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?url=&target=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=cfh&jid=B526&site=hcrc-live> is an excellent guide for starting many types of collections. The publications in MeL’s<https://mel.org/welcome> eResource Hobbies & Crafts Reference Center<https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?database=ebscoprofile-hcrc> have hundreds of ideas for learning a skill, staying busy during the summer, and finding new ways to pass the time, both indoors and outdoors. If you are having any issues linking to items on this page, please explore the MeL eResource Access Page.<https://www.mcls.org/mel/mel-databases/help/remote-access/> Contact meldatabaseshelp@mcls.org<mailto:meldatabaseshelp@mcls.org> for help. Brought to you by Laura Warren-Gross from the MeL Team. Hey front line staff: The MeL Maven Badge is a 6-part Information Literacy and eResource adventure designed for you. Look for it at the end of summer 2021! Want more information on MeL?  Stay tuned for the next MeL Minute available on many Michigan library listservs, visit http://mel.org<http://mel.org/>, or sign up for the MeL Minute and other Library of Michigan e-mail lists via GovDelivery<https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/MILOM/subscriber/new>. We encourage you to share MeL Minutes with your colleagues and networks. MeL eResources are available to Michigan residents or for Michigan library or school access only. #IMLSGrant Laura Warren-Gross Engagement Specialist for Public Libraries Midwest Collaborative for Library Services (MCLS) 1 800 530 9019 ext 152 [facebook]<https://www.facebook.com/mcls.org> [twitter] <https://twitter.com/mclsorg> [square-logo-1 (002)] <http://www.mcls.org/>