Summer officially began last week, and that means more 95-degree days are likely ahead. But summer is about more than just days that make you break a sweat without much effort, or temperatures that get so high you could boil an egg on the sidewalk.

It is a season that revels in July 4 traditions, wacky family vacations, a juicy hamburger on the grill and chocolate ice cream dripping off a waffle cone. It is sipping fresh-squeezed lemonade by a sparkling swimming pool. It is listening to the sounds of children playing “duck, duck, goose” and trying to do cartwheels in the yard. It is taking a trip to the beach with only a towel and a bottle of suntan lotion to keep you company.

Summer is also a season to give back to the community. It is a time to get involved in a nonprofit organization that needs an extra hand for a few months or helping family members or neighbors with yard work. And teenagers who need extra cash might be surprised to find out many businesses need temporary help in the hot months.

Summer is also a time to get active. Hiking up a mountain, running around a track at a local high school, riding a bike to work, pulling those ugly weeds out of your yard or walking the dog around the block a few times are just some ways to do so.

Whatever you decide to do this summer, we hope you make it memorable.