Heading to the Catskills? Read This First!

By Y.M. Lowy

Summer in the country is special. Crisp air, open space, and the chance to slow down. But before packing the minivan and heading up Route 17, it pays to think ahead. 

The ride itself is the first place to start. Make sure your car is ready for the trip, fill the tank fully before you leave. Traffic, detours, or long waits can throw off the best timing. Especially on a Friday, leave with plenty of time so you’re not racing the clock before Shabbos. And no matter how quick a stop may seem, never leave a child in a parked car.

Before locking up your city home, set a few lights on timers so the house doesn’t look empty. Make arrangements for packages, too. 

Upstate life feels more relaxed, but it comes with its own set of things to watch out for. A soft patch of grass might actually be mud that’ll trap your tires after one summer rain. Keep an eye on where you drive or park. The same goes for hiking or exploring. Not every stream is safe to drink from, and not every plant is made to touch. Teach kids not to eat or handle unfamiliar things.

With long afternoons, barbecues and grills become part of the routine, but they’re not for children to play near. Supervise carefully, especially if little ones are running around. Pools are another summertime staple, and even if everyone “knows how to swim,” never leave children unattended near water.

Mountain weather can shift fast. A clear afternoon can turn stormy in minutes. At the first rumble of thunder, head inside. And if you’re going out on a boat, life jackets are a must. On foot, especially along narrow roads, stay alert. Walk facing traffic, and if it’s dark, wear something reflective.

Summer trips are exciting, but it will probably also be crowded. If your child is going on a hike, visiting an amusement park, or just heading to a large camp gathering, tuck a little paper or tag into your child’s pocket with their name, age, and a parent’s phone number. Hopefully it won’t be needed, but it helps to be prepared.

And through it all, Kiddush Hashem matters. Maybe even more so when we’re away from home, more visible, more noticeable. The way we drive, walk, shop, and speak creates impressions.

So much of what makes summer special isn’t big or fancy. It’s the small things, the sound of kids outside, a good breeze at the end of the day, time that feels unhurried. Upstate life gives a little more room to breathe, but remember to stay mindful and stay safe.