1 . Whitewater rafting (漂流) is an exciting sport and, despite how it looks, you don’t need to be incredibly brave or technically skilled to enjoy it. Here’s everything you need to know about whitewater rafting.

River Grading System

The first thing you need to know is about the grading system. In general, beginners and older children will be safest and most comfortable on Grade II and Ⅲ rapids. Those with more experience or advanced river skills can cope with Grade Ⅳ and V rapids.

Key Terms to Know

Your whitewater rafting guide will brief you before you hit the river and will run through the key terms and instructions they’ll likely use. Here are some of the most important that you will hear:

Put in: The starting point of a rafting trip.

Take out: The ending point of a rafting trip.

Swimmer: Anyone who falls out of the raft is called a swimmer. Your guide might shout “swimmer!” to get that person’s attention when attempting a rescue, as they’re unlikely to know every passenger’s name.

Safety Tips

The most important safety tip is always to follow your guide’s instructions. They are trained to keep you safe during what can be quite a risky activity to the untrained. Avoid taking valuables on a rafting trip, including cameras, unless you have a dry bag.

What to Wear

Tour companies will provide you with the essential equipment, including paddles (划桨), life jackets, and helmets. Your clothing is up to you, but you’ll be expected to wear suitable shoes. Cotton clothing isn’t a great idea because it is cold when wet.

2 . Do you know an outstanding educator? Nominate (提名) them today! Prizes up to $250 are available. The wining essays will be published in our magazine!

Just follow these simple steps to nominate your educator:

First create or log into your Teen Ink account and fill out a form. Then select “Submit Form” and you’re done! You must submit before May 11, 2022 and the winners will be announced on May 31, 2022.

Overall winner: Educator

• $250 Amazon gift card & Certificate & Copy of essay

Category winner: Educator

• $100 Amazon gift card & Certificate & Copy of essay

Overall winner: Nominator

• $50 Amazon gift card & Published in Teen Ink magazine

Category winner: Nominator

• $25 Amazon gift card & Published in Teen Ink magazine

Details

All submissions to the form will be uploaded to your account on our website and published online.

Remember our activity is designed for only middle school junior high or high school educators. You must be age 13-19 to have the right to nominate someone. Your essay must be typed uploaded and shouldn’t include any inappropriate content. At the same time, the nominator must have a Teen Ink account and is required to complete the nomination form.

Nomination category must be selected. All nominations will be considered for the overall winner regardless of category. And there are such categories as math, science, English, history/ social studies, creative arts and school support.

Before writing the essay, see our general submission guidelines for more essay information and remember to give examples with specific details and that the essay must be around 500 words.

3 . According to 'a study, being exposed to a 360-degree video of nature can provide emotional wellbeing benefits for people who cannot access the outdoors. So let’s check out some ideas of free virtual trips you can take right now!

Take a tour in Central Park, New York

As one of the world's biggest attractions, Central Park is a part of natural beauty located in the very heart of Manhattan. With this tour offered by youvisit. com, you’ll be able to see the Bethesda Terrace and Fountain, the Belvedere Castle and “walk” through the park's scenic meadows. If you’re in the mood for greenery, this tour will definitely suit you.

Explore the wonders of Japan

Take a tour across this beautiful country with a 360-degree VR movie from the Japan National Tourism Organization: you’ll be able to explore tradition, modernity and nature all at once, and enjoy the mixture of fascinating cultural sites and the most appealing natural spots.

Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon, Arizona

Are you up to witnessing one of the most magnificent views in the world?No wonder the Grand Canyon in Arizona is considered one of the world's treasures. The virtual tour, provided by the National Park Service U.S. lets you discover ancient places within the canyon and explore archaeological excavations (考古挖掘) in an interactive way.

Climb Everest for an unforgettable adventure

Experience what it feels like to climb the world's tallest mountain with Everest VR: Journey to the top of the world, a docu series especially made for Virtual Reality headsets. Have you ever imagined experiencing an Himalayan avalanche or a rock-climbing fall? Or just admiring the sunset from the top of the mountain's unique perspective? This journey will take you to places you never thought possible.

4 . Top 4 Websites for Freebie Fanatics

Are you always on the hunt for freebies (免费品)? Here are the top 4 sites where you should hunt for the best freebies.

It is a friendly website that is easy to use. You will find more than 600 freebies listed here every passing day.

More specifically, you can enjoy the various toiletry samples available on the site, which often co me in handy when you are on the move. Therefore, it’s suggested that you sign up on the app to see the latest offers.

It works a little differently from the other websites. Here, you will find freebies that are actual items that other people want to get rid of. Most of the freebies are second-hand items but once in a while, you will get something completely free. Unlike other freebie sites, you could get a substantial appliance like a washing machine, TVs, or sofas instead of samples.

It’s the perfect place to find items, especially if you are a student who just moved into your first house.

It is quite similar to Latest Freebie Stuff and you will find freebies posted by companies. Here, you will find a lot of samples and smaller freebies.

There is also a rating system for you to find out if something is worth your time or not. Sign up for the newsletter to get regular updates.

It works like Freecycle where members of the public can upload items they want to get rid of. Whether it’s a dishwasher or typewriter, there is always something for everyone. When you sign up or visit the site, you can turn on your locations to get the best items near you.

5 . Are you looking forward to a vacation with your family in Caribbean islands? Actually, a family vacation in the Caribbean islands doesn’t come cheap but is affordable. These four wonderful kid-friendly hotels are ideal for you.

Dreams Palm Beach Hotel

Close to Higuey, this hotel by the sea is just the place to enjoy the feel of Caribbean sand. While adults can be organized to visit Punta Cana, go golfing and go swimming, kids will love the kids’ club and the kids’ pool. A range of meals from Mexican flavor (味道) to Asian and French flavor are offered there, making this hotel stand out. Need more good news? There’s a spa to really get adults in the vacation mood.

Hilton Nassau Hotel

In the Nassau’s shopping district, this hotel is perfectly located to explore the nearby island, Prince George Wharf. Families can be guided to go to Bay Street for shopping or to the historic landmarks like Rawson Square. Then, return to the hotel’s pool bar for dining and overlooking Nassau Harbor and Paradise Island. The kids’ menu and high chairs make family dining a treat, especially since kids eat for free.

Club Med La Caravelle

This hotel, on the Caribbean island of Grand Terre in Guadeloupe, is ideal for sporty family. You’ll find a pool, tennis courts, a gym, and a kids’ club where the activities’ schedule is brilliantly packed to keep your little ones busy all day.

Sugar Bay Resort

You can feel right at home on your private balcony in this 31-acre property. Those who prefer a little action can catch a game of tennis in the gym, or even try surfing or jet skiing. No passport is required to visit the US Virgin Islands. Kids’ club is available for those who prefer to stay indoors.

6 . English Poetry Competition of 2022

Enter your poem for a chance to win something! Our poetry contest is held twice a year. Write a poem about how the pandemic (疫情) has changed your life.

Prizes

The contest awards one first place prize of $2,000 and a first prize wall plaque ($100 value); twenty second place prizes of $100 each and a second place wall plaque ($75 value); one hundred third place winners of a third place wall plaque ($25 value).

Rules

Follow all rules carefully to prevent disqualification (取消资格).

IMPORTANT:

☆Poet must be at least thirteen years of age.

☆Only one poem per person, per family is allowed.

☆A poem in its entirety must be an original work by the person centering the contest.

☆All entries are judged anonymously (匿名地). Please do not include your name, address, phone number, etc., or your entry will be disqualified.

Deadline: Email your entry by 31st May 2022.

Length: 42 lines max. No minimum. Title not included in the line count.

Format: Entries must be typed. We do not accept handwritten submissions.

Fees: £10 per poem.

Judging: The judges’ decision is final and no individual correspondence (通信) can be entered into. Judges are unable to comment on individual entries. Judging is fair.

Copyright: Worldwide copyright of each entry remains with the author but the Bridport Prize has unrestricted rights to publish the winning and highly praised poems.

7 . Working on your adventure list? These national park treasures which turn favorites during the harvest time should be on it.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

33, 000 acres of forests wait between Cleveland and Akron, all along the snaking Cuyahoga River. The park will delight you with plenty of outdoor activities suiting every interest, but do not climb over the fenced areas, rocks, or Brandywine Falls. Now the red maple trees will be visually on fire, which you can enjoy from the comfort of the tourist railway — Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.

Gateway Arch National Park

This urban park comes back thanks to the Arch’s new Museum and Visitor Center. Give your feet a break after walking over five miles of park pathways with a ride to the top of the Arch to enjoy beautiful leaves. You can even bring your dog: the park is hosting Arch Bark every October.

Gulf Islands National Seashore

Extending some 160 miles along the northern coast of the Gulf of Mexico, this series of parks includes a historic building, untouched barrier islands, and sugar-white beaches. Don’t miss the Fort Pickens area, which is a perfect spot to observe wild animals living in the scenic natural environment. With an average high of 79°F and a low of 60°F, the fall weather here is exceptional.

Voyageurs National Park

Yellow and red leaves in fall will catch your eyes, contrasting with this parks’ glassy waters. In the Land of 10, 000 Lakes, there are no roads in the park, so visitors use boats to cross this remote 218, 000-acre park. Some 100+ bird species, even the rare ones, pass through the park, so keep an eye out for them.

9 . Four Best Hikes in the World

There's nothing like getting out and getting some fresh air on a hike. No matter whether your idea of a hike is a leisure walk or climbing the highest mountain on Earth, we've got you covered. Below are four best hikes in the world.

Torres del Paine W Circuit

Location (位置): Patagonia. Chile

Distance: 37 + miles

Time: 5~6 days

Best time to go: October to January

The W Circuit is one of the most recommended hikes you'll find. Not only will you appreciate the diverse landscapes and striking granite pillars (花岗岩柱子), but you'll probably meet some new friends along the way.

Grand Canyon Rim - to - Rim Hike

Location: Arizona, the United States

Distance: 48 miles

Time: 1~3 days

Best time to go: May to June, September to October

There's no better way to experience one of the greatest wonders in the world. Located in one of the USA's most beautiful parks, the views are absolutely appealing. Just make sure you're prepared for the challenge.

Trek to Petra

Location: Jordan

Distance: 47 miles

Time: 5~ 6 days

Best time to go: October to April

Take the road less traveled through the Kingdom of Jordan and experience one of the seven wonders of the world. Hike through canyons, gorges and ridges, and see tombs and temples along the way all while avoiding crowds of tourists.

Yosemite Grand Traverse

Location: California, the United States

Distance: 60 miles

Time: 6~7 days

Best time to go: July to September

Known for some of the best hiking in the world, Yosemite National Park is famous for its views and huge sequoia (红杉) trees. Praised by National Geographic, the Yosemite Grand Traverse will take you through waterfalls and green mountaintops.

10 . Things to Do in Yorkshire This Summer

Harrogate Music Festival

Since its birth, Harrogate Music Festival has gone from strength to strength. This year, we are celebrating our 50th anniversary. We begin on 1st June with Manchester Camerata and Nicola Benedetti, presenting an amazing programme of Mozart pieces.

Dates:1 June-31 July

Tickets:£12-£96

Jodie's Fitness Summer Classes

As the summer months roll in, our Georgian country estate makes the perfect setting for an outdoor fitness session. Come and work out with our qualified personal trainer, Jodie McGregor, on the grounds of the Middleton Lodge estate.

We will be holding a free taster session on 23rd May, at 10 am, to demonstrate the variety of effective and active exercises. There are eight spaces available for the taster session. Advance bookings are required (info@middletonlodge.co.uk)

Dates:23 May-11 July

Tickets: £7.50 per session

Felt Picture Making

Working from an inspirational picture, this workshop at Helmsley Arts Centre will teach you the techniques you will need to recreate your picture in wool.

We will also discuss the origins of felt, what enables wool fibres to become felt and how the processes we use work.

Dates: 12 June-12 July

Tickets: £40 including materials

Figure It Out!-Playing with Math

A new exhibition in Halifax uses everyday activities to explain the hidden math principles we all use on a regular basis. Pack a bag, cut a cake, guess which juice container holds the most liquid, and much more. Discover how architects, product designers and scientists use similar skills in their work.

Dates:7 May-10 June

Tickets: Free