Between every two pines there is a doorway to a new world. — John Muir

Let’s celebrate the great outdoors this summer! Read “Beyond the Beaten Path” as the 2022 summer reading theme for children and teens began on Saturday, June 18, and for adults starts Tuesday, July 5. Here’s just a glimpse of activities this summer.

“Southeastern CT: Kayaking Heaven” will be presented Thursday, July 14 at 6:30 p.m. by Steve Fagin, who writes the Great Outdoors column for The Day and Dr. Dan Bendor, paddling companion, who will talk all things kayaking. Leo Smith, Northeast Regional Director, International Dark-Sky Association will be here to present Dark Skies: adverse consequences of light pollution, on Monday, July 18 at 6:30 p.m. Food Explorers will be here on Wednesday, July 20 at 6 p.m. to help get your creative camping caps on and discover a delicious vegetarian burrito bowl meal you can make for your family out in the woods. Registration is required as space is limited. Tuesday, July 26 at 6 p.m. we’ll have fun making origami potted plants with Ben Parker, Origami Artist and Freelance Educator. Registration is required as space is limited. Join us at Waterford Beach for “An Evening of Stargazing,” Monday, Aug. 1 from 8:30 to 10 p.m. Dr. Michael Weinstein, Senior Lecturer in Physics and Astronomy, Connecticut College, will provide an introduction to the night sky and then we’ll be joined by members of the Thames Amateur Astronomical Society who will be providing viewing telescopes. Bring binoculars, if you have them. Registration is required. Raindate is Aug. 2. Who and what is the Waterford Land Trust and how do I get involved? Come find out on Monday, Aug. 8 at 6:30 p.m. Our speaker is David L. Lersch, currently serving as the group’s president.

Our second annual “Al Fresco Summer Concert Series” runs Fridays beginning July 8 and running through Aug. 12. We’ll have The Waterford Community Band’s woodwind and brass ensembles together with their trombone quartet, Marc Bernier performing Irish tunes, ACT III performing blues and jazz selections, The Rivergods, an original roots/folk/alt.country/whatever outfit, known for their stellar songwriting, spot-on harmonies and moving live performances and the Howling Hound Dogs playing toe-tappin’ swing standards and upbeat blues and jazz from the ‘20s, ‘30s and ‘40s.

Family Movie Nights will be held Thursday evenings in July beginning at 8:30 p.m. Youth Services has an active summer planned for ages 1 to 18! Miss Kim is back for a special summer series all-ages family storytimes Monday and Thursday mornings at 10 a.m. through July 21. Bring a blanket or chair and join us outdoors, weather permitting.

On Saturday, July 16, at 11 a.m., join us in a celebration of Puerto Rico’s African-based folklore, music and dance with an exciting interactive performance by Movimiento Cultural CT! This is for all ages. You can learn more about Movimiento Cultural on their website: https://www.movimientoculturalct.org/

4H STEM Ocean Discovery: Deep Dive to be held Wednesday, July 6 at 10:30 a.m. There are plenty of submarines right in our own backyard, but you will have the chance to make your own submarine to explore the ocean’s depths. Registration required for ages 5 and up.

Practice your reading with K-9 Officer Hodges from the Waterford Police Department on Friday, July 15 from 10 a.m. to noon. Recommended for ages 5 and up with a caregiver. 4H STEM Ocean Discovery with Octopi to be held on Wednesday, July 20 at 10:30 a.m. Using pony beads, you’ll observe the effect salt has on the density of water. Then you’ll make your own 3-D octopus! Registration required for ages 5 and up.

BenAnna Band Outdoor Performance will be at the library on Monday, July 25 at 6 p.m. Kids will go bananas for this high-energy musical duo that will have kids and adults singing, dancing, and playing along on live instruments! All ages welcome to this interactive performance with a caregiver.

And for Tweens and Teens we have Next Gen Tabletop Gaming Event to be held on Wednesday, July 6 at 4:30 p.m. Tweens & Teens, ages 12-18 are invited to participate in a table-top gaming event. Co-founder/director of HMGS Next Gen, Inc., Jared Fishman (also a history teacher at the Brunswick School, in Greenwich), will be running the game.

Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center will be here to assist teens in a Map Reading event held on Monday, July 11 at 3:30 p.m. When out on the trail you can’t always depend on your phone! Learn how to read trail signs, use a paper map and compass and discuss hiking preparedness. Recommended for 10- to 18-year-olds. Registration required. Squid Dissection with Mystic Aquarium educators will be held on Tuesday, July 19 at 2 p.m. for 9- to 12-year-olds and 3:15 p.m. for 13- to 18-year-olds. Educators will lead participants in the dissection of squid to better understand the structural and behavioral adaptations of these amazing ocean creatures. Registration is required. And also for teens two art programs on Tuesdays, July 19, and Aug. 2 at 6 p.m. All supplies included. Check the calendar of events for details.

Don’t forget Grab & Go Crafts will be available all summer long! Join us for a family fun activity using Facebook. Using a weekly clue and photo given to you on Facebook, tell us where the Hiking Bear is located. Hint: He will only be at Waterford parks and green spaces!

Further details about all of our programs and registration are found on our website www.waterfordpubliclibrary.org and then clicking on our Calendar of Events tab. While at our website, be sure to sign up for our monthly e-newsletter for the latest information on all library events and services.

Jill Adams is head of adult services at Waterford Public Library.