It’s no surprise to anyone that this has been one of the hottest summers on record across the country. Even under these blistering conditions, I am heartened by the fact that so many of our Scouts and non-Scouts are travelling to summer camp to enjoy what we have to offer to help them be Prepared. For Life.™

I’ve done some noodling around and spotted terrific online news accounts of fun, inspiring, and unique camp programs under way this summer.

In Tulsa, Oklahoma’s, Indian Nations Council, many who attend the annual Sheriff’s Boy Scout Camp are from low-income neighborhoods whose families include repeat offenders for drug use and gang violence. But this camp program is making a positive difference in the lives of these teens and pre-teens. “Some of these kids, we’re beginning to have a real impact on,” Tulsa County Sheriff Stanley Glanz told the Tulsa World. “They’re starting to see the importance of trying to do what’s right.” Read more of the Tulsa World article to learn about the basic leadership skills these boys are learning, thanks to this amazing program.

Here’s a photo story of Cub Scouts keeping cool while learning about swimmer safety at a resident camp in the Louisiana Purchase Council in Monroe, Louisiana. At the BSA’s Camp Avondale in Baton Rouge’s Istrouma Area Council, Scouts were also beating the heat thanks to camp counselors taking extra precautions as temperatures climbed to 100 degrees. And Cub Scouts in South Park, Pennsylvania, capped off their weeklong day camp in the Laurel Highlands Council with Water Day, thanks to a shower from a visiting fire truck.

And I found a great blog sharing stories from the BSA’s Camp Geiger in St. Joseph, Missouri’s, Pony Express Council. Below is a photo shared by a terrific blogger (and camp director), Larry Grantham:

Working on aquatics merit badges is a great way to beat the heat.

It’s hard to believe the summer is passing by so quickly! I hope your councils are enjoying great camp attendance while finding creative and effective ways to keep your Scouts cool and hydrated during this national heat wave. At the same time, I hope our young people are learning a lot, having great adventures, and creating wonderful memories!

Bob