Summer Is for Scouting
Summer is one of the best times to experience everything Scouting has to offer, and across the W. D. Boyce Council there are opportunities for every age level to stay active, learn new skills, and make memories that will last a lifetime.
For our Cub Scouts, summer is packed with excitement through Day Camp and Resident Camp programs. These camps give Scouts the chance to experience outdoor adventures, shooting sports, crafts, nature programs, games, and campfires in an environment built just for them. For many families, these events become the highlight of the summer and often create the first truly unforgettable Scouting experiences for a young Scout.
For Scouts BSA youth, Summer Camp remains one of the cornerstones of the Scouting program. A week at camp offers advancement opportunities, leadership growth, time outdoors, and the chance to strengthen friendships within the troop. It is amazing to watch Scouts return from camp more confident, more independent, and more connected to their patrol and troop.
One of the truly unique opportunities we offer in the W. D. Boyce Council is Cache Lake Camp. Few experiences compare to the adventure of wilderness canoeing and fishing in the Boundary Waters. Cache Lake challenges Scouts and leaders alike while building teamwork, resilience, and lifelong memories. It is an experience many Scouts remember long after they age out of the program.
This summer also brings opportunities for some of our Scouts and leaders to participate in larger Scouting experiences such as the National Jamboree and National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT). National Jamboree gives Scouts the opportunity to meet fellow Scouts from across the country while experiencing incredible activities and once-in-a-lifetime adventures. NYLT continues to be one of the best leadership development programs available to our youth, helping them grow into stronger leaders not only within Scouting, but in school, work, and life.
Summer activities are also a reminder of how important volunteers and unit leadership are to making these programs successful. Behind every campout, summer camp, and activity is a dedicated group of adults helping create opportunities for youth to grow and succeed.
The Commissioner Corps is here to support units throughout the busy summer season. Whether your unit needs help planning activities, finding resources, strengthening communication with families, or preparing for the coming Scouting year, your commissioners are available to help.
I encourage every family and leader to take advantage of the opportunities available this summer. The memories made around campfires, on hiking trails, on the water, and with fellow Scouts are often the moments that define a Scout’s journey.
Yours in Scouting,
Mike Heger
Council Commissioner
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