As we gear up for another exciting summer season of Scouting adventures, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the incredible work you do as camp leaders. Your dedication and commitment to providing quality programs that enrich the lives of our Scouts do not go unnoticed.  

The mission of the Boy Scouts of America comes to life at the camps you serve! Summer camp holds a special place in the heart of every Scout. It is a time of growth, learning, and camaraderie. Each year, Scouts eagerly anticipate the opportunity to attend camp, where they can participate in a variety of activities that challenge them, teach them new skills, and help them forge lifelong friendships. Many of them stay active in Scouting because of the experience they have in your camps! 

“Summer camp is a time-honored tradition that provides Scouts with the opportunity to learn new skills, build confidence, and create lasting memories,” says Roger Krone, CEO of the Boy Scouts of America. “I want to extend a sincere thank you to all camp leadership for your tireless efforts in making these experiences possible for our youth.” 

With this excitement comes a great responsibility. In Scouting, we will not compromise the safety of our youth, volunteers, and employees. Safety is a value that must be taught and reinforced at every opportunity. We are all responsible and must hold each other accountable to provide a safe environment for all participants. As camp leaders, you play a crucial role in ensuring that our camps are safe, inclusive, and welcoming environments for all Scouts. 

I urge you to continue to uphold the highest standards of safety and quality in all aspects of your camp programs. Lean on the NCAP process, your camp staff and council leadership and your support system here at the National Service Center in Outdoor Programs and Properties. We are committed to your success and the success of your camping operation. Don’t forget to take care of yourself too. While my 15 years serving as a camp director were incredibly rewarding, it wasn’t without its long days and challenging moments. It’s crucial to take care of yourself so you can continue to be there for those who rely on you.  

I remember my second summer serving as a council program director in the Inland Northwest Council. I was at Camp Grizzly outside Moscow Idaho, where we had a small lake. I tried to get around to all the program areas regularly and one Tuesday afternoon I was at the waterfront. Scouts were working on merit badges and enjoying the cool water. I noticed a group of Scouts near the dock, surrounding another Scout. As I got closer, I realized it was Kody, a Scout with cerebral palsy who was a camper that week. I stood back curious to see what was happening. I then witnessed for the next 40 minutes, Kody’s patrol swimming alongside him as he slowly worked to pass his swimmer test. I saw Scouts cheering him on from the dock and Scout swimming with him stroke for stroke. It was one of the most meaningful moments of my Scouting career so far. Those Scouts exhibited everything Scouting was about that day and 15 years later, I still remember this vivid experience.  

I know this summer you will not only provide every Scout with a memorable and rewarding experience, but you will also help instill in them the values of Scouting that will guide them for the rest of their lives.  

Thank you once again for your dedication and hard work. We look forward to another successful summer camp season under your leadership. 

Yours in Scouting, 

Andrea Watson 
Director of Outdoor Programs and Properties 

It is almost summer and that can only mean one thing…being in the OUTDOORS!  

Saturday, June 8, 2024, is not just any ordinary day—it’s National Get Outdoors Day, and now is the time to gear up to make it an adventure-packed celebration for all our Scouts! 

Now, I know you’re always on the lookout for ways to engage and excite your Scouting units and get them out to camp, and what better way to do that than by embracing the great outdoors? On National Get Outdoors Day, let’s make a pact to take our Scouting spirit beyond the usual confines of our meeting location and into the wilderness – or at least somewhere outside.  

Here’s the game plan: let’s use this special day to schedule some epic outdoor activities. Think hiking, fishing, archery, you name it. It’s the perfect opportunity to introduce our newly recruited Cub Scouts, and Scouts BSA members to the thrill of outdoor adventures and get them hooked on the magic of Scouting. Maybe even use an event as a kickoff to the new Cub Scout program adventures related to the outdoors. You can choose from several outdoor electives for each rank.  

But wait, there’s more! Circle another date on your calendar because June 27 is the “Great American Campout”. It’s a chance for us to come together as a Scouting community and celebrate the joys of camping under the stars. This event is also known as the “Great American Backyard Campout”, so you don’t have to make this a large event. The key is to get our Scouts outside camping and give them a chance to sleep in a tent or even under the stars. Nothing better than camping with the family outdoors or sitting around the campfire telling stories and sharing laughs. Well maybe making S’mores around the campfire could make it better.    

And speaking of s’mores, mark August 10, 2024, on your calendar as well. This is one of our favorite “holidays” as it is National S’mores Day! It’s the perfect excuse to indulge in this camping classic and create some sweet memories with your Scouts. 

Now, I know what you’re thinking. How do we make all of this happen? Well, it’s simple! Get your team together, brainstorm some exciting outdoor activities, and start spreading the word among your Scouts and their families on how you can celebrate Great Outdoors Month through one of these fun special “holidays”.  

So, are you ready to answer the call of the wild and make June 2024, an unforgettable outdoor extravaganza? I sure hope so! Let’s show the world what Scouting is all about—adventure, camaraderie, and the great outdoors! 

As we announced at the National Outdoor Conference last fall, we have been working to update the Summer Camp Staff Training Guide and we are thrilled to announce this crucial update is now complete!  

Staff training is critical to our ability to operate safe, quality camps and this resource is meant to help you in the process. If you’re unsure where to start in crafting your staff training plan, this will provide you with a solid foundation to build upon. 

Let’s talk about how you might use it: 

1. NCAP Standard SQ-402? Check, Check, and Check!: You know that standard about having 28 hours of staff training for a long-term camp staff?  The guide has over 20 hours of training material for you to use. There are also a few sample staff week schedules in the appendix to help you in planning the order and how to use the modules.  
2. New Material: From emergency procedures to staff culture, to effective teaching, the guide will share with you some ways to train your staff to be effective. The guide uses the EDGE method of teaching, and each module follows this plan. Ideally you will model the EDGE teaching method for camp through staff training. New modules about Mental Emotional and Social Health and “Making a Great Staff Member” are just a couple of the new modules we have included. One module even includes an ice cream social at the end! 
3. Tailor-Made Training Plans: Every camp does things a bit different right? The modules, while placed in the guide in a specific order, have some flexibility for you to move them around to meet your camp needs. Build a training schedule that makes sense for your specific camp’s needs. 
4. Streamline Your Staff Training Planning: Leverage the guide to plan your first 20 hours of staff training and then add in your own camp specific trainings to meet the needs of your specific camps and the other required training hours. Using the sample staff training schedules include in the guide gives you plenty of time for camp set up as well.   
5. A BIG THANK YOU: A huge shoutout to the volunteers and professionals who worked to put this guide together for us. Camp directors and program directors from across the country were a part of the planning and execution of the guide. Your hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed, and we’re beyond grateful for everything you’ve done. 

We’ve already sent out download links to all our current resident (long-term) camp and program directors. And for those attending National Camping School in 2024, keep an eye out because you’ll have one in the materials you are provided with during your training.  

We hope you will use this tool in your planning to train the best camp staff around. Let us know if you have any suggestions for improvements and we will keep working to help you train quality staff for your camp. 

CLICK HERE to download the Summer Camp Staff Training Guide