As I write this, we're in our second week of summer camp at Camp Geronimo, and Cub Scouts are already enjoying adventures at Camp Raymond. Across Arizona and beyond, Scouts are hiking trails, learning new skills, making friends, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Summer camp season is one of the highlights of the Scouting year, and it's exciting to see so many Scouts experiencing the outdoors and all that Scouting has to offer.

While this year's camping season is underway, now is also the time for unit leaders to begin thinking about next summer. Over the years, we've found that summer camp attendance is the single strongest predictor of whether a Scout will remain active in Scouting the following year. Camp builds friendships, confidence, independence, outdoor skills, and memories that keep Scouts engaged long after summer ends. That's why the strongest troops focus on getting every Scout to camp, especially first-year Scouts. Even when a troop's primary summer adventure takes them out of state, many successful units send a contingent to Camp Geronimo so younger Scouts and those with schedule conflicts still have the opportunity to experience summer camp.

For many units, this is also the time of year when one Scouting year ends and another begins. The most successful units are already identifying next year's leadership team and working through the Ideal Year of Scouting planning process. By establishing calendars, budgets, major activities, and leadership assignments now, units are able to communicate a clear plan to both returning and new families when the new school year begins. Parents appreciate knowing what's ahead, and Scouts benefit from a program that is intentional and well organized.

The strongest units don't leave their success to chance. They make summer camp a priority, invest in thoughtful planning, and create a program that keeps Scouts engaged and excited throughout the year. The work you do this summer will help ensure that your Scouts return in the fall ready for another great year of adventure.

Andy Price

Scout Executive & CEO, Scouting Arizona, Grand Canyon Council