Lifejacket and sunblock required.

Looking for fun in the sun during the "dog days of summer?"  Look no further than the newest merit badge, Kayaking!  Use the workbook to track your progress while you paddle your way to progress.  You can also find other great ways to beat the heat with the Canoeing, Fishing, Fly Fishing, Lifesaving, Scuba Diving, Small Boat Sailing, Swimming, Watersports, Whitewater, and Xylophone (just kidding) merit badges.  There are many ways to stay fit, have fun, and be safe around the water.  Now go do your swim test, if you haven't already, and enjoy the weather...just don't forget your sunblock and life jacket!

Appetite for construction!

Here is a scenario: You are in the woods camped next to a clearing with a view of the sky, you're not allowed to build an open fire due to the risk of wildfires and you just ran out of (cue ominous music) fuel for your camp stove!  Now what?  Anyone who has seen a reflective tanning shade or an auto sun shade might have an idea.  With a solar cooker you can use reflected sunlight to cook food with zero emissions, simple and inexpensive parts and easy construction methods.  Watch the videos to get the general idea behind solar reflector ovens then bring your designs and appetites!

Being prepared...simply.

What is it about a multitool or good pocket knife that makes us all feel a bit more...confident?  Perhaps it simply comes down to being prepared and knowing that we have tools to help with daily emergencies, no matter their size.  We would all do well to remember that there are many ways to "Be prepared" in our daily lives.  From skills training to planning for emergencies to having a multitool or knife ready to handle daily tasks, the options are many for helping others and showing them that (much like a knife) its always best to stay sharp and ready!

Fundraisers!

Where can you have fun, get some sunshine and support a great local cause?  A Scout fundraiser, that's where!  When there is good weather and the generous support of local businesses the event becomes something more memorable and becomes a fundraiser!  We should all remember to demonstrate that, "A Scout is: ...Courteous" by showing our appreciation for the local businesses that support Scouting and its aims.

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Thank you to the owners and staff of the Chevron Station at 41st and Rucker Ave as well as the Espresso-ly Yours coffee stand at 41st and Hoyt Ave for their kind assistance with our most recent fundraiser!  We could not have done it without their generous support.