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Be Prepared to earn awards this summer


You and your Scout might already be looking forward to summertime fun. It’s a great time to get outdoors, earn some awards a little more conducive to the season and make lifelong memories. But to ensure maximum enjoyment, you should make sure you’re in shape to accomplish your goals.

You and your Scout might already be looking forward to summertime fun. It’s a great time to get outdoors, earn some awards a little more conducive to the season and make lifelong memories. But to ensure maximum enjoyment, you should make sure you’re in shape to accomplish your goals.

Now is the time to get physically fit for the summer. His column on the Mile Swim BSA award breaks down how you can gradually train for the challenging award. The Boy Scouts of America offers many awards, some perfect to do during the summer, like hiking, conservation and, especially, aquatics. Some of these are physically demanding; here are tips for preparing for these activities:

Daily exercises you can do at home or the office

  • Finding alternatives to “healthy” foods
  • Eating right while on the road
  • Healthy habits you can start now
  • Upgrade your daily walk

If you need a little inspiration, check out this story of a Scouter who lost 150 pounds in less than nine months so he could go on a Philmont trek with his son.

Awards to work on

Did you know there are some awards you can earn with your Scout? Here are a few summer-conducive honors you might want to look at:

For Cub Scouts:

  • Cub Scout Outdoor Activity Award
  • Historic Trails Award
  • National Parks Service Resource Stewardship Scout Ranger
  • National Summertime Pack Award
  • Scout Strong Awards
  • World Conservation Award

For Scouts BSA, Venturers, Sea Scouts or Explorers:

  • 50-Miler Award
  • Boardsailing BSA
  • BSA Lifeguard
  • Complete Angler
  • Historic Trails Award
  • Kayaking BSA
  • Mile Swim BSA
  • National Parks Service Resource Stewardship Scout Ranger
  • National Medal for Outdoor Achievement
  • National Outdoor Awards
  • Outdoor Ethics Action Award
  • Outdoor Ethics Awareness Award
  • Scout Strong Awards
  • Scuba BSA
  • Snorkeling BSA
  • Stand Up Paddleboarding
  • White Water Rafting BSA
  • William T. Hornaday Awards
  • World Conservation Award

For adults:

  • 50-Miler Award
  • Boardsailing BSA
  • BSA Lifeguard
  • Historic Trails Award
  • Mile Swim BSA
  • Outdoor Ethics Action Award
  • Outdoor Ethics Awareness Award
  • Scout Strong Awards
  • Scuba BSA
  • Snorkeling BSA
  • Stand Up Paddleboarding
  • White Water Rafting BSA
  • William T. Hornaday Awards