Our Favorite Ways to Beat the Heat

When the summer sun is blazing and the temps start soaring, we don’t sweat it—we splash, sip, and slide right through it! At Pine Cove, staying cool is just another excuse to have a whole lot of serious fun. From diving into the pool to chilling out under the trees, here are some of our absolute favorite ways to beat the heat this summer.

1. Sip on Something Refreshing

There’s nothing quite like the first icy gulp of a cold drink on a hot day. Whether it’s a delicious Peace Tea, your counselor’s top-secret slushie combo from the camp store, or just a classic glass of refreshingly cold water, staying cool and hydrated is the key to keeping your energy up!

2. Dive In!

The pool or lake is where it’s at on a hot summer camp day! Be it perfecting your cannonball, mastering the art of flying through pool obstacle courses, or just floating like a pro, the water is always calling (and we always answer!).

3. Slip & Slide Shenanigans

Let’s be real: running full-speed across a tarp soaked in water and soap is one of the top-tier camp experiences. Add some cheering cabinmates? That’s peak summertime fun.

4. Snow Cones That Hit the Spot

Flavor? Check. Brain freeze? Also check. Nothing beats these delicious, colorful treats that make even the hottest days feel a little cooler (especially if you get crazy and mix your own new flavor combinations!).

5. Shady Hammock Naps

Sometimes the best way to cool off is to chill out, literally. Grab your Bible or just close your eyes and rock gently in a hammock under the trees. Summer serenity at its finest.

6. Indoor Breaks (With A/C!)

When it’s really toasty, stepping into an air-conditioned building for some dodgeball, bracelet-making, or watching the goofiest lunch skit you’ve ever seen, is just what you need. Cool air + cool fun = win-win.

At Pine Cove, beating the heat isn’t just about staying cool. It’s about making the most of every moment! Check out a few suggestions that our staff offered for how they’re staying cool this summer.

“I received a shaved ice attachment for our stand mixer for Christmas and we have been loving beating the heat with some family snow cones on our back porch! These syrup mixes are delicious and they have so many flavors!” — Jesse “Schmoe” Garner, Senior Director of Engagement

“A Twix ice cream bar from the camp store post a hot opening day is absolutely unbeatable! I know that Dibs and the cookie ice cream sandwiches get all of the love, but do not sleep on the underdog here!” — Conor “Flow” Barry, Ridge Camp Director

“Sometimes you’ve just gotta meet the heat head on! For me, the best place to do that is the beach, where the sweltering temps are somehow easier to live with. Give me a book, a cool drink, and those ocean views, and I’m always gonna be happy—even on the hottest day!” — Valerie “Ouch Potato” Morby, Social Media and Copy Manager

“When it gets hot out, my wife and I take our one-year-old daughter to the Silverado Splash Pad!” — Marc “Captain” Wood, Silverado Men’s Director

Whether it’s jumping into the pool, laughing through a splash fight in the lake, or sharing a refreshing snack with your cabin, these are the memories that will stick around for summers to come. So make sure to pack your water bottle, your swimsuit, and be prepared to keep it cool!