The fun begins below sea level at Camp Emerald Bay, located on stunning Catalina Island off the coast of California. Divers from around the world come to Catalina because its clear water makes it easy to see undersea kelp forests, rock reefs and wildlife.
That prime diving draws Scouts from across the country, too. Learning scuba in a pool is fine, but honing your diving skills here means exploring a rich underwater ecosystem teeming with octopi, sea lions, bat rays and leopard sharks.
Just want to get your flippers wet? Discover Scuba Diving, though not a certification course, introduces new divers to Emerald Bay’s underwater beauty under the close supervision of an instructor.
There’s plenty of fun above the surface, too, such as:
- The Emerald Bay War Canoe. Troops enjoy a team-building experience paddling to an overnight camping spot on Parsons Landing an hour away.
- The waterfront, where Scouts can earn Canoeing, Lifesaving, Motorboating, Rowing, Small-Boat Sailing and Swimming merit badges.
- A Rugged Adventurers program for boys 14 and older. It comes in four flavors: Rugged Explorers, Rugged Canoers, Rugged Scuba Divers and Rugged Oceanographers.
- Island exploring by mountain bike. Leaders and Scouts can borrow bikes throughout the week.
- The Emerald Bay Pirate Program, which encourages Scouts to return to camp as they work their way from Brigand to Buccaneer to Pirate to Anchorman.
Learn more about Camp Emerald Bay at campemeraldbay.org.
Scouting Magazine’s Cool Camps Series
Not all Boy Scout camps are created equal. Sure, each offers a terrific program to entertain and challenge Scouts, but every Scout camp has unique program elements that make it special. Scouting magazine has scoured the country to find some of the coolest Scout camps around. Check out the full list, and be sure to leave a comment if you’ve visited one of these Cool Camps.
Looking for a Scout Camp Near You?
Download the free Camp Scout by Boys’ Life app for iPhone to simplify your search. The free app lets you scour nearby BSA properties for activity-specific amenities, camping availability and much more. Check it out!
Inspire Leadership, Foster Values: Donate to Scouting
When you give to Scouting, you are making it possible for young people to have extraordinary opportunities that will allow them to embrace their true potential and become the remarkable individuals they are destined to be.
Donate Today
Be the first to comment