WLACC October 2011 camping newsletter

Spring camping and summer 2012

Many units ask if there is a way to get work done on merit badges before summer camp. Camp Emerald Bay, Camp Whitsett, and Camp Josepho are all available during the spring and fall for use by troops. We have many troops that design weekend camps where Scouts can earn merit badges and prepare for summer camp. To learn more, please visit:

• www.campemeraldbay.org 
• www.campwhitsett.org 
• bsa-la.org/index.php?page=josepho

NRA partnership

Camp Emerald Bay, Camp Whitsett, and Camp Josepho have partnered with the NRA to help increase the quality and volume of field sports instruction delivered at the camps. The NRA gave each camp a grant allowing the purchase of new rifles, shotguns, bows, and equipment. This equipment helped Scouts earn over 400 Shotgun merit badges, 520 Rifle merit badges, and 350 Archery merit badges this summer.

Whitsett whitewater rafting

Fodor's travel guide calls the Kern River's rapids the most exciting in the state, and Scouts at Camp Whitsett have the chance to brave those rapids next summer! Partnering with Sierra South, Camp Whitsett is offering Scouts the opportunity to try their hand at Class 2 and 3 rapids on the Kern River.  Experienced guides will lead Scouts on this exciting and memorable adventure. To see a video of the rafting experience at Whitsett, visit www.campwhitsett.org

Scuba merit badge at Emerald Bay

Since the Scuba merit badge was introduced in 2010, the program has become one of Emerald Bay's most popular. Scouts aged twelve and up can earn their open water certification as well as a merit badge. Scouts spend the week exploring one of the world's top diving spots around the coasts of beautiful Catalina Island while earning a merit badge for their efforts. For more information or to sign up for the Scuba merit badge, visit www.campemeraldbay.org

Apply now for camp staff

For many Scouts, working on camp staff is a great way to give back.  Camp Emerald Bay and Camp Whitsett welcome applications from all Scouts aged 14 and up. Scouts can apply to Whitsett staff until February 1st, but the Emerald Bay staff application period closes on November 1st, 2011! Don't miss out.

Be sure to visit www.campemeraldbay.org/emerald-bay/jobs or www.campwhitsett.org/about/employment-opportunities for more information on how to apply.

Questions or comments? E-mail us at camping@bsa-la.org or call (818) 933-0130