Showing posts with label camp emerald bay. Show all posts
Showing posts with label camp emerald bay. Show all posts

Friday, September 14, 2012

Camp Emerald Bay / Camp Whitsett September newsletter

Thanks for a scorching hot summer!

It's settled, 2012 has been the hottest summer on record in Los Angeles since record keeping began in 1950, making it the best year on record to get out of town for a week to Camp Whitsett and Emerald Bay! A huge thank you to all of you who made it out to camp this year - with your participation, we served a combined total of 4,939 youth and 1,364 adults over a ten week summer season. These troops came from as far as Texas and Huntington Beach, Idaho and Oregon, as well as every corner of Los Angeles and the valleys. We hope that everyone who joined us this summer had a phenomenal experience and that you will come back again next year!

Early registration specials

To the early bird go the spoils! 2013 summer camp registration has opened already for Emerald Bay and Whitsett, and for a limited time each camp is making a special offer to those troops that register before December 1st.

Cub Family Weekend at Emerald Bay!

Bring the whole family along for some island adventure during the Cub Family Weekend this fall. Tiger Cubs through Webelos can earn belt loops for BB-gun shooting, archery, and art while making time for swimming, snorkeling, canoeing and kayaking. For those with a scientific bent, the Pennington Marine Science Center offers a window into the local ecology in their habitat tanks, wave tanks and shark touch tank (yes, you can pet these sharks). Exploring the hills and neighboring coves around Emerald Bay is a great way to get the entire family interested in the outdoors, especially as the seasons turn on the rustic West End of Catalina. Join us November 2nd through 4th with your entire pack or with just your own family for outdoor fun!

Thursday, May 17, 2012

May 2012 camping newsletter

Summer is here!

Summer is finally here and the first campers will soon arrive at Camp Emerald Bay and Camp Whitsett. There are, however, many boys who are still unable to go to camp. We are committed to getting as many boys into summer camp as possible. Feel free to let us know how we can help the boys in your unit experience our marvelous camps. As we approach the first week, many troops have last minute questions. We encourage you to visit www.campemeraldbay.org and www.campwhitsett.org with any questions, or contact our registrar at camping@bsa-la.org.

Late cancellation forgiveness

Spaces are filling fast at both camps this summer and we don't want any boy who may still be unsure to miss out on the chance. Therefore, beginning Monday, May 20, you may add any participant without risk of a cancellation penalty if they decide not to go before camp. This applies only to new participants added between May 20 and June 17.

Provisional troops are now forming

We know it's difficult to accommodate the schedules of every boy in your unit to get them all to camp. Unfortunately some boys sit out of camp each summer because of conflicts with the dates their troops go to camp. At both Camp Whitsett and Camp Emerald Bay we offer boys the opportunity to come to camp without their units and still experience the joy and camaraderie that comes from attending with a group. Provisional, or lone scouts, come to camp on their own, but are quickly placed in a troop made up of other provisional scouts. Promoting provisional camping to the boys in your unit is one more way we can encourage all boys to get into camp. For more information or assistance with registering provisional scouts, contact our registrar at (818) 933-0130. Camperships are available!

Get ready for camp!

Stop by the Valley Scout Shop to see the latest in camping gear, pick up items for camp, and ask questions about other camping opportunities in the WLACC. The store is located at 16525 Sherman Way, Van Nuys, CA 91406.

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

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

March 2012 camping newsletter

New Kayaking merit badge!

The national BSA is preparing its launch of the new Kayaking merit badge. The badge allows participants to learn skills with various forms of kayaks and various types of water conditions. Both Camp Emerald Bay and Camp Whitsett will be putting their own unique touches onto an exciting activity, giving boys the opportunity to be among the first to offer this dynamic merit badge.

SPL programs and camperships

Send your senior leaders to camp a week before your arrival and we will provide them with an intense leadership training course that prepares them to both lead your troop at camp, and also to lead your troop when you return. Each senior leader can bring a buddy for what is a truly rewarding experience in camp. Also, don't let finances prevent your boys from attending camp. Our camps each have aggressive campership opportunities to get as many boys into camp as we can. The application process is one of the simplest around. For applications to both programs you can visit www.campemeraldbay.org or www.campwhitsett.org, or send a request to camping@bsa-la.org.

WLACC High Adventure

Older boys don't have to miss summer camp simply because they don't need any more merit badges. Camps Emerald Bay and Whitsett have two top-rate High Adventure programs. At Camp Emerald Bay, participants can bike, hike, cycle, snorkel, and kayak with the Rugged Explorers. The camp offers three High Adventure SCUBA programs, including the new Rugged Rescue! In the Sequoia National Monument, participants in Camp Whitsett's Sierra programs will be able to go on treks through an unrivaled wilderness setting. Treks are available for hikes, bicycling, or horses. In addition, boys over the age of 14 can participate in the CPT program where they learn leadership through daily demanding challenges.

Don't forget your new Webelos!

One of the keys to a boy's Scouting success is getting him into summer camp immediately after he enters Boy Scouts. Both camps offer first-year camper programs to prepare him for his future in Scouting.

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

Friday, January 27, 2012

January 2012 camping newsletter

Whitsett First Year Pathfinders

The Pathfinder program is one of the highlights of the Camp Whitsett program. Designed for those new to Scouting, a veteran Whitsett staff member becomes patrol leader for the week and leads the Scouts through many of the Tenderfoot, Second, and First Class requirements. Scouts bond as a patrol and learn skills that will last a lifetime. To learn more, visit www.campwhitsett.org.

Staff available for troop visits

Emerald Bay and Whitsett are both filling fast, with several weeks already near capacity! If you have Scouts still on the fence about attending camp this summer, we are happy to have a representative from Emerald Bay or Whitsett come and speak at a troop meeting. To learn more or register for camp, please visit us at www.campwhitsett.org or www.campemeraldbay.org.

Emerald Bay adds "Rugged R"

With the introduction of the Scuba Merit badge, we have seen interest in our basic Scuba certification program Rugged S and our advanced certification program Rugged O soar. A number of troops expressed interest in another program for Scouts and Scouters who completed Rugged O. Emerald Bay is proud to introduce Rugged R, a Rescue Diver course offered at Emerald Bay this summer. Details and dates will be released at www.campemeraldbay.org.

Leader's meetings and registration

Summer grows closer by the day; we are weeks away from the first leader's meetings. Emerald Bay will be holding leader's meetings on March 3rd and 24th, and Whitsett will be holding theirs on April 14th. These meetings offer an opportunity for Scoutmasters to come together and learn all about visiting Emerald Bay and Whitsett and what they need to do to make sure that their unit is prepared for camp. If your unit has not yet registered for this summer, there is still time to sign your troop up before the leader's meeting. Even if your troop is going somewhere else this year, use this month to make sure that all Scouts have registered to go to camp somewhere. Remember, Emerald Bay and Whitsett also accept provisional Scouts and patrols!

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

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

December 2011 camping newsletter

Dear Friends of Whitsett, Emerald Bay, and Camp Josepho,

As we close the books on 2011, I want to thank all of you for helping to make this another amazing year for Scouting. In 2011, Scouts at Emerald Bay and Whitsett earned over 15,000 merit badges. Thanks to the generous support of our donors, we were able to provide well over $30,000 in scholarships for those who would otherwise be unable to experience summer camp, and over 21,000 people visited us at Whitsett, Emerald Bay, or Josepho.

As we head into 2012, we hear daily from Scouts and Scouters excited about all that lays ahead. While you enjoy the holidays with your friends and family, please take a moment to reflect on the difference that Scouting has made in your life, and to consider giving the gift of camping to someone in 2012. Thank you again for all of your support.

Yours in Scouting,

James Rushton
Scout Executive
camping@bsa-la.org
(818) 933-0130

Thursday, October 20, 2011

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:

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

Monday, August 29, 2011

WLACC August 2011 camping newsletter

Early registration special!

Camp Emerald Bay and Camp Whitsett are now accepting registra­tions for the summer of 2012! As an incentive to units who register early, we are keeping 2011's prices constant until September 15th. On September 15th, prices for Camp Emerald Bay will increase to keep pace with rising costs. We want as many troops as possible to take advantage of the discount, so register now! To register for Emerald Bay, please visit www.campemeraldbay.org, for Whitsett please visit www.campwhitsett.org

Sailing at Emerald Bay

Camp Emerald Bay's sailing program received a boost in 2011 thanks to a grant from the Johnson Foundation that allowed for the purchase of new gear and equipment to help fund the program. In the past five years, over 1,000 Scouts have learned to sail at Emerald Bay, and this grant will help extend this wonderful program to many more. For more information about sailing and other merit badges at Camp Emerald Bay, please visit www.campemeraldbay.org

Year-round adventure

Emerald Bay, Josepho, and Whitsett all offer myriad opportunities for excitement and adventure year-round. Whether it is with your troop, school, youth group, or even your family, opportunities abound to visit camp throughout the year. With programs designed to suit groups of all sizes, Emerald Bay and Whitsett make unforgettable destinations for all kinds of events. Come and experience all the fun that camp has to offer without having to wait for next summer! To learn more about Emerald Bay's year-round programs, please visit www.campemeraldbay.org, to learn more about Whitsett's visit www.campwhitsett.org and for Josepho's please visit www.bsa-la.org

Cub Scout camping programs

Camp Emerald Bay, Camp Whitsett, and Camp Josepho all offer camping opportunities for Cubs and Cub packs. Start planning now to ensure you don't miss out on any. Camp Whitsett has Cub Weekends on Memorial Day and each August, in addition to a Webelos summer camp in July. Camp Josepho hosts two sessions of Webelos resident camp each summer and four Cub Family weekends throughout the year. Camp Emerald Bay hosts a Cub Family weekend each March and November. Each of these events offers wonderful opportunities to acquaint your Cub Scout with camping and teach them about all Scouting can offer. To learn more, please visit www.bsa-la.org

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

Friday, April 29, 2011

July 10-16, 2011 - Emerald Bay spots available

Emerald Bay 2011
7/10/2011 - 7/16/2011
Spots available for 3 Scouts and 1 adult leader
Scout $524 - Adult leader $349

If you are interested in a very fun and wet summer camp, come join Troop 10 at BSA Emerald Bay summer camp.

Don't delay, this is the premier summer camp of WLACC so these spots will not be available for long.

We require full payment, current BSA medical form and permission slips.

Troop 10 meets on Monday nights at United Methodist Church of Reseda. We are on the corner of Saticoy and Lindley in the city of Reseda.

Bruce McDonald, Scoutmaster (818) 808-5351
Bernd Engelmann, Committee Chairman (818) 371-5825
Melanie Hammock, trip organizer Melaniehammock@aol.com

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

April camping newsletter

Emerald Bay Goes Green

This summer, Emerald Bay will launch the Energy Merit Badge to teach Scouts about energy conservation and alternative energy sources. The launch of this merit badge is another in a series of steps Emerald Bay has taken in recent years to become more environmentally sensitive. These include implementing water-saving strategies that have cut over a million gallons in yearly usage and taken our per-person water usage from 65 gallons per person per day in 2006 to 35 in 2010! We also completed the Emerald Bay Eco Classroom with the help of the Gensler architectural firm. The Eco Classroom has won several awards for its sustainable and innovative design. Learn more about Emerald Bay's commitment to the environment.

Whitsett, Emerald Bay, and Lands' End

Camp Whitsett and Camp Emerald Bay are excited to announce that we have partnered with Lands' End to offer an online store to all friends of camp. Troops can preorder their troop t-shirt, customized with troop number, to be picked up at camp or delivered to your home, in addition to all sorts of cool Whitsett and Emerald Bay gear. Best of all, everything ordered from the new store is Guaranteed. Period. ® Call (800) 995-8711 or visit www.campwhitsett.org/store or www.campemeraldbay.org/store to learn more.

Whitsett CPT Program

One of the highlights of Camp Whitsett is the CPT program, a leadership development program using high adventure activities as a catalyst for development. CPT is a week-long adventure which includes backpacking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and many other challenging outdoor elements. In CPT, emphasis is placed on group decision-making, teamwork, wilderness ethics, risk management, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Scouts who participate in the program emerge as stronger leaders in their troops and crews and come away with memories that last a lifetime. Learn more.

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Camping news from Emerald Bay and Whitsett

July 7-10: Whitsett Webelos Rendezvous

Camp Whitsett invites Webelos to join them in July for the first Whitsett Webelos Rendezvous. Webelos will have the opportunity to learn Western skills like throwing a tomahawk, archery and BB gun shooting, using a bullwhip, candle making, and more. At night, campers will cook in Dutch ovens before turning in for a night of frontier camping. To learn more about this exciting event, or to register now, visit www.campwhitsett.org.

Emerald Bay and Lands' End

Camp Emerald Bay is excited to announce that we have partnered with Lands’ End to offer an online store to all friends of camp. Troops can preorder their troop T-shirt, customized with troop number, to be picked up at camp or delivered to your home in addition to all sorts of cool Emerald Bay gear. Best of all, everything ordered from the new store is Guaranteed. Period. ® Call (800) 995-8711 or visit www.campemeraldbay.org/store to learn more.

Whitsett First Year Pathfinders

The Pathfinder program is one of the highlights of the Camp Whitsett program. Designed for those new to Scouting, a veteran Whitsett staff member becomes patrol leader for the week and leads the Scouts through many of the Tenderfoot, Second, and First Class requirements. Scouts bond as a patrol and learn skills that will last a lifetime. To learn more, visit www.campwhitsett.org.

Year-Round at Emerald Bay

Not many people know that Emerald Bay has a thriving spring and fall camping program. During the week, the camp is home to an outdoor education program for students in elementary, middle, and high school. On the weekends, the camp is home to everything from Cub Scout camps to YMCA adventure guides to weddings to church retreats. The camp staff works with each of these groups to make the experience unique, from providing scuba training, to conducting classes on marine science in the Pennington Center, to transforming the dining hall into a dance hall. If you have a group that you are interested in bringing to camp, visit www.campemeraldbay.org or call us at (818) 933-0131.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

WLACC January 2011 camping newsletter

Rock wall donated for Whitsett

Scouts participating in climbing programs at Whitsett this summer will have a new element to look forward to. Fred Willis of Quantum Rock has donated a twenty-foot rock wall capable of accommodating up to four climbers at a time. This addition to our climbing program will allow us to serve more climbers at once and allow novice climbers to progress steadily from easy routes to more advanced climbs.

Staff available for troop visits

Emerald Bay and Whitsett are both filling fast, with several weeks already near capacity! If you have Scouts still on the fence about attending camp this summer, we are happy to have a representative from Emerald Bay or Whitsett come and speak at a troop meeting. To learn more or register for camp, please visit us at www.campwhitsett.org or www.campemeraldbay.org.

Island fox population rebounds

Endemic to Catalina, the Island Fox is much smaller than its mainland cousins, similar in size to a small house cat. In 1999, Catalina Fox populations plummeted from a high of 1,300 individuals to only about 100 due to an outbreak of Canine Distemper virus. They were placed on the federal endangered species list, and the Island Conservancy has since been engaged in an aggressive breeding program and recently announced that the population has rebounded to over 1,000 individuals.

New Eagle merit badges come to Whitsett

Responding to popular demand, Camp Whitsett is adding three new Eagle required merit badges for the 2011 camping season. First Aid, Citizenship in the Nation, and Citizenship in the Community will all be available to Scouts registering for badges this spring. Taught by experienced staff in a beautiful mountain setting, we are pleased to offer these badges and give Scouts the opportunity to progress further along the trail to Eagle while at summer camp.

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

Monday, December 20, 2010

WLACC December 2010 camping newsletter

Dear friends of Whitsett, Emerald Bay, and Camp Josepho,

As 2010 draws to a close, I want to thank all of you for helping to make this an amazing year for Scouting. In addition to being the 100th anniversary of our organization, 2010 saw many milestones for our camps. Over 21,000 people attended one of our three camps this year; Scouts at Emerald Bay and Whitsett earned over 15,000 merit badges, and thanks to the generous support of our donors, we were able to provide over $30,000 in scholarships for those who would otherwise be unable to experience summer camp.

As we head into 2011, we hear daily from Scouts and Scouters excited about all that lays ahead. While you enjoy the holidays with your friends and family this year, please take a moment to reflect on the difference that Scouting has made in your life, and to consider giving the gift of camping to someone in 2011. Thank you again for all your support.

Yours in Scouting,

James Rushton
Scout Executive
camping@bsa-la.org
(818) 933-0130

Thursday, August 13, 2009

2010 summer camp applications

To: All WLACC Unit leaders
From: Camping Department, WLACC
Subject: 2010 Online summer camp application

The Western Los Angeles County Council is the home of two incredible Boy Scout Summer Camps, Camp Emerald Bay and Camp Whitsett. We also host the nationally recognized high adventure camps, Rugged Adventurers and Sierra Expeditions!

Camp Emerald Bay and Rugged Adventurers

With its rustic island beauty, our camp will have your Scouts coming back year after year! From the exhilarating boat ride to Catalina Island to scuba diving in the deep blue yonder, your Scouts will experience a camp dedicated to building character, fostering friendship and providing for personal growth through a challenging and electrifying program!

Camp Whitsett and Sierra Expeditions

Located in the awe inspiring Sequoia National Forest, our camp offers an unforgettable experience for your Scouts. With our mountain top local and top notch facilities, your Unit can look forward to leadership development, self-confidence building, achievement opportunities, and just plain fun! Set your Scouts in motion to the premier mountain camp!

How do I register?


Registration begins:
  • September 1st, 2009 for WLACC units
  • September 16th, 2009 for 2009 WLACC summer camp attendees
  • October 1st, 2009 for all other units

The following are the dates of registration for the 2010 season. Please keep in mind that while it is important to register as soon as possible, it is not critical to register on the first day of registration.

Emerald Bay and Rugged AdventurersWhitsett and Sierra Expeditions
EB/RA1: June 13-19, 2010
EB/RA2: June 20-26, 2010
EB/RA3: June 27 - July 3, 2010
EB/RA4: July 4-10, 2010
EB/RA5: July 11-17, 2010
EB/RA6: July 18-24, 2010
EB/RA7: Staff development
EB/RA8*: August 1-7, 2010
EB/RA9*: August 8-14, 2010
EB/RA10*: August 15-21, 2010
EB/RA11*: August 22-28, 2010

EB/RA12: August 29 - September 4, 2010

*Rugged "C" is available.

WH/SE1: June 20-26, 2010
WH/SE2: June 27 - July 3, 2010
WH/SE3: July 4-10, 2010
WH/SE4: July 11-17, 2010
WH/SE5: July 18-24, 2010
WH/SE6: July 25-31, 2010
WH/SE7: August 1-7, 2010

Thursday, August 6, 2009

August 15-16, 2009 - Emerald Bay Campfire Circle Dedication

On August 15th, Camp Emerald Bay - WLACC, in collaboration with the Emerald Bay Alumni, will dedicate the new Campfire Circle.

The dedication is a part of the alumni's annual reunion where former staff, friends, and family rekindle friendships and remember old times.

If you are able to join us, please register now.

Hope to see you there.

Yours in Scouting,

Lee

"A world in which people make ethical and moral choices over their lifetime."

Lee Harrison
Development Director
Executive Director - Emerald Bay
WLACC
16525 Sherman Way, Unit C-8
Van Nuys, CA 91406
(818) 933-0109
(818) 901-4889
LHarrison@bsa-la.org


Also keep your eye out for four WLACC "Scouting for Adventure" episodes on The Outdoor Channel this fall.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Looking for Emerald Bay summer camp opening

Do you know of any troops that are going to Emerald Bay in late July or August and have an opening for a Scout?

Thanks,

Alan Burman
(818) 994-2048
(818) 231-0688 mobile
burmanlaw@att.net