Summer Camp and High Adventure

Every summer the Troop goes to camp, and in recent years we have also taken on a high adventure trip each summer. Summer is where much of a Scout's growth happens: rank advancement, merit badges, and the kind of trips Scouts remember for years.

Campers standing on a floating dock on a mountain lake at sunset

Canvas tents among tall pines above a lake

Scouts paddling kayaks and swimming in calm blue water near a rocky coast

A beach with a row of canoes and a large group of Scouts gathered on the sand

Camp Oljato

Camp Oljato (pronounced ole-JAY-toe) is the Pacific Skyline Council's summer camp on Huntington Lake in Lakeshore, California, in Fresno County, in the High Sierras. See the council's official Camp Oljato page for the current program, fees and registration. Troop 33 has been sending Scouts there since its earliest years.

The Troop goes to Oljato for one week each summer, typically the week after the Fourth of July. At camp, Scouts can make real progress toward First Class and earn merit badges.

Spots for first-year Scouts. The Troop has to reserve its Oljato spots before the Firsties program starts in March, which is before new Scouts have joined. We always set aside spots for first-year Scouts, so new Firsties are welcome to come.

Out-of-council camps

Every other summer the Troop also goes to a camp outside our council. A camp we often choose is Camp Emerald Bay on Catalina Island. Troop families can see the Emerald Bay orientation slides (Troop 33 families only; sign in with the Google account the Troop has on file for you) and use the Emerald Bay packing list.

High adventure

In recent summers the Troop has taken a high adventure trip every year, usually to Philmont in New Mexico or Northern Tier in the northern wilderness of Minnesota, Manitoba and Ontario. Scouting America's Sea Base in Florida is another option. These are backpacking, canoeing and sailing adventures. Each base sets its own age and fitness rules and updates them, so check the base before planning. As of this writing, a Philmont trek needs participants who are 14, or who are 13 and have completed 8th grade, when the trek begins (Philmont FAQs). Sea Base's Florida sailing and multi-adventure programs need participants to be 12 by their arrival date (Sea Base eligibility). Northern Tier lists its requirements in its participant handbook.

To prepare, see the Intro to Backpacking guide, the Philmont backcountry cooking guide, and these videos: how to set up a campsite, how to pack a backpack Philmont style and backcountry cooking. For ordinary backpacking trips, see the Camping Checklist.

Before you go to camp

Leaders and parents: the council posts the current Oljato leader guide, schedule and forms on its Oljato leaders and parents page.
Orientation slides: the Troop's Oljato orientation slides cover what to expect. They are for Troop 33 families only; sign in with the Google account the Troop has on file for you.
Packing: use the Camp Oljato packing list. The general Camping Checklist covers the basics.
Medical forms: because camp lasts longer than 72 hours, Part C of the BSA medical form is required, signed by a physician. See Medical forms.
Sign up: through the activities app when the activity opens. See Signing up for activities. The cost changes every year, so it is listed on the activity itself and not on this page.

Questions

Ask the summer camp coordinator, who is the activity coordinator for camp. It is a much bigger job than coordinating a regular camping trip. See the Summer Camp Coordinator role, or contact the Troop.