Before Arrival
Be Prepared for a smooth check-in.
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Ensure all youth and adults are registered with the correct Scouting America unit.
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Ensure all adults complete required Safeguarding Youth Training (SYT) at my.scouting.org.
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Collect Annual Health & Medical Record (AHMR) for each participant (Parts A/B1/B2/C are required).
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Review program prerequisites and plan merit badge schedules with Scouts.
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Coordinate transportation and marina meetup timing (see Arrival & Check-In).
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California-based units only: Submit the AB506 Training Verification form for your all of your adults by May 1.
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Review the packing list. Label all gear and medications clearly. Prescription medications must be turned in at check-in.
What to Expect During Your Week at Camp Oljato
Learn more about a typical camp week, from arrival to departure.
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Boat transport to camp on Sunday; staff will guide unloading and campsite setup.
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Plan extra time at elevation and for marina logistics. Staff will help with gear loading and campsite setup when you arrive at Camp Oljato’s dock.
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Swim checks on arrival day; classification determines aquatics access.
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Leader meeting on Sunday with the camp administration team.
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Program blocks Mon–Fri; campwide events on Thursday afternoon.
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Checkout Saturday morning after campsite inspection.
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Cell service is limited in camp; urgent messages go through your unit or camp office.
Program Planning
An engaging schedule creates a fulfilling experience for Scouts of all ages.
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Plan on three merit badges per Scout (a fourth may be possible based on capacity).
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Some badges have prerequisites or age/ability recommendations — check the offerings sheet.
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Trail to First Class is ideal for new Scouts focusing on rank requirements.
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Range & Target Activities (RATA), Aquatics, Climbing, and advanced options have limited slots.
Camp Oljato Schedule
Arrival & Check-In (Sunday)
Exact timing varies by session. Final details are provided prior to your week.
Time | Activity |
|---|---|
Early Afternoon | Arrive at marina staging area, meet camp staff, boat transport to camp |
Upon Arrival | Medical recheck & AHMR review as needed; campsite assignment & setup |
Later Afternoon | Swim checks; program area walk-throughs; leaders’ meeting |
Evening | Opening campfire & orientation |
Weekly Schedule (Overview)
See the Leader Guide for the detailed daily schedule.
Time | Program |
|---|---|
Mon–Fri Mornings | Merit Badge Blocks A/B/C, Trail to First Class, leader training |
Mon–Wed Afternoons | Open program, aquatics launches, climbing/RATA rotations |
Thu Afternoon | Oljato Olympicade & Campwide Games (relays, spirit events, competitions) |
Fri Afternoon | Open program & troop time; final merit badge completion |
Fri Night | Closing campfire & awards |
Sat Morning | Checkout & departure |
Adult Leader Training at Camp Oljato
Sign up at camp for Horsemanship, IOLS, and NRA Range Safety Officer (RSO) training. Session availability and times are posted at the Sunday leader meeting. Be sure to complete any training course prerequisites before arriving at camp.
Additional trainings typically include Safety Afloat, Safe Swim Defense, and Leave No Trace.
NRA Range Safety Officer
(RSO)
Earn your NRA Range Safety Officer certification through our Range and Target Activities (RATA) staff. This nationally recognized program emphasizes safe range operations, command procedures, and supervision standards for youth shooting activities.
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Led by NRA-certified trainers
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Classroom-based (no live fire)
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Completes official NRA RSO credential requirements
Click here to learn about the RSO role.
Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills (IOLS)
The Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills (IOLS) course equips leaders with hands-on skills for camping, cooking, navigation, and patrol method instruction. It’s the core outdoor training for Scoutmasters and assistants.
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Practical sessions in Scoutcraft and team development
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Open to all registered adult leaders
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Completes the outdoor training requirement for direct-contact troop leaders (Course Code S11)
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Horsemanship
(Leader Discount Available)
Experience a trail ride and fundamentals of equine care through our Horsemanship program, offered at a discounted rate for registered leaders. This introductory session covers horse handling basics and safety.
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Open to adult leaders and older Scouts
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Safety orientation and supervised trail ride
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Discount rate available for leaders only
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Camp Oljato Resources for Leaders and Parents
The Camp Oljato registration page includes fees, payment deadlines, merit badge class sign up details, and more.
Camp Oljato Leader Guide (2025 Version Available, 2026 Version Coming Soon)
The Camp Oljato Leader Guide has information, including getting to camp, camp logistics, gear and packing lists, camp standards, health and safety, and camp programs.
Merit Badge/Program Schedule (2025 Version Available, 2026 Version Coming Soon)
The program schedule includes merit badge classes offered at camp as well as other programs and awards. Prerequisites, class periods and any restrictions (such as age requirements) are included.
Camp Oljato Map and Campsite Capacity
Camp Oljato's campsites can change from year to year due to winter conditions. Some campsites shown may not be available during your camp week.
AB506 Summer Camp Verification Form (California-Based Units Only)
All California-based troops must submit this form no later than May 1. It must include all adults on your camp roster and must be signed by the troop's unit leader and the troop's council. Delays may prevent adults from attending camp.
Annual Medical and Health Record (Medical Form Parts A, B1, B2, and C)
All youth and adults at Camp Oljato must submit the Annual Medical and Health Record. Part C must be signed by physicians (MD, DO), nurse practitioners, or physician assistants. We use Camp Doc to collect medical forms electronically.
MESH Crisis Plan Documentation
Those receiving treatment for MESH (Mental, Emotional, Social Health) related conditions must have a "Crisis Plan" included with their medical forms.
Shooting Sports Authorization Form
All youth participating in Range and Target Activities for merit badge classes or during open program time must have this form signed by a parent or legal guardian.
Need help managing your Camp Oljato registration? This tutorial page has help for many common questions about our event registration system, Black Pug (247scouting.com).
Camp Doc allows medical forms to be submitted electronically, which improves the camp check-in process when troops arrive at camp. This tutorial page has videos to help you navigate Camp Doc.
Leader Webinar Recording (Coming Soon)
This webinar is designed to help adult leaders prepare to bring their Scouts to Camp Oljato. It is hosted by our Camp Director and will cover a range of topics, including what to expect at arrival, camp program, health and safety, and more.
Leader Webinar Slides (Coming Soon)
View the slides shown during the webinar.
Camp Director Contact Information
Our Camp Director, Ron Gross, can be reached at ron.gross@scouting.org.
Getting to Camp Oljato
Camp Oljato, Huntington Lake, Sierra National Forest. Units stage at the Huntington Boat Ramp and Launching Site next to Lakeshore Marina for the boat shuttle to camp. Arrival/Boat times will be communicated to troops approximately 10 days prior to camp start date.
Letters
Scout’s Name
Troop #_____
Camp Oljato
P.O. Box 217
Lakeshore, CA 93634
Packages
Camp Oljato
Scout’s Name
Troop #_____
58800 Tollhouse Rd.
Lakeshore, CA 93634
Families can send letters and packages to campers at the following addresses:
Mail & Packages at Camp Oljato
Include your Scout’s name and troop number on all mail and packages.
Mail and packages are delivered to camp by boat, so delivery times can vary. Please plan ahead and send items early in the week. Avoid sending perishable food or items that attract wildlife.
