Oljato Program | Pacific Skyline Council

Camp Oljato Program

Merit Badges and Other Programs

Camp Oljato offers a truly memorable experience for every Scout and level. From first-year skills to advanced high-adventure, Camp Oljato’s program spans Aquatics, Climbing, Range & Target Activities (RATA), Scoutcraft, Handicraft, Nature/Ecology, and more.

Program Areas at Camp Oljato

Plan on three scheduled merit badges (a fourth may be possible based on schedule and capacity). See current offerings and prerequisites below. Merit badges and other activities offered during Open Program (after scheduled periods) can be signed up for at camp, not prior to arrival and not in the Black Pug registration system.

Aquatics

Sailing, motorboating, canoe/kayak, SUP, swimming, lifesaving, rowing. Advanced options: Advanced Sailing & Mile Swim
Waterskiing/Wakeboarding (limited slots).

Scoutcraft

Pioneering, camping, cooking, orienteering, wilderness survival, and backcountry fieldcraft.

Climbing

Natural rock and tower experiences with trained, screened staff for qualified participants.

Handicraft

Leatherwork, basketry, woodcarving, art, and other creative make-and-take projects.

Range & Target Activities

Archery, rifle, and shotgun ranges operated by certified instructors with strict safety protocols.

Nature & Ecology

Lake studies, forestry, environmental science, astronomy, and conservation projects.

Trail to First Class

Designed especially for new Scouts, this structured program guides participants through the core outdoor skills required for advancement from Tenderfoot through First Class. Scouts work in small groups led by experienced instructors and older youth staff, building confidence while learning by doing. Scouts rotate through hands-on sessions in various program areas, earning sign-offs toward rank advancement while enjoying the full camp experience.

Camping, cooking, and fire building
Knots, lashings, and basic pioneering
Map, compass, and outdoor navigation
First aid and emergency preparedness

Swimming and safe boating introduction
Nature study and conservation awareness
Scout spirit, teamwork, and leadership in camp life

Weekly Schedule (Overview)

Exact times follow the Leader Guide week schedule; some activities have capacity limits and prerequisites.

Time	Program
Sun Afternoon	Unit arrival and check-in, swim checks, campsite setup, leader meeting
Mon–Fri Mornings	Merit Badge Blocks A/B/C, Trail to First Class, leader training
Mon–Wed Afternoons	Open program, aquatics launches, climbing/range rotations, patrol competitions
Thu Afternoon	Oljato Olympicade & Campwide Games troop relays, spirit events, and competitions
Fri Afternoon	Open program and troop time, final merit badge completion, camp prep
Fri Night	Closing campfire and awards
Sat Morning	Checkout and departure

Merit Badges, Awards, and Other Programs at Camp Oljato

These are the badges and programs typically offered at camp. Badge links go to the official pages on scouting.org. Some are camp programs or BSA/Scouting America awards rather than merit badges.

Many merit badge classes have prerequisites that must be completed prior to arrival at camp in order to complete the merit badge. If prerequisites are not completed prior to camp, a partial completion will be earned. Scouts with partial completions will need to find a local Merit Badge Counselor to work with upon returning home.