LEADERS GUIDE - Summer Camp 2026
Golden Gate Area Council Mission & Vision
The camps of the Golden Gate Area Council are some of the longest running scout camps in the Western United States. Camp Royaneh opened in 1925, Camp Wolfeboro in 1928, and Wente Scout Reservation in 1959. Each is a special place for Scouts of all ages.
The Mission of our Camp staff is to facilitate an environment where Scouts will be engaged in unique, evolving programs, while building character through the aims and methods of Scouting in a safe, outdoor environment.
The goal of our Camp staff is to promote a profound reverence for the outdoors. We establish, maintain, and provide a traditional camping environment that can be enjoyed by all ages for many years to follow.
The Scout Oath and Scout Law are at the core of our camps. As your Scouts participate in our camp programs, we help your unit utilize the “Patrol Method” so your Scouts learn and develop leadership skills. Additionally, we expect your Scouts to use the “buddy system” at ALL times.
The best aspect of program at camp is that it is YOUR program. The staffers of Camp Royaneh, Camp Wolfeboro, and Wente Scout Reservation are here to assist you in providing that program, so BE PREPARED!
On My Honor I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.
A Scout is:
Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient,
Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent.
Youth Protection
Scouting America’s adult registration requirements mandate that all adults accompanying a Scout Troop to a resident camp or other Scouting activity must be registered as an Adult Leader, including completion of a Criminal Background Check (CBC) and Safeguarding Youth Training (SYT) prior to the start of the event. https://training.scouting.org/learning-plans/1179 In addition, the State of California passed AB506 that went into effect on January 1st, 2022. All registered Scouting America volunteers, employees, and other volunteers who are 18 years or older and who have direct contact with, or supervision of, children for more than 16 hours a month or 32 hours per year must complete a Live Scan background check and complete online mandated reporter training. Requiring registration, background checks, Safeguarding Youth Training for all adults (18+, even if registered as a youth participant in Venturing or Sea Scouts) on extended activities and complying with AB506 adds another dimension of protection for our Youth. To learn more please visit: https://californiascouting.org/.
• This requirement applies to any adult accompanying a Troop on a single Scouting activity
• Adults must be registered as leaders, including the completion of a Criminal Background Check (CBC) and Safeguarding Youth Training (SYT) before the activity (CBCs cannot be expedited)
Note: under normal circumstances it can take up to 3 weeks for a CBC to be completed. With many new adult registrations across the country happening at the time before camp, it may take even longer. BE PREPARED by registering and completing your YPT and CBC early so as not to be told you cannot attend camp because it did not come back yet.
In accordance with the National Youth Protection Policy, we have instituted the following Council policies:
• Adults must maintain two-deep leadership in camp at all times.
• Notify the Camp Administration prior to arrival if you will have difficulties maintaining two deep leadership at camp.
• Adults must respect the privacy of Youth members.
• Adults and Youth will not share sleeping facilities at any time & Scouts must be within two years of age to share sleeping facilities.
• All Youth will respect the privacy of others regardless of age, gender, or relationship.
• If private issues between a Youth and an Adult must be dealt with, two-deep leadership must be maintained during the conference, health check, or other event.
• See the Camp Administration if you or your Unit needs assistance or advice in this area.
Troops must have their AB-506 Compliance Form verified and signed by their Council Registrar prior to arrival at camp.
The AB-506 Compliance Form can be found in the Leaders Guide Appendices, or on the Summer Camp webpage: https://goldengatescouting.org/summer-camp/
Camp Director's Letter
Golden Gate Area Council proudly offers three outstanding Summer Camps for the Youth in your Unit. Whether you’ve decided to attend the beautiful redwood setting of Camp Royaneh, the rugged Sierra mountains of Camp Wolfeboro, or the sprawling hills & lake of Wente Scout Reservation, this guide will help you make the most out of your Unit’s Summer Camp adventure.
We take pride in the high quality of our Camp programs. At each Camp, a well-trained & enthusiastic Staff is awaiting the arrival of your Scouts & is eager to assist each Troop in developing its own program. You are still in charge of your Unit, and your Unit’s program should reflect the needs and desires of your Scouts. After all, no one knows them better than you!
Your task as Unit Leader is to compress many years’ worth of adventure into one week of Camp. With unique and unparalleled programs, and an experienced & handpicked Staff with an emphasis on customer service, all Camps offer you the best Scouting environment you could ask for in a Summer Camp. Come to Camp expecting and demanding a great time.
Your Unit’s program can be tailor-made to meet your Unit’s needs. The experience level of your Scouts and leaders will be important considerations in building your Camp program. The Camp Staff is available to help you make your individualized Camp program successful.
Read this guide carefully and use it to plan your week. If you have any questions, please contact us directly & allow us to answer them.
The Camping Program of the Golden Gate Area Council is proud to be a part of your Unit’s effort in serving our youth.
Yours in Scouting,
McKenzie Llano
Camp Director
Camp Royaneh
Jonas Elam
Program Director
Camp Royaneh
Connor Brock
Camp Director
Camp Wolfeboro
Joy Salo
Program Director
Camp Wolfeboro
Elijah Gonzales
Camp Director
Wente Scout Reservation
Deren Bog
Program Director
Wente Scout Reservation
Joe Barton
Director of Support Service
Golden Gate Area Council
Tom Farris
Camping Committee Chair
Golden Gate Area Council
Planning Calendar
| Category | Task / Payment | Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| Fees | Pay Unit Camp Deposit | Year Prior, until January 1, 2026 |
| Pay Youth Camper Deposit | January 28, 2026 | |
| Pay Youth Camper Balance | By March 25, 2026 | |
| Pay Adult Camper Fee | By May 27, 2026 | |
| Pay Bridging Arrow of Light Fee | By June 3, 2026 | |
| Tasks | Follow your Camp on Social Media | ASAP |
| Register for Pre-Camp Leaders’ Meeting (April 14, 2026 @ 6:30 PM) Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/QPXb4Q78TSSd46hFoE-_dA |
February 2026 | |
| Begin Populating Registration System with Scouts’ Information | February 2026 | |
| Email Parents the Link to Parents’ Guide | March 2026 | |
| Email Parents the Link to Annual Health & Medical Record | March 2026 | |
| Begin Merit Badge Scoutmaster Conferences | March 2026 | |
| Collect Dietary Restrictions & Allergies | April 2026 | |
Register Scouts for Merit Badges
|
April 2026 | |
| Collect & Review AHMR for All Campers | May 2026 | |
| Collect Firearms Use Permission Forms | May 2026 | |
| Review Requirements Not Covered at Camp (Prerequisites) | May 2026 | |
| Distribute Packing Lists to Youth | May 2026 | |
| Review Troop Equipment Needs | May 2026 | |
| Review Travel Instructions | June 2026 |
Registration & Camp Fees
Download the 2026 Camp Fees & Pricing Schedule (PDF)
| 2026 REGISTRATION & CAMP FEES | ||||||||
| Registration Type | Camp | GGAC Units* | Out of Council Units | |||||
| Deposit Due 1/29/2026 | Early Bird: Before 3/25/2026 | Regular: Due in full 5/27/2026 | Late: After 5/27/2026 | Early Bird: Before 3/25/2026 | Regular: Due in full 5/27/2026 | Late: After 5/27/2026 | ||
| Youth Camper Fees (per week, per scout) | Wolfeboro | $350** | $805 | $840 | $870 | $835 | $870 | $900 |
| Royaneh | $350** | $815 | $850 | $880 | $845 | $880 | $910 | |
| Wente | $350** | $815 | $850 | $880 | $845 | $880 | $910 | |
| No Deposit for AOL Crossovers | Early Bird: Before 6/3/2026 | Regular: Due in full 6/21/2026 | Late: After 6/21/2026 | Early Bird: Before 6/3/2026 | Regular: Due 6/21/2026 | Late: After 6/21/2026 | ||
| AOL Crossovers (Scouts joining Troops Spring 2026) | Wolfeboro | None | $805 | $840 | $870 | $835 | $870 | $900 |
| Royaneh | None | $815 | $850 | $880 | $845 | $880 | $910 | |
| Wente | None | $815 | $850 | $880 | $845 | $880 | $910 | |
| Adult Leaders (per week, per leader) First Leader is FREE | All Camps | None | $500 | $500 | ||||
Unit Deposit (Stake-A-Claim)
- $500 per Unit per site per week is due at the time of reservation. Stake-A-Claims may be made up to 1 year in advance for Troops reserving the same campsite at the same camp for the following year. Deposits are non-refundable and will be applied to the Troop balance.
Notes:
- Your campsite and week are not guaranteed until your Unit Deposit with projected attendance (Stake-A-Claim) is paid.
- If less than 90% of your campsite's capacity is filled by your Troop, you will be sharing your campsite with another Troop.
- If your actual attendance is for fewer scouts than your projected attendance, your Troop may be required to move to a smaller campsite or share your campsite.
- Camperships are only available to GGAC Scouts attending Camp Royaneh, Camp Wolfeboro, or Wente Scout Reservation, and may only be applied to one camp per year.
- Deadline to submit Campership applications is April 30, 2026. Arrow of Light Scouts may apply for Camperships until May 28, 2026.
*GGAC In-Council rates are applicable for Scouts from a Council without a Scouts BSA summer camp.
**Deposits are non-refundable and will be applied to the balance due.
Registration
Troop Registration
Registration links for each camp are:
- Camp Royaneh - https://scoutingevent.com/023-CR2026
- Camp Wolfeboro – https://scoutingevent.com/023-CW2026
- Wente Scout Reservation - https://scoutingevent.com/023-WSR2026
We strongly encourage a Youth to Adult ratio of no lower than 5:1, while maintaining Two-Deep Leadership. If your unit needs to go lower than 5:1 after the Two-Deep Leadership requirement is met, please contact the Camping Program Department in writing at [email protected]
Provisional Campers (Scouts attending without their Troop)
For Scouts attending Summer Camp without their Troop, please see Provisional Camping.
Summer Camp Promotions
See 2026 Summer Camp Promotions for Registration Discount Information.
Using Parent Portal
2027 Registrations (Site Saver/Stake-a-Claim)
Secure your spot at camp in 2027 with Site Saver! Speak to your Camp Business Manager to place your $500 Unit Deposit at camp for 2027.
Site Savers abide by the following priorities:
- Same Camp + Same Week + Same Site
- Same Camp + Same Site, Different Week
- Different Camp, Any Week, Any Site
Resident Camp Refund Policy – Updated 2026
Youth Refund Policy
Deposit of $350 per Scout is non refundable. (Refunds will be calculated as: [Amount paid -$350] x % of refund)
· 30+ Days Prior to your arrival at camp you will receive a maximum refund of 80% (amt. paid -$350 x 80%)
· 15-29 Days Prior to your arrival at camp a maximum of 60% can be refunded. (amt. paid -$350 x 60%)
· Less Than 15 Days Prior to your arrival at camp a maximum of $95 can be refunded.
· If your full week of camp is not completed your maximum refund will be $95.
· If your Scout is sent home for behavioral issues, there is no refund under any circumstance.
Adult Refund Policy
· Free Adults are not refunded under any circumstance.
· 30+ Days Prior to your arrival at camp a maximum of 80% can be refunded.
· 15-29 Days Prior to your arrival at camp a maximum of 60% can be refunded.
· Less Than 15 Days Prior to your arrival at camp a maximum of $45 can be refunded.
· If your full week of camp is not completed your maximum refund will be $45.
· If an Adult is sent home for behavioral issues, there is no refund under any circumstance.
Registrations may be transferred at 100% value to same camp within same year
Scholarships (Camperships)
The Golden Gate Area Council believes each Scout should be given every opportunity to attend Camp. At times it can be hard for a family to raise the money, and Camperships can help cover part of the cost of a week of Camp for Golden Gate Area Council members attending one of the Golden Gate Area Council Camps.
Campership applications are due by April 30th for continuing Scouts and May 27th for newly bridged Arrow of Light Scouts.
Camperships will be awarded beginning in March. Awardees will be notified via email.
Early Arrivals
Due to the need for Staff time off, Saturday arrivals must be pre-approved and the Troop will be assessed additional fees along with needing to provide their own NCAP certified medic.
If your Troop is attending camp for two consecutive weeks, or you are traveling beyond 6 hours of driving distance and need to make arrangements for a Saturday arrival, please contact us at [email protected].
ALL of our Camps are CLOSED and the Staff is off duty from 11:00 AM on Saturday to 11:00AM on Sunday each weekend.
Provisional Camping – Summer Camp without your Troop
Can’t make it to camp with your Troop? No Problem! You don't have to miss out on the fun just because your troop isn’t going to summer camp, or other summer plans conflict with your Troop’s week at camp. You may even want to do an additional week of camp just because you had such a great time!
Provisional Camping makes it possible for Scouts to attend summer camp without their Troop. You'll camp with new friends as you join Scouts from all over the council and beyond. Provisional Scouts will be partnered with a selected Golden Gate Area Council Troop and experienced leaders. You will have a full-time Scoutmaster for the week that, just like your Scoutmaster back home, will make sure you have a safe and fun camp experience. Provisional scouts can participate in all the camp's exciting programs including advancement, competitions, and patrol events. It's a great way to finish additional Merit Badges, or to try something new.
NOTE:
- First-year summer campers cannot attend as Provisional Campers. Youth must have attended at least one Summer Camp at the camp before attending as a Provisional Camper.
- We will contact you before the start of camp to confirm arrangements with a partnered Troop or Provisional Camper patrol details.
- Adults attending with provisional Scouts must pay a leader fee.
The Scout’s family is responsible for registration as well as transportation to and from Camp.
To register as a Provisional Camper, parents can register their Scout for the week of camp they would like to attend and select “Provisional Camper” as the registration type. A Scout’s parent will serve as the primary registration contact for their Provisional Camper.
Links to Camp Registration:
- Camp Royaneh - https://scoutingevent.com/023-CR2026
- Camp Wolfeboro – https://scoutingevent.com/023-CW2026
- Wente Scout Reservation - https://scoutingevent.com/023-WSR2026
For more information including FAQ's and instructions for how to register, see Provisional Camper FAQ and Registration.
Camp T-Shirt Pre-Orders
Summer Camp T-shirts will be available for pre-order online. Details will be emailed to the primary registration contract for your troop in April.
Pricing
2025 Summer Camp T-shirts are $20.00 per shirt for S-XL and $24.00 per shirt for 2XL-4XL. The in- camp prices are $24.00 and $28.00, respectively.
Pickup
All orders will be available for pickup at the camp's Trading Post.
Trading Post Shirt Availability
Additional T-shirts will be available at each camp's Trading Post for $24.00 each ($28.00 for 2XL-4XL). We cannot guarantee t-shirt size availability at camp Trading Posts.
Trading Post Questions: [email protected]
Update Log
- March 23, 2026:
- Added Leaders Meeting Registration Link (https://goldengatescouting.org/summer-camp/leaders-guide/#calendar)
- Corrected Camp Wolfeboro Treks to being offered only Weeks 3 and 5 (not 1 and 3) (https://goldengatescouting.org/summer-camp/leaders-guide-wolfeboro/#summit-outpost)
- March 12, 2026 - Leader Guide Published