LEADERS' GUIDE Summer Camp 2026
Camp Royaneh Program
Your program should be based on the needs & desires of the individuals in your unit. To ensure your unit’s needs are met, we suggest that your unit have each youth decide, in advance, all the merit badges & other advancement & activities they want to do. Merit badge sign-ups will be accessed through the Troop’s Black Pug registration.
Aquatics
Merit Badges
- Lifesaving
- Swimming
Special Programs
- Beginner Swim—Session helps scouts learn strokes needed to pass Scouting America’s swim test.
- Big Splash Contest—Can you cannonball & soak everyone? Do you have the best dive? Compete against the rest of camp Friday at 7pm during the Big Splash Contest. Categories for Scouts & Adult Leaders alike!
- Mile Swim—Scouts & Scouters need to be in good physical shape to complete the rigorous requirements of this award. Before swimming the mile, all participants must complete a ¼ mile swim under the supervision of the aquatics staff. Mile Swim takes place on Friday morning at 6am.
- Polar Bear Pewter—Be at the pool by 6:30 am Tuesday & Thursday to prove you can survive the icy waters of Royaneh & be one with the polar bear.
- Snorkeling—Discover the world below the water! Snorkeling is Tuesday at 7 pm. In order to cover safety instructions before we dive it is essential you are present and ready at 7pm sharp!
ATVs
Special Program
Scouts will complete a week-long riding & safety program, completing the ATV Safety Institute’s (ASI) RiderCourse including five action-packed days. The course includes different types of turns, driving over & around obstacles, going up & down hills, & more. Scouts that finish the course will have earned the ASI RiderCourse Certification. Minimum age to participate is 14 yo at the start of the session.
Scouts MUST have a signed ATV Waiver to participate. Scouts need shoes or boots that cover their ankles, long pants, & long sleeves. A mask or bandana for their faces is recommended. Attendance every day is mandatory. To keep everyone safe, scouts will not be allowed to participate if they miss any instruction time, as they will miss vital information. Cost is $20 for the week, which must be paid to the Trading Post.
Baden-Powell
Merit Badges
- Cooking
- Scouting Heritage
Cooking & Scouting Heritage are open to all Scouts, while Badge-Powell is designed for 1st yr Campers to work towards First Class rank while still experiencing all aspects of Camp Royaneh’s program. Staff will guide them through requirements for rank advancement. The Scout will be taught the skill & then tested. If the scout is successful, it will be checked off on the CRF and in BlackPug. We highly recommend that troop leadership test the Scout before officially signing off on a requirement in the handbook. This program area emphasizes the use of the EDGE method.
Scouts can work toward a rank in one of two ways:
- Attend the session that pertains to the rank you are working on if you have started – or -
- Attend a skill session in the afternoon if you only have a few requirements to complete a
Session Information
| Rank | Limit | Reqs. Covered | M | T | W | Th | F | Other Information |
| Tenderfoot | 20 | 1c, 3a-d, 4a-d, 5a-c, 7a, 8, 9 | 1c, 5a-c, 9 | 4a-d | 7a | 3a-d, 8 | SM Dinner on Tuesday | |
|
Second Class |
20 |
1b, 2 a-d, 2f-g, 3a, 3c-d, 4, 5a-d, 6a-e, 9a-b, 10 |
1b, 6a-e |
2a-d |
3a, c, d, 4, |
2f-g |
9a, 9b, 10 | 5a-d
Pool Day - TH at 7pm |
| First Class | 20 | 1b, 2a, 3a-d, 4a, 5a-d, 7a-b, 6a-d | 1b, 2a, 5a-d | 3a-d | 7a, c-e, 3d cont | 4a | 6a-d | Pool Day - TH at 7pm |
Special Programs
- Open Skills— Scouts can come to Baden-Powell on Sunday & Friday from 7:00-8:15 pm to work on any requirements or practice scout skills of their choice. On Thursday, the Baden-Powell staff will facilitate open skills at the pool to complete aquatics rank requirements for Second & First Class. Staff can only help them complete requirements that are possible to do at camp, but they can receive information or help with any requirement in any rank. Encouraged for scouts who want practice material from class & scouts who only have a few requirements left in a rank.
- Advanced Scout Skills Workshop— This week-long class is tailored toward experienced scouts & adults of any level who want to put their scout skills to the test. Each day scouts & adults are provided fun, unique challenges & competitions pertaining to a different skill category. Completing the workshop is an alternate way to earn the Baden-Powell Pewter & winners of challenges will receive special awards.
- Baden-Powell Campfire—There is a special Campfire on Monday evening for First-Year Scouts only. This Campfire takes place at 7:15 pm & will NOT interfere with the regularly schedule troop Campfires. This is open to all First-year Scouts, regardless of whether or not they have participated in the Baden-Powell classes.
- Robert Baden-Powell Pewter—Throughout the week, a variety of activities exist in the Baden-Powell area, designed to help new Scouts acclimate into Camp. Scouts complete various activities at Baden Powell & also work on advancing their own Scout skills & knowledge; they will be rewarded with a Campaign Hat Pewter!
- Baden-Powell Dinner—Scoutmasters are invited to a special dinner Tuesday night, prepared by Scouts in their Troop who are working on their Tenderfoot rank.
- Camporee Competition— Represent your troop in a camporee-esque competition where one patrol from the troop competes in numerous activities for the best score. Different patrols are scheduled to come during 7-8:15 pm on Tuesday or Thursday. Winners are announced at the end of the week.
Commissioner Corps
The role of the Commissioner, whether in camp or at home, is to be a friend to the unit. Our seasoned commissioners are veteran Scouters available to help you. Take the opportunity to get ideas and encouragement with your Scouting challenges whether in camp or with year-round troop operations back home. Arrive a newbie & leave a fully trained leader! see courses denoted * below.
Adult Leader Trainings
- *Position Specific for SM / ASM (Tues-Fri)
- *Troop Committee Challenge (Tues-Fri)
- *Intro to Outdoor Leader Skills (Mon-Fri)
- Climb On Safely
- Merit Badge Counselor Orientation Safe Swim Defense
Special Programs
- Roundtable—daily at 11:15 am. Fellowship and fun, program briefing, camp announcements & a table topic-of-the-day to help improve your camp or year-round program.
- Uncle Stan’s Social—A special cracker barrel for Adult Leaders & Staff on Monday night at 10:00 pm.
- Royaneh History Talk—An hour of our camp history and lore. Learn of out rich Scouting heritage, learn some of Royaneh’s legendary staffers and enjoy some historical memorabilia. Offered twice a week in the Chief’s Room.
COPE
COPE is Camp Royaneh’s incredible high-ropes program in the shady redwoods. Truly one of the most unique things one can do at Camp Royaneh, older scouts and adults alike won’t want to miss their chance to take one of our COPE courses. Scouts and adults must wear long pants & closed-toed shoes to participate in this program area.
Special Programs
- Climb on Safely—Tuesday 7:00-8:15 pm. This is a program for adults to be trained in Climb On Safely. This program teaches adult leaders to be qualified supervisors on their troop’s next climbing outing. Scouting America requires one (1) qualified, trained supervisor for every ten scouts attending an outing.
- COPE - Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience is a program designed to promote teamwork, self- confidence, & the development of problem-solving skills. Scouts (and a special Scoutmaster team) can work together to overcome a variety of personal & team challenges & obstacles. Designed for the older Scouts in the troop, participants can build self-esteem in one of the following COPE programs:
- Adult COPE—Designed for the Scoutmasters & other adult leaders accompanying the Scouts all week, Adult COPE focuses on pushing boundaries for those adults who feel they are up for a challenge. The experience you gain here can be brought back to your Troops, including ice breakers & leadership games. Session limit: 8.
- High COPE—This program is reserved for Scouts who are 15 & older or who have taken a COPE class before. This week-long course focuses more on challenging Scouts to push their personal boundaries & facing their fears, all the while cooperating with their team to overcome obstacles. Session limit: 12 Scouts.
- Project COPE—For Scouts over age 13, this week-long course begins with challenging initiative games, progresses through low-course activities, & culminates in a high-course event. This course is designed to help build teamwork & leadership skills, as well as to challenge Scouts to overcome personal fears. Session limit: 8 Scouts.
Diamond R Corral
For all Rides & Merit Badges, participants must wear long pants & closed-toed shoes. Horsemanship participants must be a minimum of 13 years old. Trail riding participants may be of any age. All riders must fit within the weight restrictions supported by the horses on site.
Merit Badges
- Horsemanship
Special Programs
- Horsemanship 2.0 (NOT a Merit Badge)—Reserved for the real cowboys & cowgirls of Camp! Class begins where the Merit Badge left off. Scouts practice skills learned in Horsemanship & get plenty of riding too. Class is Monday through Thursday & is two hours daily. Prerequisite: earned Horsemanship Merit Badge, 13 years old, >60 inches in height. Cost is $35, which must be paid to the Trading Post.
- Arena Lessons—Not sure about riding a horse on the open trail? Come down to the corral & get a beginner lesson. The wranglers will help you build your confidence with a semi-private lesson. Learn how to safely greet & move around the horse, how to mount, stop & steer your mount. Cost is $25 for a 30-minute lesson.
- Trail Rides—A fantastic, relaxing, but exciting way to see the beautiful diversity of Camp Royaneh. Tickets are sold only at the Trading Post & will only sell one ride per person, & you must purchase your own ride. All rides go on sale Sunday evening. Space is limited, sign up early.
- Afternoon 1-hour trail rides. Cost is $25.
- Evening 1-1/2-hour trail rides. Cost is $30.
- Canoe Base Dinner Ride— Come join the wranglers for a cowboy-inspired dinner on Austin Creek. We will ride to dinner and enjoy a long ride back after dinner. A great meal and a great ride! Cost is $40
- Mountain Man Breakfast Ride—Take an early morning trail ride up to the rough & wild world of Mountain Man for a breakfast you won’t forget! Cost is $40.
- Outpost Ride—The Diamond R Corral Staff runs an exciting outpost ride to a remote corner of Camp Royaneh – Twilight Ridge. It begins in the early evening with an hour ride followed by a Chuck Wagon dinner & a night under the stars. In the morning, a one-hour ride will get riders back to Camp for breakfast. For Youth only. Cost is $50.
- Outpost Ride Pewter—If you participate in the wonderful Outpost Ride listed above you will receive a pewter saddle. For those who decide to ride again, for your second Outpost completed you will receive a bronze saddle, & for your third outpost, you will receive a gold saddle.
- American Cowboy Pewter—For you adults in camp, come find out if you have what it takes to become a hand at the Diamond R Corral. Find your way down to the corral & learn to throw a rope, saddle a horse, & many other fun activities. Complete the tasks required & you can be one of the few people to possess the coveted American Cowboy Pewter.
- Wrangler Pewter—And for the scouts who want to learn what it is like to work at the corral & all of the fun it brings, come down to the corral & test your skills. Throughout the week, complete the requirements with the help of our staff & you can earn the newest pewter in camp.
Handicraft
Handicraft is where Scouts can learn to work with their hands, woodcarving, leatherwork, & other art projects that they will bring home at the end of the week. It's a great place for those Scouts who are detail-oriented, like creative expression, or just want to have fun! Open Handicraft runs for two periods a day during which Scouts & leaders are welcome to work on merit badges or independent projects.
Merit Badges
- Art (EVEN years)
- Basketry
- Leatherwork
- Metalwork
- Photography (ODD yrs)
- Woodcarving
Special Programs
- Handyman Pewter—Create a project using the materials used in Handicraft. The project must be of good quality & could pass for a badge requirement. Open to all scouts & adult leaders. Projects made for merit badges qualify for this award.
- Knife Master Pewter—Using your knife, you must cut the skin off an apple in one piece in under two minutes. Sounds easy, right? Be a Gold Knife Master if you peel an apple in less than 1 minute!
- Handyman of the Week—An award given to one scout each week that has demonstrated to the Handicraft staff that they are the handiest & most creative scout in camp.
Mountain Man Program
Come to the top of the Mountain if you seek adventure! This program is intended for Scouts & Adult Leaders of all interests, experience, & age.
Merit Badges
- American Heritage
- American Indian Culture
- Archaeology
- Exploration
- Railroading
- Surveying
- Textile
- Wilderness Survival
*There must be at least one (1) female adult leader present during the Wilderness Survival outpost on Wednesday night, if there are female scouts participating. If none are available, camp staff will have a female staff member instead.
Special Programs
- Black Powder Rifle Shooting—Pour the powder, pack the .50-caliber ball, & test your muzzleloader skill like the ones used in the Old West. (Scouting America policy: Scouts must be 14 or older to fire muzzleloaders). The range features targets from easy to difficult, including a golf ball @ 40 yards. Tickets available at the Trading Post ($2.00 each = 1 shot).
- Leader Blanket Shoot—To participate, bring a craft you have made. It can be any type: neckerchief slide, patch, etc. All crafts are placed on a blanket. A single elimination shoot-off will decide the winner. The winner gets first pick of the crafts. Everyone gets a prize. Friday 7:00-8:15 pm. Tickets are available at the Trading Post ($2.00 each = 1 shot).
- Tomahawk Throwing—Scouts are encouraged to try their hand at throwing 'hawks in traditional trapper style.
- Tomahawk Competition Leader & Scout Team event—Friday 7:00-8:15 pm. One scout & one adult leader from each Troop compete against all other Troops.
- Leader Lunch—Adult leaders are invited to the Mountain Man area at 12:45 p.m. on Wednesday to enjoy a Dutch oven gourmet meal with the Mountain Men. Fun for all adults!
- Mountain Man Award—For the serious Mountain Maniac. To earn this prestigious award, see the Mountain Men during free time.
Nature
The name says it all! Come down to the Nature Glen to see our creatures & live specimens…and we’re not just talking about the Nature Staff.
Merit Badges
- Astronomy
- Bird Study
- Chemistry
- Energy
- Environmental Science
- Fish & Wildlife Management
- Forestry
- Geology
- Mammal Study
- Oceanography
- Plant Science (EVEN years)
- Pulp & Paper
- Reptile & Amphibian Study
- Soil & Water Conservation (ODD years)
- Sustainability
- Space Exploration
- Weather
Special Programs
- Critter of the Week—The Critter of the Week is a week-long competition where scouts compete to find the coolest critter in camp. Please do not submit any mammals, birds, or rattlesnakes for your safety & theirs. The Scout who wins gets a redwood round award.
- High Loop Nature Trail—A self-guided hike of the top half of camp. Like the Cairn Trail, except no cairns, rather posts detailing interesting nature sights. There is a guidebook available to check out from Nature Glen. All who complete the hike will receive a Pewter Oak Leaf.
- Star Party—Come on down to the parade field after TAPS on Thursday to enjoy some hot cocoa under the starry night sky with the Nature Staff. This is Mandatory for scouts in the Astronomy merit badge.
- Cairn Boot Pewter—24 mounds of rocks scattered throughout Camp Royaneh’s forest with coffee can centers. Grab a map from the Admin. Building, hike all the cairns, stamp your sheet with every Cairn stamp found in the coffee can, & then get your Scoutmaster’s note verifying you have done them all. Place the note in the box in the Admin Building. Play fair, the Nature Staff checks the cairns against the list in the box. Pick up trash along the trail & you’ll receive the coveted Green Boot. Pull 25 invasive plants & you get the Turquoise Boot. Complete alphabetically & get the Orange Boot.
- Order of the Rattlesnake—Gourmet Royaneh, camp-wide public service announcements, & other fun activities await those who feel they are worthy of being inducted into the Order of the Rattlesnake, the Nature Glen’s highest honor. Scouts 13+ are encouraged.
Ocean to the Redwoods Adventure
Week 3 ONLY – Special Pilot Program
For the Scout aged 15 or older, who thinks they have done everything at camp. This weeklong adventure is a once in a lifetime experience. You’ll join a cohort of other campers, form patrols and grow stronger together. Scouts will rely on preparedness and their wit. Scouts are expected to be physically fit, socially mature, independent thinkers ready to challenge themself and others.
Register at https://scoutingevent.com/023-ORA26
There are only 12 youth and 2 adult slots available, so sign up fast! For more detailed information see Appendix Ocean to the Redwoods Adventure at the end of this guide.
Royaneh Institute of Knowledge (RIK)
The Royaneh Institute of Knowledge & Conservatory of Music offer older Scouts the opportunity to work towards Eagle & the chance for those scouts who have “done everything at Camp” to expand their horizons learning about performance, entertainment, business and more. Study government in Green Bar Grove, learn how to write a play, start a business, design a game or join the Camp Chorus!
Merit Badges
- American Business (EVEN years)
- American Labor (ODD years)
- Citizenship in the Nation
- Citizenship in the World
- Communication
- Entrepreneurship
- Fingerprinting
- Game Design
- Music
- Salesmanship
- Theater
Special Programs
- Camp Chorus— If you can speak, you can sing! Rehearse with other Scouts, adults, & staff to learn proper singing technique. Material includes our treasured Royaneh songs.
- Music Pewter— Sing with the Camp Chorus & perform during our closing campfire, or bugle at a camp flag ceremony to earn this pewter! Be prepared with “To the Colors” or “Taps” to perform at one of our flag ceremonies!
- Royaneh Restoration Project Pewter—A glimpse into Camp Royaneh & Scouting history through the Royaneh Restoration Project! It’s a fun & engaging way to learn about the camp’s long history while also giving back to the camp that’s already given so much to us. Completing the Royaneh Restoration Project service project & 3 guided hikes will earn you the rarest pewter in camp! Meets nightly at 7 pm.
Scoutcraft
Merit Badges
- Camping
- Emergency Preparedness
- Fire Safety
- First Aid
- Hiking
- Orienteering
- Pioneering
- Search & Rescue
- Signs, Signals & Codes
Special Programs
- Firem’n Chit—Earning the Firem’n Chit allows a Scout to carry fire-lighting devices. Covered as part of Baden-Powell rank advancement sessions.
- Totin’ Chip—Earning this gives a Scout the right to carry or “tote” your own pocketknife & other wood tools. Covered as part of Baden-Powell rank advancement sessions.
- Paul Bunyan Woodsman Award—Paul Bunyan was a woodsman skilled in the use of a variety of woodworking tools. An advanced axemanship course that requires extended time to complete. For older Scouts (14+) who want to learn more advanced woodsman skills. Long pants, boots, & Totin’ Chip are required. Begins Monday, Scouts must attend every session throughout the week.
- Scoutcraft Pewter—Can you complete a short orienteering course, carry out a Pioneering project, tie the eight basic Scout knots, & assist in teaching either the Totin' Chip or Firem'n Chit? Get a form from a Staff member and complete one task from each of the four categories for the Silver Scoutcraft Award. Complete all twelve (12) tasks on the form to earn the Golden Scoutcraft Award!
Target & Range Sports
All Youth who wish to enter any Shooting Ranges MUST have a signed Firearms Use Permission Slip. Scouts participating in Rifle or Shotgun Shooting merit badge must "demonstrate the knowledge, skills, & attitude necessary to safely shoot" a rifle or shotgun (Rifle Shooting Merit Badge Requirement Opt. A 2H, Shotgun Shooting Merit Badge Requirement Opt. A 2G). Scouts who lack maturity & the appropriate attitude for firearm use will be dismissed from range activities & will receive a partial for the merit badge, per instructor discretion.
Merit Badges
- Archery
- Rifle Shooting
- Shotgun Shooting
Special Programs
- Open Shoot - Open to all age & skill levels & spectators are welcome, too! Try your hand at Archery, Rifle, or Shotgun shooting, & see how you score! Instructors are there to help you do your best.
- Firearms Permission Slip must be shown upon entry every time the range is visited, no exceptions. Follow all range safety rules & Rangemaster instructions. Disregard for rules and/or instruction will result in immediate dismissal from the range. Safety equipment at archery is provided & required to be worn. Both eye & hearing protection are provided at firearm ranges, proper prescription glasses can & must be worn when shooting. Shooting Sports tickets are $2.00 each at the Trading Post:
- Archery = Free
- Rife: 1 ticket = 1 target & 5 shots per target
- Shotgun: 1 ticket = 1 clay pigeon, 1 shot per pigeon
- Rifle Competition—Wednesday afternoon from 4:00-5:00 pm. One Scout & one adult leader from each Troop are invited up to the Range to represent their Troop. The award to the finest riflemen & women in Camp will be presented at Closing Campfire. One team per Troop in the spirit of fairness! Both targets from scout & Adult leader are combined. This competition is for score not grouping.
- Shotgun Competition—Beginning promptly at 7:15 p.m. Thursday night, this competition allows for one Scout & one adult leader to represent their troop in a tournament-style competition. Top scorers in each round will continue to compete for first, second & third places. The Scout competition will be held first, followed by the adult leaders, time permitting. Those who arrive after the competition begins will not be allowed to compete but may stay to watch the event. This is an individually scored event, not team style. Awards will be presented at Friday's Closing Campfire.
- Archery Competition— Thursday afternoon from 4:00-5:00 pm. Each Troop shall send its best Archery team to prove their skill - one Scout & one adult leader! Top-scoring Archers will be presented with an award at Friday’s Closing Campfire. One team per Troop in the spirit of fairness!
- Daniel Boone Pewter—Shoot Shotgun, Rifle, Archery, & Black Powder for score to earn the Daniel Boone Coon Skin Cap Pewter. Those with the most elite shooting skills can earn the prestigious Gold Daniel Boone Pewter!
Camp Royaneh Merit Badge Offerings
| American Business | Med. | 20 | Coming Soon | Offered EVEN years only. | RIK | |
| American Heritage | Hard | 20 | Coming Soon | Mountain Man | ||
| American Labor | Med. | 20 | 13+ | Coming Soon | Offered ODD years only. Complex discussion topics. | RIK |
| Archaeology | Hard | 25 | Coming Soon | Mountain Man | ||
| Archery | Hard | 16 | Coming Soon | 2-hr session. Bow pull required on Sunday! May require extensive practice outside session. Older Scout priority. | Target & Range Sports | |
| Art | Easy | 20 | Coming Soon | May require time during open Handicraft. Offered EVEN years only. | Handicraft | |
| Astronomy | Hard | 25 | Coming Soon | Offered combined with Space Exploration. Requires observation time outside session. | Nature | |
| Basketry | Easy | 25 | Coming Soon | Requires extensive time outside session. | Handicraft | |
| Bird Study | Hard | 25 | Coming Soon | Requires observation time outside session | Nature | |
| Camping* | Med. | 30 | Coming Soon | Offered combined with Hiking. | Scoutcraft | |
| Chemistry | Med. | 20 | Coming Soon | Nature | ||
| Citizenship in the Nation* | Med. | 20 | 14+ | Coming Soon | RIK | |
| Citizenship in the World* | Hard | 20 | 14+ | Coming Soon | Req. 7 done in buddy pairs with counselor | RIK |
| Communication* | Hard | 16 | Coming Soon | Req. 8 requires extensive time & planning outside session. | RIK | |
| Cooking* | Hard | 12 | Coming Soon | 2-hr session. We can't accommodate all dietary restrictions. | Baden Powell | |
| Emergency Preparedness* | Hard | 20 | 14+ | Coming Soon | Must have First Aid merit badge to complete. | Scoutcraft |
| Energy | Med. | 30 | Coming Soon | Nature | ||
| Entrepreneurship | Med. | 25 | Coming Soon | Offered combined with Salesmanship. | RIK | |
| Environmental Science** | Hard | 30 | Coming Soon | Requires observation time & extensive writing outside session. | Nature | |
| Exploration | Hard | 15 | Coming Soon | Mountain Man | ||
| Fingerprinting | Easy | 30 | Coming Soon | Only attend 1-day session. | RIK | |
| Fire Safety | Hard | 20 | Coming Soon | 2-hr session. Field Trip to local Fire Station requires drivers. | Scoutcraft | |
| First Aid* | Very Hard | 16 | 13+ | Coming Soon | 2-hr session. Must bring a First Aid Kit. Extremely rigorous course not appropriate for young scouts. | Scoutcraft |
| Fish & Wildlife Management | Med. | 30 | Coming Soon | Offered combined with Mammal Study. Req. 5d requires extensive design, construction & observation outside session. | Nature | |
| Forestry | Med. | 30 | Coming Soon | 2-hr session offered combined with Pulp & Paper. Field Trip Thursday. | Nature | |
| Game Design | Hard | 16 | Coming Soon | Requires technical writing | RIK | |
| Geology | Med. | 30 | Coming Soon | Requires collection & observation time outside session. Field Trip. | Nature | |
| Hiking** | Med. | 30 | Coming Soon | Offered combined with Camping. | Scoutcraft | |
| Horsemanship | Hard | TBD | 13+ | Coming Soon | 3-hr session. Must wear long pants & closed toe shoes every day. | Corral |
| American Indian Culture | Med. | 25 | Coming Soon | Mountain Man | ||
| Leatherwork | Easy | 20 | Coming Soon | 2-hr session | Handicraft | |
| Lifesaving** | Hard | 20 | 13+ | Coming Soon | 2-hr session. 400 yard swim at start of class (4x length of Swim Test) | Aquatics |
| Mammal Study | Easy | 30 | Coming Soon | 1-hr session offered combined with Fish & Wildlife Management. req. 3 & 5 require time outside session. | Nature | |
| Metalwork | Hard | 16 | 13+ | Coming Soon | 3-hr session. | Handicraft |
| Music | Med. | 25 | Coming Soon | RIK | ||
| Oceanography | Med. | 30 | Coming Soon | Requires observation time outside session. Field Trip Wednesday. | Nature | |
| Orienteering | Med. | 30 | Coming Soon | 2-hr session. May require extensive time outside session. | Scoutcraft | |
| Photography | Med. | 20 | Coming Soon | MUST bring your own digital camera for use all week. May not share camera with others. Time outside session is required. Offered ODD years only. | Handicraft | |
| Pioneering | Med. | 20 | Coming Soon | 2-hr session. Requires knot & lashing practice outside session. | Scoutcraft | |
| Plant Science | Med. | 30 | Coming Soon | Offered EVEN years only. Requires extensive work outside session, | Nature | |
| Pulp & Paper | Med. | 30 | Coming Soon | 2-hr session offered combined with Forestry. Requires work outside session. | Nature | |
| Railroading | Med. | 25 | Coming Soon | Field Trip. | Mountain Man | |
| Reptile & Amphibian Study | Med. | 30 | Coming Soon | Requires observation time outside session. | Nature | |
| Rifle Shooting | Med. | 16 | Coming Soon | 2-hr session. May require practice shooting outside session. | Target & Range Sports | |
| Salesmanship | Med. | 25 | Coming Soon | Offered combined with Entrpreneurship. Requires time outside session. | RIK | |
| Scouting Heritage | Med. | 25 | Coming Soon | Baden Powell | ||
| Search & Rescue | Med. | 20 | 14+ | Coming Soon | Scoutcraft | |
| Shotgun Shooting | Hard | 6 | Coming Soon | 2-hr session. May require practice shooting outside session. | Target & Range Sports | |
| Signs, Signals & Codes | Easy | 20 | Coming Soon | Scoutcraft | ||
| Soil & Water Conservation | Easy | 30 | Coming Soon | Offered ODD years only. | Nature | |
| Space Exploration | Med. | 20 | Coming Soon | Offered combined with Astronomy. | Nature | |
| Surveying | Med. | 15 | Coming Soon | Should have completed Algebra 1 due to heavy math focus | Mountain Man | |
| Sustainability** | Med. | 30 | Coming Soon | Nature | ||
| Swimming** | Med. | 20 | Coming Soon | 2-hr session. Water is chlorinated. | Aquatics | |
| Textile | Easy | 20 | Coming Soon | Mountain Man | ||
| Theater | Med. | 25 | Coming Soon | RIK | ||
| Weather | Med. | 30 | Coming Soon | Requires observation outside session. | Nature | |
| Wilderness Survival | Med. | 25 | Coming Soon | Requires Overnight Outpost to complete, you build your shelter & spend the night in it. | Mountain Man | |
| Woodcarving | Hard | 20 | Coming Soon | 3-hr session. | Handicraft | |
| *Eagle Required ** |
* Eagle Required **Eagle Required option
While there are 7 sessions of Merit Badges being offered, it is highly recommended that Scouts take one period for them to explore camp, complete rank advancement, hike through nature, participate in the open program, & take care of themselves. While summer camp is a great tool for a Scout to earn Merit Badges, it is also a moment for them to make lasting memories with their peers through unstructured program.
Merit Badge Schedule
Special Programs at Camp Royaneh
Chief’s Room
This room has been set aside for Adult Leaders & Staff members only. Leaders may gather here in the evening for informal meetings & relaxation. The Chief’s Room is also the setting for our daily Leader roundtables. There is also open wireless Internet access in the Admin. Building; we recommend that leaders take advantage of it in the Chief’s Room. There are also electrical outlets in the Chief’s Room that may be used to charge electrical devices.
The Order of the Arrow dedicated this room to the late, beloved naturalist Uncle Ed Dike, who made famous the expression “Have Fun in the Sun at Camp Royaneh!” It is also an informal museum of Royaneh history, & leaders are encouraged to bring Scouts in for a look at the many photos & displays.
Beach-Themed BBQ
Take a break from the meals in the dining hall & join us in the Amphitheatre for a beach-themed dinner barbecue on Thursday! Feel free to wear a surf shirt & board shorts, & make sure you bring the good vibes. Sit back, relax, & enjoy the great time. Evening colors follow the barbecue & are pleasantly informal.
Haunted History Hike
Join us Wednesday during Troop Campfires for a spooky hike around Camp where you will hear the lore specific to our culture. Not for the faint of heart.
Gladiators
Your troop breaks into patrols to compete in our camp wide games. After dinner, each patrol travels from event to event & receives points based on their performance. The top 3 patrols are announced at closing campfire.
Prestigious Pewter Awards Program
One of the unique aspects of Camp Royaneh is that we encourage Adult Leader participation in program! In many of our program areas we have awards for you the Adult Leaders! Earn the Scoutcraft Award, Order of the Rattlesnake, High Loop Nature Trail, Mountain Man Award, Daniel Boone Award, & many more!
Spirit Troop of the Day
The Spirit Troop of the Day is awarded to the Troop that receives the highest rating in several categories. A Troop can only receive the award once during their week at Camp. The Spirit Troop of the Day gets to carry the coveted Camp Royaneh Spirit Stick & will lead the Camp in flag ceremonies & grace at meals on the day it is awarded.
Criterion for Judgement:
- Appearance: Are Scout & Adult Leaders consistently dressed in their Troop’s Uniform? Do they look clean & sharp?
- Spirit: Does the Troop do Troop yells in the Dining Hall? Do the Scouts show Scout Spirit?
- Oath & Law: Do Scouts conduct themselves well & exemplify the Scout Oath & Law throughout camp?
- Sportsmanship: Is the Troop participating in Camp-wide events & activities? Do the Troop members behave in a Scout-like manner?
Trail of the Thunderbird
A program designed to ensure that every Scout gets the most they can out of the Royaneh program. Scouts participate in this program by doing activities in a variety of program areas. The participation requirements become more difficult as the Scouts get older. A Scout who completes the requirements for their year will be awarded a special neckerchief. Scouts can only earn this prestigious award once a year. All other Scouts will be recognized at the closing Campfire Friday night. Scoutmasters will be asked to stop by the Trading Post to pick up the neckerchiefs & reimburse the Camp for the neckerchiefs' costs, just as they would for a Merit Badge or other emblem. The cost is $15.
1st Year Campers—Do seven of the following:
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2nd Year Campers—Do seven of the following:
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3rd Year Campers—Do seven of the following:
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4th Year Campers—Do seven of the following:
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Camp Royaneh History
Camp Royaneh was founded in 1925 by Raymond O. Hansen in order to provide a safe yet exciting wilderness experience for Scouts from San Francisco. Since then, Camp Royaneh has welcomed over 100,000 Scouts & Scouters from all over the United States, as well as Japan, England, China, & other nations.
The Camp’s success is largely due to a wonderful tradition of excellence that has spanned over 95 years, & which has singled out Camp Royaneh as one of the oldest & most widely attended Scout Camps West of the Mississippi.
Royaneh’s greatest asset is its setting. With a wide variety of plant & animal life, ranging from deep redwood forests to lush meadows spotted with oaks, its natural beauty is certainly impressive. Add premier facilities & an experienced, dedicated Staff educating Scouts to experience a wide variety of programs, & you've got a great summer week away for your Scout Unit.
Camp Royaneh is located along Austin Creek, on what was once the Watson Ranch. Raymond O. Hansen who was the first Camp Director, bought the property & moved the “San Francisco Scout Training Camp” from its site near Cazadero to its present location in 1925, & he named it Camp Royaneh. In the early years, Camp Royaneh was for Scouts from the city of San Francisco only. Scouts would sign up individually for Camp & would take a ferry & a series of trains to the Watson & then Royaneh train stations where every Scout would hike up the hill to Camp.
Camp Royaneh thrived through the years & has seen its share of memorable characters including the likes of Ralph Benson, Powder River Joe, Uncle Ed Dike, & Bob Anino. Each one of these men, & many others, has left their mark on Camp Royaneh. From its early founders to its current dedicated Staff, Camp Royaneh has welcomed countless Scouts & Scouters.
Weekly Schedule
Royaneh Quick Navigation
- Aquatics
- ATVs
- Baden-Powell
- Commissioner Corps
- COPE
- Diamond R Corral
- Handicraft
- Mountain Man Program
- Nature
- Ocean to Redwoods Adventure
- Royaneh Institute of Knowledge (RIK)
- Scoutcraft
- Target & Range Sports
- Merit Badge Offerings
- Merit Badge Schedule
- Special Programs
- Camp Royaneh History
- Weekly Schedule