Scouts Plan Hiking, Catalina Camps

Whether it’s mountain biking around Lake Isabella, snorkeling off Catalina Island or hiking in Sequoia National Forest, the Western Los Angeles County Council of the Boy Scouts of America is offering several camp alternatives this summer for Scouts ages 11 to 18.

Traditional camps, offering up to 28 different activities in aquatics, field sports and handicrafts, begin each Sunday between June 27 and Aug. 15.

The camps, organized around a theme related to its location, will be held at Emerald Bay on Catalina Island, for $235 per week; Camp Whitsett, near Lake Isabella east of Bakersfield, for $150 per week, and Camp Wolverton in the Sequoia National Forest, $5 per day. Camp Wolverton is a day-camp for backpackers in which campers are expected to bring their own supplies.

“Each camp will offer some unique program opportunities,” said Del Hanks, an assistant Scouting executive in the San Fernando Valley. Hanks said that the 4,000 Scouts registered for the camps already mark the best year in attendance to date.

For water-sport enthusiasts, an aquatic-oriented Sea Camp is also being offered at Marina Del Rey Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at a cost of $70 per week. The day camp, with weeklong sessions from June 26 through Aug. 9, offers instruction in rowing, canoeing, motorboating, sailing, swimming and lifesaving. For Scouts 14 and older, a special advanced sailing course will be offered by arrangement.

All Sea Camp campers should come prepared with a sack lunch, tennis shoes, a hat and sunscreen, Scouting officials said.

Western Los Angeles County Council of the Boy Scouts of America, 14140 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, 91423, or call camping coordinator Jon Mackenzie at (818) 784-4272.