About Our Camp
A Century of Scouting Adventure: The Future is Calling
For more than 100 years, Camp Cherry Valley has welcomed over one million youth to Cherry Cove on Santa Catalina Island for experiences that shape lives. Known for its calm, crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life, the camp’s unique setting has made it one of the most beloved destinations in Scouting.
Nestled in a sheltered cove with a sandy beach, Camp Cherry Valley offers a perfect balance of adventure and reflection. Scouts have kayaked through turquoise waters, snorkeled alongside bright garibaldi fish, hiked rugged island trails with sweeping ocean views, and ended their days with campfire songs under the stars.
Where Adventures Shape Leaders
Since 1923, Camp Cherry Valley has been a place where Scouts grow in confidence, build lifelong friendships, and discover their own strengths. Thousands of youth have passed through our cove, many returning years later to serve on staff and guide the next generation of Scouts.
Set in a truly unique location, our camp offers more than just activities; it offers life-changing experiences that inspire, empower, and stay with Scouts for a lifetime.
Set Sail for Adventure
Summer at Camp Cherry Valley is a mix of challenge, discovery, and fun:
- Kayak through calm, sparkling waters
- Snorkel among Catalina’s colorful fish
- Hike trails with sweeping island views
- Earn merit badges in hands-on programs
- Spend evenings around a campfire under the stars
Every moment is designed to inspire leadership, teamwork, and a sense of wonder.
Our Values in Action
At the heart of everything we do is the Scout Oath and Scout Law:
Scout Oath
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.
Scout Law
A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.
These principles shape our camp culture and guide the impact we make in the lives of Scouts
A History of Scouting on the Island
Scouting on Santa Catalina Island began as early as 1910, when several hundred Scouts from Los Angeles and members of the American Scouts (a competing group founded by William Randolph Hearst) gathered to camp on the island during their Christmas break. Another large encampment followed in 1911, with possible gatherings in subsequent years as well.
The Los Angeles Council, the first Scouting America council established in California, was chartered in 1915. By 1917 and 1918, Scouts from the LA Council were camping at Banning Beach (present-day Descanso Beach). There are also accounts suggesting they may have camped at White’s Landing and Gallagher’s Beach during this period.
Skipper Robison with Troop 1 at what would become Camp Cherry Valley.
In 1919, Scouting in the Pasadena area was thriving with nine active troops. The community’s enthusiasm and support led to the formation of the Pasadena District Council, which broke away from the Los Angeles Council. William Wrigley Jr., who had a strong presence on the island, joined the council’s Board of Directors and offered the use of Howland’s Landing for the Scouts’ summer camp. Pasadena accepted his generous offer.
Interestingly, once Pasadena began operations at Howland’s, the LA Council discontinued its own summer camping at Banning Beach. Pasadena acquired much of the equipment—tents, kitchen gear, and supplies—that had been used there and transferred it to their new camp. The Pasadena Council continued using Howland’s Landing through 1922 before relocating to Cherry Valley in 1923, officially founding what is now known as Camp Cherry Valley.
Around this same time, Wrigley approached Pasadena’s Scout Executive, Tallman Trask, with a concern: the local boys in Avalon had little to do once the summer tourist season ended, and vandalism and juvenile mischief were becoming a problem. Wrigley believed that introducing Scouting to Avalon could help.
Trask had just hired H. Benjamin “Skipper” Robison to serve as both Camp Director at Cherry Valley and a District Executive. Robison was tasked with establishing Scouting in Avalon—and he exceeded all expectations. He quickly organized several Scout troops and Sea Scout ships, eventually enrolling nearly every local boy on the island. He personally served as Scoutmaster of Avalon Troop 1 and “Skipper” (the Sea Scout equivalent of Scoutmaster) for Ship 1.
Wrigley was so impressed with the results that he offered to purchase all the necessary uniforms, books, and equipment for the Avalon Scouts. However, both Trask and Robison explained that in Scouting, boys were expected to earn their way. Wrigley respected this principle and instead instructed D.H. Renton, manager of the Santa Catalina Island Company, to offer jobs to any Scout in need of one.
Skipper Robison continued to serve as District Executive for the Avalon District up until the island was closed to civilians during World War II. For over two decades, he regularly traveled to Avalon, providing leadership and inspiration. The Avalon District remained part of the San Gabriel Valley Council until the early 1960s, when it was transferred to the Long Beach Area Council.
From its first season through today, Camp Cherry Valley has been a place where Scout skills are built, friendships are forged, and leaders are made, carrying the spirit of Cherry Cove far beyond Catalina’s shores.
