Summer Camp Programs
A Day in the Cove
At Camp Cherry Valley, no two days are the same — except that every one is packed with adventure. From the moment you wake up to the sound of the ocean to the last campfire song of the night, there’s always something epic to do.
Hike Day
Wednesdays are for hitting the trail! We head out across Catalina Island to see incredible views, explore hidden spots, and maybe even spot some island wildlife.
Morning
Start the day with campsite inspections (keep it clean!), then meet up for morning messages. After that, it’s time for merit badge classes you chose before camp — everything from kayaking to archery to environmental science.
Afternoon
This is Troop Time — your chance to choose your own adventure. You might:
- Snorkel with bright orange garibaldi fish
- Sail or canoe in the cove
- Take another merit badge class
- Swim with your friends
- Hike to a secret lookout
- Chill at your campsite and work on a project
- Stock up on snacks at the trading post
Evening
After dinner, join in camp-wide games, challenges, or special themed nights planned by our staff. End the day with your troop around the campfire, swapping stories and making plans for tomorrow’s adventures.
At Camp Cherry Valley, every day is what you make it — and you’ll never run out of things to try.
From Sunrise to Campfire: Life at Camp Cherry Valley
At Camp Cherry Valley, every day is an adventure. From sunrise to campfire, Scouts dive into activities that challenge their skills, spark their curiosity, and create memories that last a lifetime. Whether they’re earning merit badges, exploring the waters of Cherry Cove, or gathering with their unit under the stars, each day offers a perfect mix of structure, choice, and discovery.
Each day at camp, with the exception of Wednesday, which is hike day, the program is divided into three sessions: morning, afternoon, and evening. Morning session consists primarily of campsite inspections, morning messages, and merit badge classes that each Scout signs up for. After lunch the afternoon session is primarily devoted to troop time, which allows Scouts to individually or as a troop participate in whatever program activities they wish. This can consist of taking extra merit badge classes that they have not signed up for during the class time, swimming in the temperate waters of Cherry Cove, shooting rifles, visiting the trading post, hiking, sailing, canoeing, or simply sitting in their campsite working on home-work. This time is for the troop to enjoy the camp however they wish. After dinner an evening of activities are provided by the staff that allow Scouts to grow individually and to bond as a unit.
Nature Area and Trail Camp
Cherry Valley offers many opportunities to discover and learn about the environment and the unique ecology of Catalina Island. Take in the diverse terrain and abundance of wildlife in their natural habitat.
Handicraft Program
The handicraft program is available to any camper who wishes to use it during the troop time. Most activities have a material cost before the camper can complete the activity. While handicraft classes are taught during class time, they are also taught during troop time.
Boating Program
Cherry Valley provides canoes, rowboats, and ocean kayaks for Scouts and leaders to enjoy. Certified swimmers may use the canoes, rowboats, and kayaks. Everyone must use a PFD. An orientation and demonstration of ability are required to use the equipment. Please remember that all persons boating on the water are responsible for their actions, and care must be taken around the anchored yachts in Cherry Cove.
Fishing Program
Camp Cherry Valley is a great place to fish, the clear waters of the San Pedro Channel. We practice the catch and release method of fishing and require Scouts to do so also. Anyone wishing to fish and who is 16 years or older will need to have a current California fishing license.
Sailing Program
Sailing at Camp Cherry Valley is one of the hallmarks of the camp! We encourage all Scouts 13 years old or older who wish to sign up for the Small Boat Sailing merit badge to do so. We have experienced instructors who will work with the Scouts to fulfill the requirements outlined by Scouting America.
Swimming Program
Camp Cherry Valley has the most premier swimming areas on the entire West Coast! The Waterfront is operated in strict accordance with Scouting America policies and is used for general swims during troop time, merit badge classes, and rank advancement instruction. Swimsuit Guidelines: male/board shorts or swim trunks; female/full coverage one piece. To pass the Scouting America Swim Check, you must jump feet first into water over your head in depth. Level off and swim 75 yards in a strong manner using one or more of the following strokes: sidestroke, breaststroke, trudgen, or crawl; then swim 25 yards using an easy, resting backstroke. The 100 yards must be completed in one swim without stops and must include at least one sharp turn. After completing the swim, scouts rest by floating. Because the waterfront is on the ocean, all campers who use any part of the waterfront must complete a swim check. Recent troop swim checks in a pool at another camp are not valid.
Open Time
Every day, except Wednesday, Scouts and their leaders will be able to participate in open time. This time is designated for Scouts and troops to do what they want to at camp. Leaders who want to organize troop activities can do so at this time. Scouts who wish to go to the waterfront and swim, boat, or sail can do so with a buddy. Scouts can use their time to visit the handicraft area and work on a project, take a shot at the archery or rifle ranges. Scouts can also take additional merit badge classes if they wish. Open time is also a good time to complete requirements for partial merit badges.
Campfires Programs
Camp Cherry Valley facilitates three different campfire programs throughout the week. The camp staff will perform an opening and closing campfire for the campers. The Wednesday night commissioner campfire allows each troop to participate along with the staff. Please come to camp ready to perform run-ons, skits, songs, and cheers as a troop. Your troop friends will be ready to help you, if need be. Please remember to keep all performances Scouting appropriate
