Your golden gateway to summer fun is here

Canoe trips make Camp Royaneh a popular summer camp destination. The Golden Gate Area Council offers three camp options for Scouts of all ages. Photo: Golden Gate Area Council

“Something for everybody” doesn’t even begin to describe the incredible summer camps the Golden Gate Area Council (GGAC) offers.

Here in the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area, adventure thrives in three distinct destinations, each offering its own mix of excitement and challenges. Whether your Scouts dream of scaling granite cliffs, mastering horsemanship, riding ATVs and mountain bikes, or trekking beneath towering redwoods alongside the Russian River, GGAC has a camp built for that passion.

Welcome to Camp Royaneh, Camp Wolfeboro and Wente Scout Reservation.

Three camps. Endless adventure. One council.

The strength of the GGAC summer program comes from its scale, diversity and commitment to quality. According to the GGAC camping team, its mission is to ensure that every Scout’s week at camp is packed with high-level adventure, consistency and what they proudly call a commitment to guest service.

“We feel like this is the pinnacle of Scouting on the West Coast because we have three summer camps that are completely diverse in what they do,” the camping team explains. “They all have basic skills programs for younger Scouts, but each one also delivers unique high-adventure opportunities.”

Register early — adventure awaits

With registration now open, the camping team encourages units and families to plan early, no matter which experience they choose. Demand is high, and the numbers speak for themselves. On average, 75 percent of the troops who attend for the first time return to a GGAC sleepaway camp the following year.

“It’s so important, particularly for Scouts in their first year, to go to camp,” they emphasize. “The adventure, the memories and the camaraderie are unmatched. Once we get kids outside and into one of these camps, they’re in. A strong experience sets that hook.”

A team that makes magic happen

Running three summer camps across three very different landscapes is no small feat. From the Sierra Nevada mountain range to the Russian River redwoods to the beauty of Mendocino County, the GGAC camping team covers nearly 900 miles roundtrip to each camp and back, ensuring every camp is ready to deliver unforgettable experiences.

But the key to their success? The campers and the camp staff.

GGAC is proud that every camp program director has been on staff for at least three years, bringing deep experience, passion and commitment to the mission.

“When you have a dedicated team, you can deliver a great experience,” the camping team says.

And it shows. Register today!

Here’s a closer look at each GGAC option:

Camp Wolfeboro’s classic Sierra wilderness
Nestled along the Stanislaus River in the Sierra Nevada, Camp Wolfeboro offers rugged terrain, cold mountain water and a traditional Scouting atmosphere. The camping team notes its signature feature is rock climbing on granite face cliffs that look exactly like the ones at Yosemite National Park. Known for its strong traditions and tight-knit staff culture, Wolfeboro has a one-of-a-kind first-year camper hike called Sourdough that helps Scouts build confidence and earn advancement requirements.

Camp Wolfeboro offers rock climbing and a true wilderness experience for Scouts looking for a summer camp. Photo: Golden Gate Area Council

Camp Royaneh’s adventure in the redwoods
Among the towering redwoods near the Russian River, Camp Royaneh blends tradition with high-energy adventure. Camp Royaneh has a COPE, an unforgettable horse experience, an ATV program, outdoor skills stations and a wide offering of merit badges. Celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025, Royaneh continues to be one of California’s most iconic Scout properties.

From merit badges to river adventures, Camp Royaneh is one of Northern California’s most in-demand summer camps. Photo: Golden Gate Area Council.

Wente Scout Reservation’s range of adventure
Located near Willits, Calif., Wente Scout Reservation offers a sprawling landscape anchored by the largest private Scout lake in California. Wente has something for every Scout of every age. Two of its most popular features are the more than 20 miles of professionally built mountain bike trails and the horse-riding program. With boating, shooting sports, climbing, treks and extensive merit badge options, Wente’s wide variety makes it a favorite for troops with mixed-age Scouts.

Set in beautiful Mendocino County, Wente Scout Reservation features a breathtaking 80-acre natural spring-fed lake. Photo: Golden Gate Area Council

Watch this video to see more from camps offered by the Golden Gate Area Council.


About Darrin Scheid 15 Articles
Darrin Scheid is Senior Editor at Scouting America.