General – One of the greatest assets of Camp Tahquitz is the staff. Most of our staff are members of the Tribe of Tahquitz who volunteer to work at summer camp because of their dedication to Scouting and their desire to help other Scouts learn. All staff members have been chosen for their outstanding qualities and abilities. They have been planning and training for their jobs since December. Most of the Area Directors are graduates of BSA National Camp School or hold other specific certifications for their position. All but a few staff members are Life or Eagle Scouts. The staff’s only goal is to serve the troops at camp and to help them have the best possible summer camp experience.
Tribe of Tahquitz – The volunteer camp staff is provided by the Tribe of Tahquitz, which has staffed the camp every summer since 1926 in Idyllwild. To keep active during the winter months, the Tribe has developed an extensive Indian Lore, backpacking and service program. These programs benefit the Long Beach Area Council and surrounding community and give the Tribesmen unique youth leadership experience. The Tribe is particularly known for the Indian Lore ceremonies that it’s members perform throughout the year at Scouting and civic group meetings. A great sense of dedication and many traditions have survived in the nearly 80-year history of this great Honor Scouting organization. The Tribe exists only in the Long Beach Area Council. For more information, see the Tribe web site, www.tribeoftahquitz.org .
Tribe of Tahquitz Membership Requirements – To be eligible for membership, a Scout must be at least 14 by December 31 of this year; hold the rank of First Class or above with two of the following merit badges: Backpacking, Camping, Cooking, Hiking, Wilderness Survival; and have at least two long-term camping experiences, one of which must be at Camp Tahquitz. Scouts who will be 13 by December 31 of this year and are at least a Second Class Scout meet the requirements for Neophtye membership of the Tribe. All adults (18 years or older) who spend a full week at Camp Tahquitz with their troop are eligible to be Honorary Tribesmen.
Tribe of Tahquitz Membership Invitation – Near the end of the week, the Tribe camp staff, along with scoutmasters present in camp, meets at Tribe Rock. There they discuss all of the Scouts present in camp who are truly “Honor Scouts.” Then, after a democratic vote, those Scouts are offered an invitation to join the Tribe. The Tribe announced and invites its new Tribesmen, Neophytes and Honorary members at the Friday night awards campfire. In order to become regular members, Tribesmen and Honorary Invitees must complete the Annual Induction ceremony held at Camp Tahquitz over Labor Day weekend.
Boy Scouts of America 
