For a list of Merit Badges offered at Camp Tahquitz, click
here.
Trail to First Class - This program, primarily in Scoutcraft, is designed to help Scouts earn their basic outdoor Scouting skills required for the ranks of Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class, including knot-tying, fire building, knife & axe handling, first aid cooking and general campcraft.
Program Areas
Outdoor Skills (Scoutcraft) - Camping, cooking, fire building, Knife and Ax: that is what every Scout remembers about Scouting in the outdoors. We offer all this and more! The Outdoor Skills area stretches across the Tahquitz Meadow, and includes a fire ring for fire building and cooking instruction; pioneering yard; campcraft demonstrations and CPR for aquatics badges. Certifications include: Tote-N-Chip, Firem'n Chit, Paul Bunyan Woodsman.
Climbing Tower - The new and exciting 50-foot wooden tower in the High Adventure Center offers scouts the chance to experience the challenge of sport climbing and the thrill of rappelling under the direct supervision of our qualified staff. No experience is necessary come and try it!
C.O.P.E. - Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience … C.O.P.E. is a series of fun and exciting games and problems for Scouts who are 13 years old or older as of January 1, 2003 or who have completed the seventh grade. Whether you are individuals or groups unfamiliar with each other, participants will learn teamwork, self-confidence, trust, leadership, communication, decision-making and problem solving. Games introduce teamwork concepts while also serving as warm-up exercises. Trust events further the teamwork development while also developing risk-taking from low to higher levels.
Archery Range - Scouts learn the fundamental rules and techniques of using a bow and arrow at the target archery range. Targets have been installed to provide for the maximum opportunity to participate in this popular program. Basic instructional sessions are included with recreation so that each scout learns the proper safety procedure. Target distance and bow strength vary according to the size of the individual Scout.
Rifle Range - We have a .22 rifle range for near the Tahquitz Lake. Each Scout will have the opportunity to participate in a supervised shooting environment, learning safety regulations and practice, as well as participate in BSA awards. Each Scout will receive an initial amount of free rounds (additional rounds, and rounds for Merit Badge practice, can be purchased at a nominal cost).
Marksmanship Competitions - In archery and rifle are held every week; winners are announced at the awards campfire Friday night!
Craft Lodge - The Craft Lodge is fully stocked with tools and materials for a variety of projects. Scouts can learn techniques and receive help from our trained staff. The tools and some materials are provided at no cost, but most basic craft supplies such as leather, snaps, rivets, buckles, laces, reed, and basket kits, as well as woodcarving kits, must be purchased. Prices range from $1.00 to $6.00 for most projects. Materials for stools and some larger projects can cost $10.00 or more depending upon size and complexity.
Hiking & Backpacking - Because of Camp Tahquitz's mountainous and forested location, we have a plethora of ideal opportunities for High Adventure activities. These include day hikes, overnight backcountry hikes in the San Gorgonio Wilderness, the Tahquitz Trails and Broken Arrow hiking awards, and orienteering (map and compass) activities.
Mountain Bikes - For those units that want to enjoy mountain biking at camp, they must reserve troop time in the afternoon. The camp supplies the bikes, helmets, and guides; you supply the power pack.
Nature Lodge - Camp Tahquitz has the good fortune to be a 640 acre Nature Center. Here a Scout can experience and learn to appreciate the world in which he lives in a manner and degree that is impossible in the city. The nucleus of the nature program is the historic log cabin sitting atop a fern covered hill, overlooking Tahquitz Meadow. Here, the varied programs of the nature center can be scheduled. All Scouts and Scouters are welcome to stop by the cabin during any program time to use and experience the many resources available, including…
- Our "Backyard:" We have set aside a special feeding area behind the Nature Lodge for viewing the many varieties of birds and small mammals. This is a great place for picture taking or just relaxing while watching nature.
- Hands On Museum: Many displays and hands on nature activities have been added this year. Scouts learn best by touching and experiencing nature. A staff member will be available to lead scouts into this new world.
- Natural Resource Library: Scouts are welcome to use our well-stocked nature library.
- Weather Station: To assist those Scouts working on the Weather and Environmental Science Merit Badges, as well as those Scouts interested in the local weather, we maintain a fully functional weather station.
- Reflector Telescope: Experience clear views of the planets & stars through our advanced telescope in this internationally renowned dark-sky environment.
Wrangler Program - For years, the Glass Ranch in Barton Flats and the surrounding Santa Ana River Valley resounded with the sounds of horse. Although the Glass Ranch has been replaced by Camp Tahquitz, that does not mean that horses have left the valley. Once again, there are horses roaming Barton Flats. The elements of this program include…
- Horsemanship Merit Badge: This is an intensive program DESIGNED FOR OLDER BOYS! For safety reasons, the wrangler will have the right to disqualify a Scout if they feel that the Scout's physical size and strength poses a safety concern.
- Open Ride: After a basic orientation in the riding arena, the Scouts and Scouters will leave for a one-hour trail ride. These rides will explore the expanse of Tahquitz acreage that most campers never have the opportunity to visit.
- Overnight Trail Ride: Scouts will travel through the camp to the Lower Meadow camping area. Once there, they will prepare their "chuck-wagon" dinner, hear of tales from the Old West, and watch the stars come out over their campfire. It will be a great opportunity to work on the camping, wilderness survival, and astronomy Merit Badges, as well as a chance to relax and take in the Great Outdoors. In the morning, breakfast will be served early enough for the Scouts to get back on their horses and return to the Wrangler stables in time for program. This is an experience not to be missed!
There is a special pre-registration form for this program, along with a small program fee. SINCE SPACE IS LIMITED, WE ENCOURAGE ALL WHO ARE INTERESTED IN THIS PROGRAM TO SIGN UP EARLY. We will take sign-ups at camp, however, this is a first-come-first served program and we expect spaces to fill up rapidly.
Aquatics -Our pool overlooking the Tahquitz Meadow joins the Tahquitz Lake in providing recreational and instructional aquatic activities. Before participating in any aquatic event Scouts are classified by ability as "learners", "beginners", or "swimmers". Activities include merit badges, swimming lessons, recreational swimming, rowing, canoeing, Lifeguard BSA, Mile Swim, Polar Bear Swim and Snorkeling BSA. Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat certifications are offered to leaders.
Campwide Activities
- Campfires - The Tribe of Tahquitz staff members put on four campfires during the week in the beautiful Tahquitz Bowl (participation is optional): Welcome (Sunday night); Indian Lore (Monday); Troop participation (Wednesday); Awards (Friday).
- Highland Games - The camp wide games will have a theme of Scottish games. Events such as "hagis" toss and log throwing are played. Bring you kilts and paint your face to our Tuesday evening fun activities.
- Water Carnival - This Camp Tahquitz tradition is one of the highlights of the week, where scouts compete in a series of pool contests and games Friday afternoon. Special recognition will go to the top troops. Oh yes, there is also a special event just for scoutmasters.
Honor Troop & Honor Patrol - To encourage each unit to get the most from their summer camp experience, the Honor Troop and Honor Patrol award has been developed. Every unit attending camp is eligible to participate in this program, and a handsome flag ribbon is presented at the awards campfire to each patrol and troop that completes the requirements. Some requirements may need to be done before you arrive at camp, so consult the Leader's Guide in advance.
Boy Scouts of America 
