Scout Camping & Outdoor Adventure

Why experience the Outdoors?

Access to outdoor adventure is the promise made to young people when they join Scouting.  Boys and girls yearn for outdoor programs that stir their imagination and interest.  In the Outdoors we strive to meet the Aims of Scouting as follows:

Character Development:

In the outdoors, Scouts have opportunities to acquire skills that make them more self-reliant. They can explore canoe and hiking trails and complete challenges they first thought were beyond their ability. Attributes of good character become part of them as they learn to cooperate to meet outdoor challenges that may include extreme weather, difficult trails and portages, and dealing with nature’s unexpected circumstances.

Good Citizenship:

Successful youth leadership, communication, and teamwork enable them to achieve goals they have set for themselves, their patrol, and their troop. Working together through the patrol method and troop organization teaches active citizenship. 

Personal Fitness:

Scouts are challenged in the outdoor adventure and high adventure and are pushed physically and mentally to accomplish tasks of the outdoors. 

Leadership Skills:

Scouts plan and carry out activities from start to finish. With thoughtful guidance from their Scoutmaster and other adult leaders scouts make a plan and carry out this plan. Learning by doing is a hallmark of outdoor education. A youth or adult leader may describe and demonstrate a Scouting skill at a weekly meeting, but the way Scouts truly learn outdoor skills is to do it themselves on a troop outing.


It becomes obvious that the lessons of Scouting are best learned, and most fondly remembered, when taught in the outdoors.  We have amazing scenic resources in the beautiful natural areas all around us throughout Northern California.  Marin Council is especially fortunate to have three outstanding camp properties:  Camp Tamarancho above the village of Fairfax in central Marin County, Camp Marin-Sierra in scenic Yuba Gap off I-80 and the Transcontinental Railway in the Sierra Nevada, and Slane's Flat on the edge of the Yolla Bolly Wilderness near the Mendocino National Forest in northern Mendocino County.

We encourage Scouts to take advantage of the opportunity to use these beautiful properties as often as possible with their units.  In addition, both camps are available to non-Scout non-profit groups, and make outstanding locations for a retreat or Scout family camping getaways.  Contact the Marin Council Service Center for details and to request your reservation.

Click here to register your troop or find more information for Scouts BSA Summer Resident Camp weeks at Camp Marin-Sierra.

To apply for Summer Camp staff positions, just click on the links below to download the appropriate information:

Cub Scout Day Camp Staff @ Camp Tamarancho, Fairfax

Scouts BSA Summer Resident Camp Staff @ Camp Marin-Sierra, Emigrant Gap

(c) 2024 Marin Council, BSA
225 West End Avenue
San Rafael, CA 94901
Phone:  415-454-1081
Fax:  415-454-5511
www.boyscouts-marin.org