Greater California Council Scouting Programs

Greater California Council Scouting Programs include activities such as outdoor safety, water activities, camp specific programs, skits, shooting sports, field games, science, crafts, and obstacle courses. The program also offers training experiences like Basic Backpacking Awareness, BALOO training, IOLS training, Wood Badge, NYLT, and the University of Scouting, along with access to the River City Scout Shop for Scouting-related needs.

• Ages: 5–18 years old
• Schedule: Office hours and Scout Shop hours on weekdays and Saturdays, plus scheduled training courses and events throughout the year
• Price: Cub Leader Basic Training COST: FREE; Basic Backpacking Awareness OUTDOOR Overnight COST: $35

The Greater California Council has been providing leadership development to youth and their families across Northern California since 1920 and notes it has been proudly serving families for 102 years. Its mission is to prepare young people to make moral and ethical choices over their lifetimes by instilling them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. Scouting America, Greater California Council serves thousands of youth across California in 21 different counties and owns and operates two camping properties as part of its program, as well as six Day Camps spread out across seven districts.

All Scout leaders have been carefully trained prior to serving. Youth Protection Training is a requirement for all adult leaders prior to serving, all volunteers are required to complete mandated reporter training and get live scanned, and training follows S.A.F.E. principles: Supervision, Assessment, Fitness & Skill, Equipment & Environment. BALOO training is required for Cub Scout leaders leading outdoor events, pack camping overnights, and Webelos den overnighters. NYLT is described as an action-packed program for youth members who hold leadership positions within their own troops, and the HAT program offers environmental awareness, experience with the U.S. Forest Service, and skills for disseminating information. The University of Scouting is a supplemental training opportunity for all adult Scout leaders.

The schedule of specific trainings includes Basic Backpacking Awareness INDOOR on Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with a note to bring a sack lunch, and Basic Backpacking Awareness OUTDOOR Overnight on April 18–19, 2026, from 8:00 AM Saturday to 2:00 PM Sunday. Additional scheduled trainings include BALOO training on September 12–13, IOLS training on September 12–13, a Spring IOLS Course on May 1–3 and May 16–17, 2026, a Wood Badge Fall Course on September 25–27 and October 10–11, 2026, NYLT Course 1 on July 12–17, 2026, NYLT Course 2 on September 5–7 and September 18–20, 2026, and a University of Scouting “Save the Date” on March 20, 2027. GCC office hours are 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday, and the River City Scout Shop is open 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Monday through Friday (closed 1:00 PM–2:00 PM for lunch) and 10:30 AM to 3:00 PM on Saturday.

Named leadership roles include Andy Wertin as Course Director for NYLT Course 1, Joe Schairer as Course Director for the Wood Badge Fall Course, and Greg Shultz as Course Director for NYLT Course 2. Every year the Greater California Council gives back to communities through its service program.

Last updated June 9, 2026.