Camp Cherry Valley
When you arrive in Cherry Valley your leader will need to fill out a master sheet indicating all of the boys and what merit badges they would like to do. All of the sheets will be collected from all of the troops and sessions will be scheduled. Some of the badges will be moved and may happen at the same time. Your leader will need to work with the boys to choose a new one if they need to.
One thing to consider. The younger scouts should participate in the "rank advancement" sessions. They will complete a large number of rank advancement requirements all the way up through 1st class. It is a big leg up on moving forward. If the younger boys (below first class) take only two merit badges and the rank advancement, it would be very productive and the boys would not get burned out on the homework. "First Aid" and "Swimming" merit badges are the most common badges for younger scouts. They are both Eagle Required and are age appropriate. Oceanography (sounds like fun) as an example is not eagle required and requires junior high style reports etc.
Whatever the boys do at Cherry Valley they will have a terrific time. You will notice there is an adult or senior leader for every two or three kids. The quality of the organization is incredible. Adult leaders should bring a good book and you will have a relaxing time. During the merit badge sessions you just relax and hang out in Catalina. Your cell phone will work at CCV. There are places you can charge up if you need to.
Leader: Bring a copy of the medical forms in a file so that they can just be handed to the administration upon arrival at the camp. You should keep a copy with you in case they lose one etc. They (EMTs) will take the boys medications off of your hands when you arrive and will make sure the boys take them. They will assign one or two senior leaders (eagles or explorer scouts) to your troop and they will help you coordinate the hikes etc. It really goes very smoothly.
Forms you need for CCV:
- Personal Health and Medical Record (Class 1 & 2 - you don't need Class 3 despite its inclusion with the others!!!) to be filled out and signed by parent(s) and signed by a family physician or pediatrician. Campers and adults under 40 must have proof of a physical within the past 36 months, and adults 40 and above must have proof of a physical within the past 12 months. Campers CANNOT get on the boat without them!
- CCV merit badge sign-up sheet. Plan ahead with your Scout! All the merit badges could be earned at camp except personal fitness, sports and nature. Astronomy is a maybe depending on how clear the skies are. Some merit badges can be completed entirely at camp while others will require some work, either before or after the camp.
- Rifle/BB/Archery range consent form (Required for all campers wishing to use these facilities.)
If you wish to car pool, or if your camper will need a ride to and/or from the Catalina Express berth, please let the leader know right away, so he/she can arrange transportation. A tour permit for each car that is carrying any camper that is not the son of the driver is mandatory.
For any questions, please feel free to contact the Cherry Valley staff directly at 310-510-2895.
Questions about what to bring, etc. can be answered by reading this information sheet, where there are detailed instructions what your camper will need for his camping experience. If you need the Personal Health and Medical Record (Class 1 & 2), here is the Form.