Boy Scouts of America Return To In-Person Camp In Idyllwild

IDYLLWILD, CA - Local scouts from Boy Scouts of America have returned to in-person activities at historic Camp Emerson in Idyllwild for Winter Camp, it was announced Thursday.

After spending much of 2020 in a virtual setting, scouts have been excited to return to in-person activities with the lifting of recent stay-at-home orders. The recent snowfall in the Inland Empire's local mountains provided the perfect backdrop for sledding, snowman building competitions, and practicing scout skills at Camp Emerson.

"Our key staff has had several meetings about how to ensure the safety of our scouts and their families," explained Camp Director Crystal Pastorian.

Following Riverside County health guidelines, Pastorian said there is a cap on the number of camp participants; masks are mandated and worn at all times during outdoor activities; and camp participants are assigned and placed in cohorts of 14 before arrival. Medical checks are conducted in the parking lot before the opening flag ceremony and the onset of any activities. Sanitizing takes place throughout the day in every activity area and between groups.

“Our scouts want to get outside with their families, and we want to make that happen in the safest way possible," Pastorian said.

Scouts will continue to have the opportunity to enjoy Winter Camp weekly on Saturdays through the first of March.

The California Inland Empire Council of Boy Scouts of America serves all Inland Empire youth, boys and girls, between the ages of 5 and 21. To find a scouting unit near you, visit www.BeaScout.org