Cedar Glen, CA, USA
Camp Big Horn at Circle X Ranch is the Scouts BSA summer resident camp on the Hubert Eaton Scout Reservation — a sprawling 2,000+-acre mountain property perched at over 5,000 feet in the San Bernardino Mountains. It has a classic outdoor-scouting atmosphere: dense forest, expansive mountain views, and plenty of space to explore. What makes this camp special is the blend of structured learning and adventure: Scouts spend mornings in merit badge classes and afternoons in open-program adventure activities.
The program supports personal growth, leadership, and teamwork. There are shooting sports, crafts, nature studies, science, and wilderness survival. For thrill-seekers, there is a challenging COPE (low- and high-ropes) course, a newly added 1,100-foot canyon-spanning zip line, a climbing wall, plus horseback riding. At night, campers can take part in astronomy programs under clear mountain skies.
This camp is ideal for Scouts BSA youth — typically ages around 11–17 — who are ready for a week away from home, want to deepen their Scouting skills, or earn several merit badges. It’s also a place for first-year Scouts who wish to a stable, guided introduction to resident-camp life and for more experienced Scouts seeking high-adventure experiences.
| Ages: | 11–17 |
| Type: | Day |
| Month: | Summer |
| Lodging: | Tent |
| Setting: | Forest, Lake |
| Gender: | Co-Ed |
| Water Activities: | Water Activities, Boating, Kayaking, Swimming |
| Adventure: | Adventure, Rock Climbing, Ropes Course, Zip Line, Nature & Exploration, Hiking, Scouting, Horseback Riding, Tactical Skills, Survival, Wilderness |
| Arts: | Fine Arts, Photography, Arts, Performing Arts, Film |
| Dates | Days | Price | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14.06.26 - 20.06.26 | 7 | $795 | |
| 21.06.26 - 27.06.26 | 7 | $795 | |
| 28.06.26 - 04.07.26 | 7 | $795 | |
| 05.07.26 - 11.07.26 | 7 | $795 | |
| 12.07.26 - 18.07.26 | 7 | $795 | |
| 19.07.26 - 25.07.26 | 7 | $795 | |
| 26.07.26 - 01.08.26 | 7 | $795 |
You won’t be charged yet. The camp will contact you to confirm all terms first.
Camp Big Horn provides accommodations in tent camp decks, raised platforms outfitted with two-person wall tents. These decks offer a more stable, comfortable base than pitching a tent directly on the ground — helping Scouts feel secure in a traditional camping setting. The decks are in scenic, forested areas among the pines, giving campers a true back-to-nature feel while still being part of the main camp.
Campers share meals in a communal dining hall, which helps build camaraderie. Mealtime is structured and well-staffed, giving Scouts a chance to relax, talk with friends, and reflect on their day’s adventures. Since this is a resident camp linked to a central council, kitchen operations are professionally run, serving balanced meals designed to fuel active days with a variety of proteins, vegetables, carbohydrates, and more — with options to meet basic dietary needs.
Safety is foundational at this camp, especially because so many activities involve climbing, swimming, or high-adventure elements. All program areas — including the climbing wall, COPE course, zip line, shooting sports ranges, and horseback riding arena — are staffed by trained instructors who follow standardized procedures.
Scouts must complete swim checks before participating in certain aquatic activities. Ropes courses and climbing equipment are regularly inspected, and all participants are outfitted with proper helmets, harnesses, or other protective gear. Staff brief campers before every activity, reviewing rules and expected behavior in clear language.
General Scouting youth-protection policies are followed at all times, and unit leaders help supervise Scouts throughout the day. The camp’s layout keeps living areas, program zones, and gathering spaces contained, ensuring good visibility and structured movement throughout camp.
Camp Big Horn’s program blends structured merit badge instruction with open-choice adventure. Mornings focus on learning: Scouts choose classes to explore science, craftsmanship, emergency skills, communication, or the natural world. These sessions are hands-on, taught by staff who keep things active and fun rather than lecture-based.
Afternoons shift into high-energy recreation. Scouts can challenge themselves on the COPE course, ride the zip line across a canyon, climb rock walls, paddle on the lake, or join trail rides on horseback. Free time also allows for extra practice in merit badge areas or time with friends. Evenings bring campfires, stargazing, and troop-led activities.
Registration typically requires a non-refundable deposit.
Troops usually register as a group rather than individually.
Some merit badges may require prerequisites completed before arrival.
