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Empower Tomorrow's Leaders: Your Investment in Character

Investment in Character (previously known as Friends of Scouting) is the Orange County Council’s annual fundraising campaign that helps support quality Scouting for youth throughout the county. Join us at Orange County Council, BSA in shaping the future of OVER 40,000 youth in our community ANNUALLY.

Orange County Council, BSA plays a pivotal role in shaping the leaders of tomorrow right here in Orange County. By choosing to support our mission, you are investing in three fundamental pillars that create a foundation for our youth’s future:

  1. Leadership Training: Our programs provides youth with the skills needed to lead with confidence and integrity in every aspect of their lives.
  2. Character Development: Through diverse experiences and challenges, youths build resilience, respect, and a strong moral compass.
  3. Accessibility for All: We are committed to ensuring that every young person in Orange County has the opportunity to join Scouting, regardless of their background or financial situation.

Our impact extends beyond the traditional learning environment, taking young individuals like local Patrol Leader Dave into the great outdoors—a unique classroom where life’s most valuable lessons unfold. Dave shares, “Scouting is more than just camping; it’s about discovering your strengths, facing challenges head-on, and learning the true essence of leadership and reverence.”

 

Transforming Our Camps

Our commitment to providing an exceptional Scouting experience extends into the heart of our outdoor programs. These camps, where countless memories are made and skills are honed, are undergoing renovations to meet the evolving needs of our Orange County youth. Your investment is directly contributing to these vital improvements

  • Expanding the Leadership Center at Irvine Ranch Outdoor Education Center: To foster the next generation of leaders, we’re expanding our Leadership Center. This expansion will provide more space for leadership training, workshops, and team-building activities, equipping youths with the skills they need to lead with confidence.

  • Additional Restrooms at the Irvine Ranch Outdoor Education Center: To accommodate our increasing number of campers and improve overall comfort, we’re building additional restrooms. This much-needed infrastructure will ensure that our facilities can keep pace with demand and provide a more inclusive and accessible camping environment.

  • ADA-Compliant Docks at Newport Sea Base: Ensuring every youth has access to waterfront adventures, we’re updating our docks to meet ADA standards. 

  • Renovating Casey Lodge at Schoepe Scout Reservation at Lost Valley: Casey Lodge is getting a makeover! This renovation will enhance the lodge’s facilities, making it a more comfortable and functional space for Scouts and leaders to gather, learn, and grow together.

  • New Trailers at Oso Lake Scout Camp: To support our camping programs, we’re adding new trailers at Oso Lake Scout Camp. These trailers will provide much-needed storage for equipment and supplies, helping us deliver a top-notch camping experience.

Join Us in Shaping the Future

The future of Scouting in Orange County hinges on the collective support of our community. Through your investment in character, young people discover the importance of teamwork, develop problem-solving abilities, and learn to lead with integrity. Your generous support provides resources for innovative programs, outdoor adventures, and mentorship that nurture confidence and a solid moral compass.

 

Thank you for your support!

Invest Now!

Click here and help provide Scouting to the Youth in our County

Here are three good reasons to support the Boy Scouts of America in Orange County:

  1. Leadership Training
  2. Character Development
  3. Make Scouting Available to All Youth in Orange County

Right now, Scouting is making a huge difference helping to keep our young people on a positive course in their life’s journey. One of the best places we’ve found to instill these important skills and values is through outdoor adventures – a place away from home where a whole new world unfolds to them.

Like local Patrol Leader Dave who explained, “Scouting gives you a lot of knowledge with different kinds of things … things you might not ever experience except at summer camp … and you learn how challenging it is to be a good leader and live life reverently!” Scouting is helping Dave become a better person!

You can’t put a dollar value on self-esteem and self-confidence. But when they’re absent, we pay a tremendous price. Please help us shape the character of young people so they can develop into responsible citizens.

Help us provide a life changing experience for one or more Scouts. Please make your most generous gift possible online today – whatever level of support is right for you.

Thank you for making a difference!

JOIN SCOUTING

Follow these 3 simple steps and begin your Scouting journey.

1

Find a Scouting Unit

Select your preferred program(s) (i.e., Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing), enter your zip code, choose your nearest unit, and select APPLY NOW.

2

Complete a Youth Application

Create an account with my.scouting.org, complete the application, and make a payment.

3

Start Scouting!

Download the My Scouting app, contact your unit’s leader, and begin your Scouting journey!

SCOUTWEEK Signup Form

Subscribe to Scoutweek to receive the latest news, training information, and events for you and your Scouts!

Adventure Passes

The following is a sample Adventure Pass schedule.  Number of passes available per adventure will vary.  Our goal is to have as many youth experience an Adventure at Scout-O-Rama as possible, and spend less time in lines.  Each adventure is approximately 60 minutes and includes training time.

AdventurePasses OpenActivity Time
Archery7:30 am8:30 am
Archery8:00 am9:00 am
Archery8:30 am9:30 am
Archery9:00 am10:00 am
Archery9:30 am10:30 am
Archery10:00 am11:00 am
Archery10:30 am12:00 pm
Archery11:00 am12:30 pm
Archery12:00 pm1:00 pm
Archery12:30 pm1:30 pm
Archery1:00 pm2:00 pm
Archery1:30 pm2:30 pm
Archery2:00 pm3:00 pm

This copy of the waiver is for reference and easier reading.  You will agree to the waiver electronically, as part of event registration. 

Informed Consent, Release Agreement, and Authorization

I understand that, if any information I/we have provided is found to be inaccurate, it may limit and/or eliminate the opportunity for participation in any event or activity. The participant has permission to engage in adventure activities described, except as specifically noted by me or the health-care provider.

I understand that participation in Orange County Council, Boy Scouts of America (OCBSA) activities involves the risk of personal injury, including death, due to the physical, mental, and emotional challenges in the activities offered. Information about those activities may be obtained from the venue, activity coordinators, or your local council. I also understand that participation in these activities is entirely voluntary and requires participants to follow instructions and abide by all applicable rules and the standards of conduct.

In case of an emergency involving me or my child, I understand that efforts will be made to contact the individual listed as the emergency contact person by the medical provider and/or adult leader. In the event that this person cannot be reached, permission is hereby given to the medical provider selected by the adult leader in charge to secure proper treatment, including hospitalization, anesthesia, surgery, or injections of medication for me or my child. Medical providers are authorized to disclose protected health information to the adult in charge, camp medical staff, camp management, and/or any physician or health-care provider involved in providing medical care to the participant. Protected Health Information/Confidential Health Information (PHI/CHI) under the Standards for Privacy of Individually Identifiable Health Information, 45 C.F.R. §§160.103, 164.501, etc. seq., as amended from time to time, includes examination findings, test results, and treatment provided for purposes of medical evaluation of the participant, follow-up and communication with the participant’s parents or guardian, and/or determination of the participant’s ability to continue in the program activities.

(If applicable) I have carefully considered the risk involved and hereby give my informed consent for my child to participate in all activities offered in the program. I further authorize the sharing of the information on this registration with any OCBSA volunteers or professionals who need to know of medical conditions that may require special consideration in conducting Scouting activities.

Assumption of Risk
With appreciation of the dangers and risks associated with programs and activities, on my own behalf and/or on behalf of my child, I hereby fully and completely release and waive any and all claims for personal injury, death, or loss that may arise against the Boy Scouts of America, the local council, the activity coordinators, and all employees, volunteers, related parties, or other organizations associated with any program or activity.

Photographs/Video
I also hereby assign and grant to the local council and the Boy Scouts of America, as well as their authorized representatives, the right and permission to use and publish the photographs/film/ videotapes/electronic representations and/or sound recordings made of me or my child at all Scouting activities, and I hereby release the Boy Scouts of America, the local council, the activity coordinators, and all employees, volunteers, related parties, or other organizations associated with the activity from any and all liability from such use and publication. I further authorize the reproduction, sale, copyright, exhibit, broadcast, electronic storage, and/or distribution of said photographs/film/videotapes/electronic representations and/or sound recordings without limitation at the discretion of the OCBSA, and I specifically waive any right to any compensation I may have for any of the foregoing.

Shooting Sports (Archery, BB Gun, Wrist Rocket, Tomahawk)
Injuries and accidents can be near eliminated when safety rules are followed. Participants will show clear knowledge of the
safety rules and procedures prior to using any equipment. Participants will be taught proper form, safety rules and general
knowledge of the equipment. Participants will be expected to adhere to all safety rules and follow guidelines on the care
of equipment. Anyone ignoring or not the following expectations maybe sidelined from the activity until sufficient
retraining has occurred to ensure everyone’s safety. Participants under 8 must be always accompanied by an adult one-on-one. No personal or outside equipment is permitted.
* California Penal Code Section 12552: Every person who furnishes any BB device to any minor, without the express or implied permission of the parent or legal guardian of the minor, is guilty of a misdemeanor.

Adventure Hill (Zip Line, High Ropes, Low Ropes, & Climbing)
Adventure Hill activities offered at the Irvine Ranch Outdoor Education Center involve a certain degree of risk that could result in
injury or fatality. All participants shall be provided with and instructed in the proper use of helmet, harnesses, belay equipment and
other items required to complete each specific challenge area safely. Participants will be taught proper form, safety rules and general knowledge of the equipment. All participants will be expected to adhere to all safety rules and follow guidelines for proper care of equipment. Participants MUST always follow the instruction of the of IROEC staff. Anyone not adhering or following activity
expectation may be sidelined from the activity until sufficient retraining has occurred to ensure safety. No personal or outside
equipment is permitted.
Weight Restrictions: Zip Line and High Ropes Course- Participants must weigh between 50 lbs. and 275 lbs. Climbing Tower-
Participants must weigh between 30 lbs. and 275 lbs.
Age Restrictions: Zip-Line & Climbing- Minimum 5 years of age. Low Ropes- Minimum 8 years of age. High Ropes- Minimum 11 years of age. Participants must fit into all required safety equipment properly regardless of weight or age.

Aquatics (Swimming, Water Sports, Water Slide)
All participants will be expected to adhere to all safety rules and follow instructions of the IROEC Aquatic Staff and Lifeguards.
Anyone not following expectation may be sidelined from the activity until sufficient retraining have occurred to ensure everyone’s
safety. An adult must accompany children 5 years and under, one-on-one in the water at all times.

Other Activities
Other available activities at the IROEC include but are not limited to: Mine Immersion, Wacky Science Immersion, Lawn Games, Team Building Games, Breakout Box, Ranch Immersion.

All Activities
All activities and programs at the IROEC follow the standards of the Boy Scouts of America, American Camp Association (ACA), American Red Cross, or Association of Challenge Course Technologies (ACCT).

CLOSED TOE SHOES ARE SUGGESTED IN ALL AREAS. MANY ACTIVITIES REQUIRE THEM FOR SAFETY.

NOTE: Due to the nature of programs and activities, the Boy Scouts of America and local councils cannot continually monitor compliance of program participants or any limitations imposed upon them by parents or medical providers. However, so that leaders can be as familiar as possible with any limitations, list any restrictions imposed on a child participant in connection with programs or activities in this registration.

In consideration of the benefits to be derived and after carefully considering the risk involved and in view of the fact that the Boy Scouts of America is an organization in which participation is voluntary, and having full confidence that precautions will be taken to ensure the safety and well-being of myself (and any minor children for whom I have the capacity to contract), I have carefully considered the risk involved and have given the participant identified below, my consent to participate in the Recreational Activities available at The Irvine Ranch Outdoor Education Center* (IROEC).
In consideration of accepting this registration, and to the extent permitted by law, I hereby agree to release, indemnify, defend and hold harmless on behalf of myself (and any minor children for whom I have the capacity to contract), the IROEC, the Boy Scouts of America, Orange County Council, event staff, activity coordinators, all employees, volunteers, or other organizations associated with IROEC from and against any and all liabilities, claims, penalties, losses, or expenses (including attorneys’ fees), of any kind or nature whatsoever, whether related to bodily injury, property damage or any other form of injury or loss to myself (and to any minor children for whom I have the capacity to contract), caused by any negligent act or omission of the IROEC or its officers, clients, agents or employees, arising out of or in any way related to participation in the activity for which I (and any minor children for whom I have the capacity to contract) am registering.
I give permission to the IROEC to take photographs of me, my children, and any minor children for whom I have the capacity to contract while participating in this activity for use in future publicity and understand that I will not receive any compensation for such use.
In case of emergency, I hereby give my permission to the physician selected by the IROEC, to secure proper treatment, including hospitalization, anesthesia, surgery, or injections of medication for myself or any minor children for whom I have the capacity to contract.

I acknowledge that the activities to which this release applies can be dangerous and as a result of signing below, I am accepting those risks for myself and for any minor participants for whom I can contract.

I CERTIFY THAT I HAVE READ, UNDERSTAND AND AGREE TO ALL THE SPECIFICATIONS OF THIS WAIVER.