Important Greater LA Scouting Update

December 3, 2025 | Greater LA Scouting, Scouting America

Port of Los Angeles Terminates Cabrillo Beach Youth Center Lease

On December 1, the Port of Los Angeles served Greater Los Angeles Scouting with a “Notice to Terminate” the Council’s ground lease of its one-of-a-kind beach-front Cabrillo Beach Youth Center (“CYC”) on Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro. The Port’s Notice terminates the Council’s lease effective December 31, 2025, and requires the Council to vacate the premises no later than December 31, 2025. Thirty-eight years after constructing the Cabrillo Beach Youth Center at a cost of $3.6 million, and after serving hundreds of thousands of youth at CYC over these years, Greater Los Angeles Scouting is being evicted.

The Port has told the Council that it is “repurposing” CYC for use as a “training center” for international sailing teams in the 2028 Olympics. A newly-formed nonprofit organization, “Pathway to Podium LLC,” with involvement by the L.A. and Cabrillo Beach Yacht Clubs, will operate the new training facility under an interim, short-term lease until sometime after the conclusion of the 2028 Olympics.

During this interim “training center” period, the Council hopes to be able to use portions of the site to continue to serve youth with its broad programs and activities, but that is presently unknown. The Council also hopes to reactivate CYC after the 2028 Olympics, but that also is presently unknown, as the Port states it plans to then offer the site to various organizations, presently unknown, in requests for proposals.

Since 1946, 80 years ago, Greater Los Angeles Scouting has provided training and waterfront activities to youth at Cabrillo Beach, initially operating out of tents and military WWII Quonset huts and trailers under a lease with Fort MacArthur. In 1982, at the initiative of Greater LA Scouting leadership, Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley (a member of the Council’s Board), City officials, civic and business leaders and others, Greater LA Scouting entered into a 30-year lease of the Cabrillo Beach site from the Port, for the “purposes” of “construction, operation, maintenance and management of a nonexclusive youth camp facility” by Greater LA Scouting. Greater LA Scouting raised over $3.6 million to construct the CYC complex, dedicated in 1987 by Mayor Bradley, with lead contributions by Steven Spielberg and the Amateur Athletic Foundation (now LA84)(with funds from the 1984 Olympics), and additional major contributions by Ahmanson Foundation, Lon V. Smith Foundation, Los Angeles Times, Toyota Motor corporation, Union Pacific Foundation, Weinberg Foundation, and others.

As constructed by Greater Los Angeles Scouting, CYC’s facilities encompass 12.3 acres, with waterfront access, and Olympic-size swimming pool, campgrounds, boat house, and a 25,000-square-foot Spielberg Center, which houses a dining room, meeting rooms, craft center, amphitheater, and staff quarters.

Over the years, CYC has served hundreds of thousands of youth. During just the last program year, while still recovering from the pandemic’s impact on operations, CYC served over 17,000 diverse youth through a variety of campouts, training and activities, and over 35 schools, churches, youth and community organizations, and government agencies, in addition to Scouts. Government agencies served included the Port of Los Angeles Police, Los Angeles City Police Department, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Los Angeles City and County Fire Departments, U.S. Coast Guard, and numerous City and County lifeguard units. CYC has served these youth of the community – boys and girls, Scouts and non-Scouts – and the numerous organizations and entities at no cost to the City or Port of Los Angeles. The Port’s termination of the lease and eviction of Greater Los Angeles Scouting is an immeasurable loss to youth, the community and Scouting.

Going Beyond the Call

When the Eaton Fire struck, Troop 334G from Miami Springs, Florida, felt a powerful urge to help even from across the country. The Scouts and leaders sprang into action, collecting clothing, shoes, blankets, toys, and home goods for those affected.

But getting these donations to California was no small task. When it came time to deliver the supplies, Leader James Fulton III stepped up and made the cross-country trip himself.

By the time the donations arrived, our Scouting families directly impacted by the fire no longer needed assistance; however, our units at the Los Angeles Dream Center did. Thanks to Troop 334G’s incredible generosity, these supplies found their way to Scouts who truly needed them.

Thank you, Troop 334G and Mr. Fulton! Your kindness, dedication, and willingness to go above and beyond have made a real and lasting difference in the lives of our youth. This is Scouting at its best.

Scouting for Everyone: An Inclusion Forum for Growing Membership & Building Belonging

Join us January 16–17, 2026, at the Cushman Watt Scout Center for Scouting for Everyone, an inspiring and practical forum designed to help create a more inclusive, welcoming, and thriving Scouting experience for all.

Whether you’re an employee, volunteer, or passionate supporter, this two-day event will equip you with the tools and insights to grow membership by embracing diversity, breaking down barriers, and fostering a true sense of belonging in every unit and council. The $100 conference fee includes meals, workshops, program materials, a special event neckerchief, and a commemorative patch.

Discover real-world strategies, hear impactful stories, and learn how to ensure every young person and family feels seen, heard, valued, and respected in Scouting. Because when everyone is welcomed, Scouting grows stronger.

Let’s build a movement where everyone belongs, because Scouting is for Everyone.

Make an Impact Before the Year Ends

There is still time to make a difference for young people in Greater Greater Los Angeles. Your year-end gift helps keep Scouting affordable, provides camperships for families who need support, and strengthens local units so every Scout can learn, grow and lead.

Your support also helps us train the volunteers who bring Scouting to life and keep our camp properties safe, welcoming, and ready for every adventure. This work is especially important as we prepare to reopen Camp Cherry Valley and prepare for another summer of camping at HESR so we can continue investing in the places where Scouts get to experience outdoor adventure.

Your gift today can help

$26 supports essential supplies for training and programs
$100 provides hands-on program materials so Scouts can learn outdoor skills
$250 strengthens volunteer development across our units
$750 helps maintain safe, high-quality camp properties for all youth
$2,500 ensures transformative Scouting experiences so more youth can join and thrive

We need your help to finish the year strong. Please make your tax-deductible gift by December 31.

Donate Now

Honing Essential Skills

During last month's Exploring meeting, LAFD Post 106 Explorers honed their technical skills by practicing the rapid deployment of various ground ladders, including 16-foot, 20-foot, and 24-foot straight ladders. A task they executed a total of 20 times! The intensive training wrapped up with a challenging team workout competition, perfectly showcasing their teamwork, strength, and determination.

Way to go, Explorers!

HAT Winter Camping & Travel Training

December 13, 2025 | 8 AM–6 PM | Cushman Watt Scout Center

Get prepared for safe, confident winter adventures! This hands-on training equips adult Scouters with essential skills for navigating cold-weather conditions, including gear and safety, route finding, food planning, and winter travel basics.

The seminar includes presentations, demonstrations, and an optional weekend field trip to Mt. San Jacinto State Park (5 miles round trip, 8,600–10,000 ft), where participants will use snowshoes and apply their new skills in real-world conditions.

Limited to 12 participants. Only 5 spots left!

Bring paper, pencil, lunch, and your own winter gear (snowshoes required for the outing).

Don’t miss this chance to level up your winter backcountry readiness!

National Jamboree 2026

Meet & Greet

December 14, 2025 • 2:00–3:30 PM • Cushman Watt Scout Center

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Only 28 slots remain for the 2026 National Jamboree! So secure your spot and join us for a special Meet & Greet designed to build excitement and prepare families for the journey ahead!

This gathering brings together Scouts, families, and leaders to connect, ask questions, and get a first look at what’s in store for this unforgettable East Coast adventure.

What to Expect

Meet Your Leadership Team:

Connect with the adult leaders guiding our contingent to the Jamboree. Learn about their experience, roles, and what to expect throughout the trip.

Scout Introductions:

Participants from all three units will meet one another—forming friendships well before departure.

Q&A Session:

Bring your questions! We’ll review travel plans, uniforms, payment schedules, health forms, gear lists, behavior expectations, and more.

Program Overview:

Hear highlights of the four-day East Coast tour, including visits to Philadelphia, Gettysburg, Washington, D.C., and other historic landmarks.

Parent Information:

Get important reminders about deadlines, logistics, communication, safety procedures, and the full Jamboree experience.

Fun & Engagement:

Enjoy light activities and conversations to help everyone feel confident and excited for the journey.

This Meet & Greet is a perfect chance to connect, learn, and build momentum as we prepare for the 2026 National Jamboree.

With only 28 slots left, now is the time to secure your next great Scouting adventure!

Learn More

Plan Ahead: Holiday Hours for Scout Shops and Cushman Watt Scout Center

As we gear up for the holiday season, our Scout Shops and Office will be adjusting hours to complete annual inventory and observe holiday closures. Please plan your visits accordingly and shop early for your Scouting needs, especially those Rose Parade uniforms, patches, and sewing supplies!

Arcadia Scout Shop

Inventory: Closing early at 2:00 PM on Saturday, December 6
Christmas: Closed December 25–26
New Year’s: Closing early at 5:00 PM on December 31 and closed January 1

Cushman Watt Scout Center & Los Angeles Scout Shop

Christmas: Closed December 11, & December 24–26
New Year’s: Closed December 31–January 2

Rose Parade Reminder:

Don’t forget to visit early for all your parade uniform needs, including patches, sewing supplies, and accessories!

Scout Shop Information

Trail to First Class & IOLS Training at Camp Trask

December 12-14, 2025

Don’t wait! Spots are almost gone! Only 5 youth spaces and 20 adult spaces remain for this skill-building weekend at Camp Trask.

Join us for a skill-building weekend at Camp Trask! Trail to First Class is designed for Scouts working on Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class rank requirements. While Scouts won’t complete all requirements in one weekend, they’ll make significant progress through hands-on sessions in cooking, tools, navigation, swimming, leadership, nature, knots, lashings, and more.

Cost: $160 per Scout / $50 per adult

Includes all meals and program. Adults are welcome to stay and may also sign up for IOLS training, which requires one overnight to earn certification.

This is an overnight camping event; a packing list will be emailed.

Each Scout must bring their own tent.

Winter Merit Badge Days at Camp Trask

December 27–30, 2025

Expand your skills and earn new badges this winter at Camp Trask! Scouts can take up to two classes per day and earn as many as eight merit badges over the course of the program.

Cost: $65–$75 per class

(Each day has two class periods; some badges require both periods.)

Class Highlights by Day:

Saturday: Camping, Personal Management, American Business, Family Life, Pets, Forestry, Reptiles & Amphibians, Citizenship in the World

Sunday: Home Repairs, Skating, Citizenship in the Community, Disabilities Awareness, Pets, Forestry, Reptiles & Amphibians, Salesmanship

Monday: Artificial Intelligence, Electricity, Composite Materials, Environmental Science, Cooking (2 periods), Cyber Security, Athletics

Tuesday: Artificial Intelligence, Citizenship in Society (2 periods), Cyber Security, Rifle Shooting (2 periods) (Only 33 spots remaining)

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn new skills, make new friends, and advance your Scouting journey over winter break. Register now to secure your spot!

Secure your spot today!

Eagle Scouts Ready to Shine at the Rose Parade

The end of the year is quickly approaching, and with it comes one of our favorite traditions, the Rose Parade!

We’re proud to share that 50 of our outstanding Eagle Scouts will help ring in the New Year by carrying the official float banners along the parade route. What an incredible honor and celebration of their leadership!

Mark your calendars for the 137th Rose Parade: The Magic of Teamwork

January 1 at 8:00 AM PST

Watch from home or grab a seat along the 5.5-mile route in Pasadena.

However you join in, we look forward to cheering on our Eagle Scouts as they help kick off 2026 in true Scouting style.