Camp Cody, regarded by Scouts and Scouters as “The Best Backwoods Camp in the Sierra”, is an off-the-grid Scout camp owned and operated by Troop 1. Scouts can earn merit badges, explore the outdoors, and learn leadership and teamwork skills in an incredible setting at 7250′. With no roads into camp and no electricity, Camp Cody provides an authentic week of backwoods camping that Scouts have enjoyed since 1937.
The camp is led by an older Scout called the Junior Camp Director, who works with a team of a dozen other older Scouts called Junior Officers, and together they collectively deliver the camp’s daily program. While adult staff members are always present to teach merit badge classes and ensure safety, it is the Scouts who have the chance to lead and be led, regardless of age. It’s a memorable Scouting experience that’s safe, fun, and unlike any other camp in the Golden Empire Council.
See you this summer!
Camp Cody Basic Info
| 2023 Brochure (2024 version Coming Soon) |
2024 Staff Manual (for JOs and Adult Staff) |
Camp Fees & Late Fees (see Step 5: Submit Payment) |
| Merit Badge Class Schedule | Training Requirements (For JOs and Adults) |
How to Print Training Certs from MyScouting.org (For JOs and Adult Staff) |
Questions? Contact:
| Mike Quillici Senior Camp Director 530-304-7456 |
John Cargile Program Director 530-304-8992 |
Register for Camp Cody 2024 – Cody Timeline
| Date | Registration Milestones / Camp Dates |
|---|---|
| February 11, 2024 |
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| March 17 |
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| May 12 |
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| June 1-2 |
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| June 2 |
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| June 20 |
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| July 13-14 |
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| July 15-19 |
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| July 20 |
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| July 21 |
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| July 24-25 |
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| July 27 |
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| July 28, 2024 |
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Register for Camp Cody in Five Easy Steps
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Merit Badges at Camp Cody (2024)
How to Sign Up and Prepare for Merit Badges at Camp Cody:
Step 1: Review Merit Badge Policies
- All Scouts except Junior Officers (JOs) must take at least four merit badges unless excused by their Scoutmaster (note: double period classes count as two merit badges for scheduling purposes).
- All JOs must take one merit badge unless excused by the Senior Camp Director.
- Scouts are encouraged to select one or two additional merit badges they would like to take should we be unable to schedule them into their preferred choices.
- Cody Pioneers (first-year Scouts) are pre-assigned to Swimming, Leatherwork and Trail to First Class (TTFC) First Aid unless excused by their Scoutmaster.
Step 2: Check the 2024 Class Schedule
Look at the 2024 MB class schedule and identify classes you’d like to take for merit badge periods 1-4 (and 5, if you want). Only one class per period. Avoid requesting merit badge classes that are scheduled for the same times.
Make note of which classes you want so you can add those to your application.
Class Schedule Key:
- 1/3 each period means the class is for Cody Pioneers only. Pioneers are split into three groups to balance them in the Leatherwork, Swimming, and TTFC classes they all must take.
- Blacked out means no class can be scheduled that period.
- max ## means the class has set a cap on the number of scouts in a class.
- double period means that the class takes up two periods.
- Note: Orienteering and Wilderness is a combined class and scouts can earn both merit badges.
Step 3: Sign Up for Merit Badges in Cody Application
Click here to go to the camp sign-up section
Step 4: Merit Badge Requirements, Pre-Camp Work, and Workbooks
After signing up, get a list of requirements, list of pre-camp work, and merit badge workbooks – see below. You will need to buy, rent, or borrow the book separately.
The merit badge and workbook links below take you to the most current official requirements. (A HUGE thank you to Mr. Johnson for compiling this information in one place!)
Click on the “yes” link for a listed merit badge, for a separate PDF document that provides some guidance on ways to successfully accomplish the necessary work with the flag ‘PRE-CAMP’ and bold type text recommendations.
Please note: some MBs have 30 day observation/recording periods so the MB cannot be completed in camp if the Scout has not done those requirements in advance.
Requirements asking the Scout to “explain” or “discuss” may be completed with a written document or an oral presentation. The Scout may choose to create an outline (cryptic notes) to aid the Scout when giving a verbal explanation to the merit badge counselor. One rule that does apply is just like school: “No name on written work given to counselor – no credit.” 😊
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Step 5: Do Your Merit Badge Pre-Work – We’ll See You at Cody!
Cody Overnight Hikes
Driving directions from Sacramento to Cody | Overnight Hikes – Latitude and Longitude
1. Each map has its destination name highlighted and is followed by its associated latitude and longitude in decimal degrees.
2. If a driver uses a navigation app on their mobile phone or GPS unit, simply enter the appropriate decimal degrees in the “from-to” section. While the visual and audio directions should match the printed map, it is strongly recommended that both the driver and her/his navigator review the map before leaving the parking lot. Also, note any cautionary driving information regarding road and traffic conditions.
3. Review the printed map for additional navigation remarks that augment the Google Map directions.
4. These individual driving maps include a listing of Camp Cody overnight trek destinations and associated latitude/longitude coordinates.
5. Following the driving directions section is additional information including trail maps, hiking information, and any appropriate cautions hike leaders should take into consideration.
Cody Overnight Hikes Information
| Driving Directions & Hiking Maps | Hikes | Which Scouts can participate? |
| Caples Creek Trailhead | Caples Creek | All scouts – second year at Cody and above |
| Big Meadow Trailhead | Dardanelles Lake, Round Lake |
All scouts – second year at Cody and above |
| Lyons Creek Trailhead | Lyons Lake, Sylvia Lake | All scouts – second year at Cody and above |
| Wrights Lake Trailhead | Twin Lakes & Island Lake, Grouse / Hemlock / Smith Lakes | All scouts – second year at Cody and above |
| Rocky Canyon Trailhead | Pyramid Peak | JOs only |
| Cody Meadows | Cody Meadows | All Pioneers (First-year scouts), Pioneer JOs, and Wilderness Survival |
Other Awards at Camp Cody
Outstanding Camper
This bronze medal, inscribed with the year, honors the non-JO Scout who exemplifies superior Scout spirit and character. Factors that are considered include earning merit badges, advancing in rank, earning patrol / individual awards, cleanliness, selflessness, cheerfulness, helpfulness, volunteering, participating in camp activities, and above all, living the Scout Oath and Law. Candidates for Outstanding Camper must keep track of their own point sheets, including signatures and points awarded, and can only use items during the current Camp Cody. JOs and Cody Pioneers are not eligible for this award. Point sheets must be submitted no later than Saturday at noon to the Program Director. Scouts can request a copy of the point system and tally sheet when they get to Camp Cody, or print the one linked below.
Printable Outstanding Camper form (on page 2)
Cody Awards
These awards are unique to Camp Cody and prompt Scouts to advance in rank and earn a variety of merit badges during their seven years at camp. While every Scout receives a Cody Pioneer patch after their first camp week, only a few Scouts have earned Cody Explorer, which requires a Scout to have earned the Eagle rank before or at their final week at Cody. Click on each bar for each Cody Award’s requirements. (Printable Cody Awards checklists)
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While neither of these is a merit badge, both opportunities demonstrate a Scout’s strong swimming abilities at altitude. Both require extra time outside merit badge classes.
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Forms / Resources
Cody Brochure, Cody Staff Guide, & Training Requirements
BSA Medical Form (for Cody 2024)
Cody 2024 Shooting Sports Release
2024 merit badge class schedule
Cody Awards checklist / Outstanding Camper form
Cody Songbook