The Adventure Begins at Mataguay Scout Ranch
Mataguay Scout Ranch, a 1000 acre property owned and operated by San Diego-Imperial Council, is a great destination for year round camping. Open to all Scouting units and other non-Scout organizations. This includes packs, dens, troops, crews, church groups, clubs, and associations. Many of the camp's facilities are available for your unit's program. These include lodges, cabins, and administration buildings that you can use for unit training, center of operations, or just as a getaway spot. All campsites at Mataguay have KYBO's (latrines), running water, and campfire rings. There are also several large campfire rings on the reservation if you wish to put on a large program in the evening. On the grounds of the ranch itself, there are numerous hiking trails and areas to be explored. For those who are looking for more challenging trails, there is the Mataguay Pacific Crest Connector Trail, or a seven mile trail into camp from Barrel Springs. There certainly is enough room for a group of any size.
Besides camping, hiking, and general outdoor fun, there are countless things to do at Mataguay during the year. Programs which are available include archery, swimming at the pool, boating at the lake, .22 rifle, black powder (muzzle loading) rifle, shot gun, and BB gun shooting. For older Scouts COPE and Climbing/Rappelling are available. These programs can be tailored to meet your unit's goals from pleasure use to merit badge, advancement, and other special camp programs. Units can provide their own lifeguards and range masters, or these can be arranged through the Ranch Director.
There are also several annual programs including spring and fall family camping. Weekend campers can also work toward special Mataguay awards: NRA qualifications, Hiker's Award, and MSR Naturalist.
Mataguay has an extensive equestrian program which includes the horsemanship merit badge and trail rides. Other summer program features include real glider flights, geocaching, mountain boarding, COPE and extensive instruction in over 40 merit badges.