A CENTURY OF SCOUTING
Camp Royaneh dates back to 1925 at its present location, however the idea goes back even further to the hills of Marin county and the summer camps created by The Chief, Raymond O. Hanson.
One Hundred Years, Thousands of Scouts, Millions of Memories….
Celebrate A Century of Fun in The Sun
Join us to commemorate a century of Scouting experiences at Camp Royaneh, located in the coastal redwoods of Cazadero, California. As we mark this impressive milestone, the Golden Gate Area Council will host two unforgettable events designed to honor our past, celebrate our present, and build our future.
The first event will be a Gala Fundraising Dinner and Auction on May 3rd and on July 26th travel up to Cazadero for a day of family fun at the greatest camp that is "known from coast to coast."
Join us May 3, 2025 from 5:30 - 10:00 p.m. at San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront for a gala for adults 21 and over, featuring a gourmet dinner, entertainment, and live auctions. All proceeds will support our capital improvement campaign to ensure Camp Royaneh continues to inspire future generations.
Camp Royaneh is looking for sponsors at various levels as well as donations for the Auction. To have one of our volunteers contact you about giving opportunities email us at royaneh100@gmail.com or click the link below.
A Day at Royaneh
You won't want to miss this family-friendly event filled with fun activities, historical exhibits, and outdoor adventures. Perfect for all ages, this festival-like celebration of Royaneh's rich heritage will take place on July 26, 2025 at Camp Royaneh in Cazadero, California.
More About Camp Royaneh
In 1925, The San Francisco Council purchased a truly wonderful piece of property. In 1925 this purchase created a treasure of memories which has endured for over 90 years. Camp Royaneh opened at this newly obtained site, the Watson Ranch located on East Austin Creek in Sonoma County. At that time the Watson’s lived above the camp and the camp utilized only about 40 acres of the property. Everyone lived on the other side of the bridge beyond the dining hall.
From the very beginning Royaneh was an extremely popular place. The dominant factor and the man who made the camp what it has ultimately become, was the Scout Executive, Mr. Raymond O. Hanson - The Chief. The Chief added the perfect ingredient - happiness. This was a happy camp. The chief’s personality was such that it was impossible not to like the man. He was in his office when he had to be, but more often than not he was out among the campers. It is important to remember that Scouting was still in its infancy at this time and was going through many changes.
The Executives who came after The Chief were more business type individuals. Later executives didn’t have the personal touch with the scouts that Raymond O. Hanson had. Today the idea of a Scout Executive being the Camp Director - as Raymond O. Hanson was - is not nearly as feasible, since the responsibilities of each position have changed considerably.
Among the campers he was always known as The Chief - very few people know him as Raymond O. Hanson. It was the rare scout who could correctly identify him by name. The Chief was a deputy fire chief appointed by the state fire marshal. As a result he was entitled to have a siren on his car. He had a Buick convertible and every time he went in or out of camp he would sound that siren and the scouts all knew what it meant - The Chief was coming in or going out. When they heard the siren - no matter where they were - they would all yell out “Hello Chief” or “Goodbye Chief.” The sound of the siren meant that the Chief was either coming or going.
