Alameda Council


Alameda Council is one of the three smallest Boy Scout councils in the United States, serving youth in the city of Alameda. It was first organized in December 1916, shortly after the organization of BSA councils in Berkeley and Oakland, making it the third oldest BSA council in Northern California. It is one of six BSA councils that serve the San Francisco Bay area.

History

In 1916, a group of community leaders led by Barclay Stephens, approached the Boy Scouts about having a council for their community. This occurred at the same time that the Oakland-Piedmont Council was chartered. The residents of Alameda felt that they should have their own council separate from Oakland. The council was founded with seven troops.
The council no longer has any camps of its own, having sold both of its properties. Given its small size, the council has focused on its youth programs and developing adult leaders. One of these, the Order of the Solo Hiker, was a local award meant to honor dedicated volunteers.

Camps

The Kaweah Lodge was founded by council president and founder, Barclay Stephens, In July 1947, the first candidates were tapped out and inducted into the order by members of another lodge at Camp Stephens.