About Us

Camp Josepho About Us

Nestled deep in the canyons of the Santa Monica Mountains, Camp Josepho provides a mountain getaway only minutes from the busiest boulevards in Los Angeles. This 110-acre property, which stretches from Mandeville Canyon to Will Rogers State Park, was given to the Crescent Bay Council in 1947 by Anatol Josepho, a Siberian immigrant who made his fortune by inventing what he called the photomaton, known today as the photo booth. Camp Josepho continued to fulfill its mission of serving youth throughout Los Angeles, with a unique emphasis on filmmaking and technology, in the spirit of its namesake.

Today, Josepho is in the midst of a reimagining. Its historic lodge and other facilities were destroyed in the 2025 Palisades Fire, and the road leading into the camp was damaged. The Council’s short-term plan is to reopen the camp to rustic camping as soon as the road is passable. Until that happens, volunteers are helping repair fire damage and prevent invasive species from overtaking the camp’s natural areas.

The long-term plan is to rebuild, with a focus on fire safety and awareness. The goal is to construct buildings that can survive all but the most devastating fires — much like the current cinder-block pool house, the only structure still standing intact.

Though the Great Lodge is gone, our memories of it remain. Its high open beam ceilings, large wooden stage, beautiful paned glass windows and fascinating Boy Scout memorabilia told the story of Josepho’s long history. As we rebuild, we will honor that history while constructing a camp where Scouts can continue to learn and grow.

People interested in volunteering to restore Camp Josepho should sign up for the Council newsletter to learn about future opportunities. Donations are also welcome.

WESTERN LOS ANGELES SCOUTS SAD TO ANNOUNCE CAMP JOSEPHO DESTROYED IN WILDFIRE

Council Focused on Relief Efforts for Families Affected by Fires

LOS ANGELES – The Western Los Angeles County Council, Scouting America announced today that 84-year-old Camp Josepho, its Scouting Camp nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains, was destroyed in the Pacific Palisades Fire. Council leadership plans to assess the extent of the damage once the fires have been contained and decide on next steps then.

However, right now, they are dedicated to supporting families who have lost homes and livelihoods due to the wildfires that are still ravaging Los Angeles.

“The loss of Camp Josepho is sad, but the loss of life and homes throughout Los Angeles is devastating,” said Lee Harrison, Scout Executive & CEO of the Council. “Scouting families are among the thousands who have lost everything due to the fires, and our top focus is assisting them – in addition to other members of the community who have been affected.”

The Scouting motto is “Be Prepared,” and the Western LA County Council sprang into immediate action to support its members, first responders, and other members of the community upon learning about the fires.

“Thousands of young people have spent their summers and weekends at Camp Josepho, where they learned the skills they needed to become leaders and connected to nature,” Harrison said. “The Scouts will make sure we always provide our youth with these opportunities, whether it’s at a rebuilt Camp Josepho or somewhere else, but right now, we’re focused on supporting the people of Los Angeles County.”

The Scouting Council is currently arranging a large donation of water for evacuees and working with its membership and local elected officials to determine what more they can do to be of service.

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About the Western Los Angeles County Council of Scouting America
The Western Los Angeles County Council supports individuals, families, and community
organizations by providing values-based recreational and educational programs and activities that develop young people of character, based on the Scout Oath and Scout Law. The Council serves more than 10,000 youth throughout Los Angeles County. More information about the council and the programs it offers are available at https://scouting-la.org/.