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Horse Adventures

Saddle Up

Experience the adventure of horsemanship with one of the largest horse herd in Scouting America. Our dedicated Wranglers are ready to guide riders of all ages and abilities, offering year-round programs that foster responsibility, empathy, and confidence. Whether you’re joining us for a weekend ranch ride, a summer camp program, or our unforgettable high adventure Horse Trek, every ride is a chance to build character and bond with these incredible animals. Discover the life-changing benefits of horseback riding—on the trail and beyond.

Weekend Adventures

 Butte Creek Scout Ranch

On most weekends from September through April, horse rides are available for Scouting units. Rides are in and around the vast, beautiful property of Butte Creek Scout Ranch. For Scouts BSA youth and Webelos/AOL ranks. Webelos must have a 1:1 youth to adult ratio.

There are 3 ride options, a morning half day ride, an afternoon half day ride, and a full day ride. Each ride has a maximum of 30 riders with a minimum of 10 riders needed to run each ride.

Be Prepared! Make sure to dress for the weather and wear sturdy pants and shoes. Lunch is not provided, be sure to bring a day pack with snacks, a water bottle, and a change of clothes if necessary.

Lil’ Bucks

   

A fun introduction to Horsemanship! Open to Wolfs, Bears, Webelos, and AOL ranks, Little Buckaroos covers the fascinating history of horses, safe handling practices, grooming, horse care, and a wrangler-led basic riding skills course.

Classes are held in a covered riding arena most weekends from September to May. Each two-hour session has morning and afternoon options, with a small group size of 10 Scouts max per class. A minimum of 6 Scouts is needed to run each session.

1/2 Day Rides

   

On most weekends from September through April, horse rides are available for Scouting units and other groups. Rides are in and around the vast, beautiful property of Butte Creek Scout Ranch. For Scouts BSA youth and Webelos/AOL ranks. Webelos must have a 1:1 youth to adult ratio.

Full Day Rides

On most weekends from September through April, horse rides are available for Scouting units and other groups. Rides are in and around the vast, beautiful property of Butte Creek Scout Ranch. For Scouts BSA youth.

Horse Trek

 Butte Creek Scout Ranch         Camp Baldwin

Embark on the Horseback Ride of a Lifetime

Saddle up for an unforgettable ten-day journey across 165 miles of breathtaking wilderness! Join fellow Scouts as you ride through the majestic Mt. Hood Wilderness, learning the art of horse-packing, wilderness survival, and soaking in cowboy tales from our Head Wrangler and the experienced wrangler crew.

Participants are selected through a lottery. To be eligible, you must be at least 13 years old and a registered member of Scouting America by June 1st. While prior experience with horses, including the Horsemanship Merit Badge, is recommended, it is not required.

Lottery opens Nov 1st & closes Nov 30th.

Click the event title to learn more & enter lottery.

Be a Wangler

Become a part of the Butte Creek Wrangler Association, a Venturing Crew passionate about horsemanship and equine education. Led by our Council Head Wrangler Daniel Lawson, this crew offers hands-on experience with horse care, trail riding, and the skills of true wranglers. For anyone with a love of horses and the outdoors the wrangler crew is a perfect place to learn, grow, and help out. Contact us to learn more about joint Venturing Crew 492.

Be a surpporter

Join us in supporting our herd of 60 horses! Through the horse programs at Butte Creek Scout Ranch and Camp Baldwin, youth gain invaluable life skills, including self-confidence, respect, trust, communication, balance, leadership, and personal growth. To learn more about how you can support and get involved, click below.

Thank you for helping us keep these opportunities alive!

“If you want a better horse, you need to become a better you.” 

– Scott Depaolo
Retired Head Wrangler & Scouting Volunteer

Contact

Daniel Lawson
Ranger / Council Head Wrangler
Butte Creek Scout Ranch
daniel.lawson@scouting.org

Outdoor Programs & Properties Team
Main Office: (503) 225-5701
Email:  492.camping@scouting.org
For general inquiries & registration assistance.

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