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High Adventure

 

The thrill of our High Adventure Bases runs far and wide across America. Nobody in the world is better at sharing those experiences than the Scouts. Nobody.

Nobody offers more exhilarating or a wider variety of high adventure for young people than the Boy Scouts of America. Through high adventure experiences, the BSA leaves lasting memories with youth and fosters development in character and leadership.

 

Why High Adventure?

 

  • Keeps older youth and Eagle Scouts interested in Scouting.

  • Gives Scouts and Venturers a challenge.

  • Exciting experiences that will be remembered for a lifetime.

  • Great experiences for adult leaders too!

 
Scouts:  Are you up for the HIKE 100 Challenge?
  • Did you know the North Country Trail goes right through northern Minnesota?

  • Check out this website for great backpacking adventures!

 

Northern Tier

Ely, MN

BSA’s gateway to adventure in the Great Northwoods. In the Summer, Scouts from Northern Tier’s three wilderness canoe bases explore millions of acres of pristine lakes, meandering rivers, dense forests, and wetlands in Northern Minnesota, Northwest Ontario and Northeast Manitoba.

In the winter, Northern Tier is home to the OKPIK Cold-Weather Camping program, the BSA's premier winter high adventure program.

Philmont Scout Ranch

Cimarron, NM

BSA's premier high adventure base challenges Scouts and Venturers with more than 214 square miles of rugged northern New Mexico wilderness. Backpacking treks, horseback cavalcades, and training and service programs offer young people many ways to experience this legendary country.

Check out the 2015 Philmont Unit Registration Packet to get more information about this exciting opportunity and register today! Also, watch some informative and inspirational videos on the Philmont Scout Ranch YouTube channel.

Florida Sea Base

Islamorada, FL

Sea Base is a unique Scouting program that offers aquatics programs found nowhere else. 

Whether your interests lie in sailing, scuba diving, rustic camping on an undeveloped barrier island, fishing, or a combination of all, this is the place for your troop or crew. 

Summit Bechtel Reserve

Mount Hope, WV

Get ready for the next century of Scouting. With incredible facilities and amazing outdoor programs, The Summit is a place that takes kids to the limits of what they think they can do, and then pushes them further.

Situated in the wilds of West Virginia, The Summit is an adventure center for the millions of youth and adults involved in the BSA. Get more info at www.summitbechtelreserve.org.

OA High Adventure Program

OA members between the ages of 16 and 21 are eligible. 
  • Canadian Odyssey at Northern Tier
  • Wilderness Voyage at Northern Tier
  • Trail Crew at Philmont Scout Ranch
  • Ocean Adventure at Florida Sea Base
  • Summit Experience at The Summit

These programs offer two full weeks of high intensity outdoor adventure, leadership development, and a way to build friendships that will last a lifetime.

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High Adventure Awards

High Adventure Awards
The 50-Miler Award

 

Presented to each qualifying individual for satisfactory participation in an approved trip. Get more info, fulfill the requirements, and submit the award application.

The Triple Crown Award

 

This special certificate and patch honor those Scouts and Scouters who have participated in at least one program at each of the three National High Adventure Bases. Get more info, fulfill the requirements, and submit the award application.

Selected high adventure programs

Selected Council High Adventure Programs

Black Hills Area Council

Rapid City, SD
Medicine Mountain Scout Ranch
Custer, SD

 

 
Chief Seattle Council

Seattle, WA
Camp Parsons
Brinnon, WA

 

 

Great Alaska Council

Anchorage, AK
Denali High Adventure Scout Base
Trapper Creek, AK

 

 

Great Salt Lake Council

Salt Lake City, UT
Teton High Adventure Base
Jackson, WY

 

Ore-Ida Council

Boise, ID
Salmon River High Adventure Base
Riggins, ID

 

 

Pacific Harbors Council

Tacoma, WA
Pacific Harbors High Adventure Camp
Tacoma, WA

 

 

Rio Grande Council

Harlingen, TX
Laguna Station Sea Adventure Base
South Padre Island, TX


 

Samoset Council

Weston, WI
Hanna Venture Base
Rheinlander, WI


 

Sioux Council

Sioux Falls, SD
Missouri River High Adventure Base
Yankton, SD

Where to Go Paddling

 

Contribute a Paddling Plan

 

Find a water trail, plan a trip, get maps, and much more!

 

Water Level Information

 

BSA Aquatic Safety Training

 

Canoe and/or Kayak Rental on the Mississippi River

 

Canoe Rental/Outfitting on the Crow Wing River

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