Our troops have a four year High Adventure rotation. We rotate between the Philmont Scout Reservation, New Mexico; Florida Sea Base, Florida Keys; Boundary Water Canoe Area, Ely MN; and the National Scout Jamboree, Fort A.P. Hill. Each year over the summer we try and put together a high adventure to one of these places.
Philmont Scout Ranch, the Boy Scouts of America's premier high-adventure base, challenges Scouts and Venturers with more than 200 square miles of rugged New Mexico wilderness. Backpacking treks, horseback cavalcades, and training and service programs offer young people many ways to experience this legendary country.
Adults have opportunities of their own at the Philmont Training Center. World-class courses and seminars cover all aspects of Scouting—all amid Philmont's dramatic scenery.
This Web site www.scouting.org/philmont will answer most of your questions about this most famous Scouting landmark.
Born in 1938 as Philturn Rockymountain Scoutcamp, today's Philmont Scout Ranch is a bustling center for high adventure and training. Youth and adults take advantage of the ranch's camping, training, and work programs. Most activity takes place during the summer, but Philmont also offers its Fall Adventure and Kanik winter program.
More than 820,000 Scouts, Venturers, and leaders have experienced the adventure of Philmont since the first camping season in 1939. Throughout its existence, conscientious attention to low-impact camping techniques have helped maintain the ranch's wilderness flavor.
The area surrounding the ranch is rich with history, from the Native Americans who made this arid land their home to the land barons of the 19th century. The town of Cimarron boasts a number of historical buildings, including the St. James Hotel—site of at least 26 killings during Cimarron's wilder days.
The Florida Sea Base high adventure takes place in the Florida Keys. At the sea base there are two adventures that we regularly participate in, the Florida Keys Adventure, and the Scuba Adventure.
The Florida Sea Base is constantly striving to design exciting programs that will fulfill all expectations of our visitors from north of the Keys. The Keys Adventure program is a good introduction to the Florida Keys, giving you a variety of activities.
You will arrive after 2:00pm on your scheduled day of arrival at The Brinton Environmental Center which is located on Summerland Key, 23.8 miles North of Key West. Initially, your Keys Adventure Mate will show you to your air-conditioned quarters, followed by a tour of the facility. Next up, it’s into bathing suits and into the marina for your swim review. At this point, you will be issued a mask, fins, snorkel and a Sea Base dive bag that you will have for the week of your adventure. This will be followed by a snorkel instruction lesson so you are comfortable with your gear. If you have your own snorkeling equipment, you may prefer to bring it because masks and mouthpieces sometimes give you a better fit if they are your personal equipment. After dinner, your Keys Adventure Mate will discuss your itinerary for the upcoming week and then watch a slide show which describes those underwater creatures to both enjoy and avoid, as well as snapshots of some of the fun you will be having during the upcoming week.
While at the Brinton Center you will be housed in air-conditioned dormitories overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. There are hot showers and laundry facilities available. A portion of your stay will not be spent at the Center, but rather in tents and/or boats exploring the whole of the Keys.
Fishing is an integral part of your itinerary. One day, you will off-shore fish in a 25 foot Dusky powerboat which is supplied with heavy tackle for those big ones out deep and some lighter rods and reels for the smaller fish. Although we don’t guarantee it, most crews are able to add some fresh fish or possibly lobster (in season) to their evening meals. Another day will be spent exploring the backcountry waters of the Florida Bay fishing for sharks and barracuda in a 24-foot Carolina Skiff. Your itinerary will also include a great deal of snorkeling and the opportunity to learn more about marine biology from a fish eye point-of-view. Of course, no trip to the Keys would be complete without a trip to Key West. It is a town that is rich in history and unique culture. You will eat lunch at the base and we can pack a picnic dinner for you, or you can choose to eat out and sample some of the local cuisine. Dinner prices range from $5.00 (fast food) and up. There are many unique restaurants, and of course, fresh seafood.
Florida Sea Base is anxious for your arrival and participation in the Scuba Adventure program. To aid you in your preparations, we would like to go over some programmatic and physical aspects of the week you will spend with us this season.
When you arrive at the Sea Base, after 2:00 p.m., a member of the Scuba Staff will lead you through an orientation of the Base. They will show you to your dormitory, where the crew will get settled and change into swimsuits for your swim review. You will then be issued the dive equipment that you will use all week for your adventure; mask, fins, snorkel, regulator, BCD, weight belt, weight, etc. If you own any or all of these pieces of equipment, you are welcome to bring them and use them. Sometimes masks, snorkels, fins, and buoyancy compensators give a better fit if it is your own personal gear. All personal equipment is subject to a safety inspection by, and approval of, the Scuba Commissioner. You’re first night you will have a welcome dinner, and meet some of the staff. Afterwards, there will be an opening program where we will discuss the itinerary in detail, and other opportunities your crew may wish to take advantage of during your adventure. You will view a "Peak Performance Buoyancy" video, and receive some pointers on how to become a better diver.
You will be housed in air-conditioned dormitories with bunk beds and shared bathrooms. There are hot showers and laundry facilities available. You and your crew are responsible for keeping the dormitory clean. Storage for all of your diving equipment is provided in the scuba area.
The next day you will participate in a "scuba review" to familiarize yourself with the equipment you have been issued, and to check it for proper fit and function. Also, this is a great opportunity for you to refresh your diving skills in case it has been a while since you have been diving.
Your itinerary for the week will depend on weather and water conditions. The program plans on nine dives during your stay. Sometimes, because of the conditions, crews have less than nine dives during their stay. At the Sea Base, safety is our first concern. Dives on several coral reefs are planned both during the day and at night. The Sea Base is an entry-level program with a maximum depth of 60 feet. There will not be any opportunity to work on advanced certifications or participate in specialty dives.
Imagine 50,000 Scouts, Venturers, volunteers, and staff from all over the country, all gathered together for one big celebration of Scouting. Held once every four years, the national jamboree is a chance to camp out with friends, meet new friends, try high-adventure activities, learn new skills, and enjoy the outdoors. Over 10 days, there are exhibits, stadium shows with entertainment, opportunities to work on merit badges — there's something for everybody.
Whitewater, climbing, zip lines, mountain biking, and much, much more. (Not to mention all of the things you've grown to love about the jamboree: patch trading, SCUBA, stadium shows, Technology Quest ... who could ask for more?)
Check out their website for more information here.
Boundary waters is a week-long adventure in the lakes and rivers making up the Canada-United States border. During the week, the troop will split up into multiple patrols, who each decide what activities to do. Fishing, canoeing, rough waters, calm waters, all of it is up to you.
Our outfitter of choice is North Country Canoe Outfitters in Ely, MN. The outfitter makes sure you have all the equipment you need for a week of adventuring; food, supplies, canoes, everything. Feel free to visit their website to learn more about the Boundary Waters High Adventure.
