Do you use a Nalgene type bottle or a Smart Water bottle, or something else?  We discuss the advantages and disadvantages in using either type bottle on a longer backpacking trip like a trek to Philmont Scout Ranch.

In this edition of the High Adventure Scouting podcast, we explore an alternative to bringing an extra stove for advisor coffee.  We explore the idea of using a Toaks Titanium 450ml Cup to heat water for instant coffee at Philmont or other long term backpacking trips. 

Toaks Cup – https://www.amazon.com/TOAKS-CUP-450-Titanium-450ml-Cup ($15)

BRS 300 Stove - https://www.amazon.com/BRS-BRS-3000T-Ultra-Light-Titanium-Miniature/dp/B00NNMF70U/ref=sr_1_1? ($17)

I wanted to expand on the items that Adult leaders shouldn’t bring to Philmont.  So, on this edition we’ll talk about bringing a separate tent for the adults.  On the Philmont Trek Talk Facebook group, this topic creates a lot of discussion on both sides. 

Philmont Tent - Philmont will provide 2 person tents as a part of the fees paid.  These tents are well used but in great condition.  If you have any issues on the trail with a pole, rain fly, tent, you can easily get some kind of replacement.  With your own tent, you might not be as lucky. 

Footprint in Campsites – Some campsites have ample camping areas, some don’t.  I’ve been at several campsites that had limited flat camping spots.  Reduce your footprint and take less gear.

Set the Example – Philmont is set up to work in buddies for meals and tents.  We had a leader one year that was a big guy, and he tented with our Scoutmaster without a problem.  You will have plenty of room to sleep.  We expect the Scouts to buddy up, as leaders we should lead by example.

I’ve been backpacking a ton with Scouts, and I will share a tent with another adult.  Frankly, I never spend much time in my tent as I’m enjoying the trip and the awesome surroundings.

So, what did I leave out?  Feel free to disagree with my list and add your own in the comments below and make sure to subscribe on all the socials. 

As a part of our series highlighting council high adventure programs, we will be featuring Yellowstone High Adventure Outpost in this edition.  Yellowstone High Adventure Outpost is a part of the Adventure West Council. 

The Yellowstone High Adventure Outpost offers an awesome backcountry experiences based out of Camp Buffalo Bill.

·      The base has five high adventure options for backpacking, climbing, whitewater, kayaking and rock and river adventures.

o   The Backpacking Adventure

§  5 day, 4 night backcountry adventure

§  Hike between 5-10 miles per day – 35-40 miles overall

§  A lot of wildlife on this trip

§  Adventure is in either Yellowstone or Shoshone national Forest – the website indicates there is no guarantee for Yellowstone as there are permits that must be requested. 

§  Group size for Shosone is 4-12 individuals, Group size for Yellowstone is 4-8 individuals

o   Climbing Adventure

§  Spend an entire week climbing on natural rocks in the area.

§  Rope climbing on “The Island” which is a 100’ free standing granite pillar, bouldering on Cedar Mountain, and some time to choose where you want to climb.

§  Great views before, during, and after climbing

§  You will be staying in camp and traveling to the climbing destinations.

§  There is a free day to explore other cool places in the area

§  Group size is 4-12 individuals

o   Whitewater Adventure

§  Three full days of whitewater rafting.

§  You will be staying in camp and traveling to the whitewater destinations.

§  There is a free day to explore other cool places in the area

§  Group size is 4-12 individuals

o   Kayak Adventure

§  5 day, 4 night backcountry kayaking trek in the heart of the Yellowstone park

§  3 full days of kayaking and 2 half days.

§  Each day will be a new basecamp location. 

§  You will visit areas not accessible by roads.

§  Group size is 4-8 individuals

o   Rock & River Adventure

§  This is a combination of the climbing and whitewater rafting. 

§  2 days of climbing and 2 days of whitewater rafting. 

§  You will be staying in camp and traveling to the whitewater and climbing destinations.

§  Group size is 4-12 individuals

If there are free days on the treks – there are all kinds of opportunities

·      Whitewater rafting

·      Buffalo Bill Center of the West – museum

·      Buffalo Bills Irma Hotel

·      Grand Teton National Park

·      West Yellowstone Montana

·      Fishing

·      Attend the Cody Nite Rodeo

·      Hike the fist – steep hike with incredible views

·      Swim in the Hot Springs

·      Visit Yellowstone National park

If this sounds like a cool opportunity, head over to awbsa.org/yhao for more information.  There is a lot more info on their site. 

If you want more information on all kinds of high adventure options, head over to HighAdventureScouting.com. 

I wanted to expand on the items that Adult leaders shouldn’t bring to Philmont.  So, on this edition we’ll talk about clothing.

Some leaders will bring too many clothes.  My guideline is to follow the Guidebook to Adventure.  There is a really good list of items to take to Philmont.  Let’s look at the clothing I took on my last trek.

(Snap Fingers)

-            Clothing I have on – wicking shirt, breathable zip off pants, socks, underwear

-            2 additional pair of underwear

-            4 pair of socks – you could probably pair that down to 3.

-            2 additional shirts – one long sleeve, one short sleeve

-            1 pair of gym shorts

-            Sleep clothes – For me it’s synthetic long underwear.  I sleep cold. 

-            Fleece/Jacket – I didn’t take a fleece as I had a puffy coat on my last trek.

You obviously don’t need a pair of clothes for every day.  There are ways to wash your clothes, but when you get  into the trek, that won’t become a priority.

So, what did I leave out?  Feel free to disagree with my list and add your own in the comments below and make sure to subscribe on all the socials. 

As a part of our series highlighting council high adventure programs, we will be featuring Lenhok’sin High Adventure in this edition. Lenhok’sin High Adventure is a part of the National Capitol Area Council in Virginia.

The Lenhok’sin High Adventure offers an awesome backcountry experiences based out of Goshen Scout Reservation.

• The base has five high adventure options for backpacking, climbing, whitewater, kayaking and rock and river adventures.

o Trail Trek

 5-day, 4-night backcountry adventure

 Specially designed itineraries based on interest of the crew and abilities

 Staffed outposts or other activities along the trail

 Participants should have backpacking experience

 Crew size is 6-12 people

o Canoe Trek

 5 day, 4-night backcountry adventure

 61-mile trek on the James River

 Navigate over 100 Class 1 rapids, 20 challenging Class II rapids and the infamous Balcony Falls Rapid

 Fishing is available

 Optional river clean-up to complete the service project for the 50-miler award

 Passed the BSA swim test

 Group size is 8-12 individuals

o Outposts and Activities

 Aquatics – stand up paddle boards or kayak around Lake Merriweather

 Caving

 COPE High Elements

 Foxfire – 1900’s Appalacian blacksmithing forge where you can create items

 Mountain man area shooting black powder rifles, tomahawk throwing, and learn about trade and fur trappers

 Primitive experiences

 Woods edge featuring archer, dagger throwing, and survivalist skills in a medieval homestead

o Special Programs for individuals or a small group

 Provisional Trail Trek

 Provisional River Trek

Requirements

• Youth must be 13-years old by September 1 of the year before

• One or more crew member must have Wilderness First Aid and CPR.

• Canoe trek must have one adult with other water activity related training

If this sounds like a cool opportunity, head over to gotogoshen.org and search for LenHokSin High Adventure for more information. There is a lot more info on their site.

If you want more information on all kinds of high adventure options, head over to HighAdventureScouting.com.

This is High Adventure Rob from High Adventure Scouting.

As a part of our series highlighting council high adventure programs, we will be featuring Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan High Adventure in this edition. Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan High Adventure is a part of the Northeast Illinois Council.

The Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan High Adventure offers some awesome backcountry experiences.

• The base has three high adventure options for Canoeing, Backpacking, and Kayaking.

o Canoeing Treks

 Boundary Waters/Quetico

• Travel to the boundary waters area near the Gunflint Trail along the US-Canada border

• Moose, black bears, otters, pine martens, and loons are some of the animals in the area

 Flambeau Flowage

• Area filled with islands and coves

• Famous area for walleye fishing but northern pike, muskies, bass sturgeon, catfish, bluegill, and many other fish are in the area

• Camping at primitive sites

• Eagles, ospreys, beavers and sand cranes are some of the animals in the area

 Wisconsin Headwaters

• Trips can be modified to your groups needs

• Fishing is excellent from native trout to a range of panfish and gamefish

• Eagles, wolves, black bears, seer herons, and hawks roam in this area.

o Backpacking Trek

 Porcupine Mountains

• Treks range from 20-50 miles long dependent on crew preference

• Permits, equipment, food and an experienced guide are provided.

• The area offers a mixed terrain from mountains to lakes

 Isle Royale

• The area is only accessible by boat to the least visited national park crossing Lake Superior’s northwest section

• Thousands of acres of backcountry camping

• Great scenery paired with moose and wolves on the island.

 Ice Age Trail

• Trail winds through the lakes and bogs formed by the last glacier’s melting

• Set among a forest of spruce, fir, maple, and birch

• Excellent introduction to backcountry camping and is a good prep hike for a Philmont trek

o Kayaking

 Apostle Island Kayak Trek

• Trek led by an experienced guide through the collection of islands in Lake Superior

• Stunning geological formations including caverns, arches and pillars only accessible to other kayakers

• Camping will be done on the sandy beaches in the area.

If this sounds like a cool opportunity, head over to makajawan.com for more information. There is a lot more info on their site.

If you want more information on all kinds of high adventure options, head over to HighAdventureScouting.com.

As a part of our series highlighting council high adventure programs, we will be featuring Swamp Base in this edition.  Swamp Base is located near Lafayette, LA operated by the Evangeline Area Council.

Swamp Base is a unique experience set in the Atchafalaya Swamp.

The excursion ventures through remote swamplands and caters to Scouts and registered adult leaders

·      Designed to highlight adventure and the vastness of the swamp

·      61.6-mile journey through the western side of the Atchafalaya (a-chaf-a-lie-a) Swamp

·      Paddle an average of 15.4 miles per day

·      Allows you to get up close and personal with alligators on a swamp led tour by local guides

·      Features floating campsites and a night at a primitive campsite at Rougarou (Roo-Gaa-Roy) Island.

The trip

·      Day 1 is 19.4 miles featuring a wall of cypress trees as you start out.  The Turtles floating campsite will be a welcome sight on night 1.

·      Day 2 is 10.4 miles and starts with a swamp tour on a boat.  You will spend the night on Rougarou (Roo-Gaa-Roy) Island.

·      Day 3 is 14.6 miles, and you will venture though the forgotten cove.  You will be spending two nights at Camp Atchafalaya (a-chaf-a-lie-a).  Crews will enjoy a Cajun Cracker Barrel on Day 3. 

·      Day 4 features no paddling as you enjoy activities such as wood carving, Cajun Cooking, branding, and trail exploration.  You will also get a chance to hold a baby alligator.

·      Day 5 will take crews 17.2 miles and completion of the trek.  There is an 800-foot portage that is called the Swamp Stomp where crews will have a good time in the mud.

Swamp Base also has other events throughout the year including the Swamp-O-Ree as well as opportunities for shorter weekend trips.

If this sounds like a cool opportunity, head over to swampbasebsa.org for more information.  There is a lot more info on their site. 

If you want more information on all kinds of high adventure options, head over to HighAdventureScouting.com. 

#highadventure #boyscouts #boyscoutsofamerica #scoutingamerica #swampbase @swampbasebsa

As a part of our series highlighting council high adventure programs, we will be featuring Aqua Base in this edition. Aqua Base is a part of Pfeffer Scout Reservation on Kentucky Lake and a part of the Lincoln Heritage Council.
This is a great program for your older Scouts who want a new adventure at Summer Camp. This is a great program as it is a part of Camp Roy C Manchester that offers a traditional summer camp experience for your younger Scouts and those older Scouts not interested in sailing.
• In essence, the Scouts will leave camp on their boat on Monday morning and return on Friday in time for the closing campfire.
• The boats are 25-foot Catalina and Hunter Sail boats and will have 3-4 Scouts for the week under the leadership of a director.
• They will sail to numerous ports throughout the lake
• They will sleep on their boat each night.
• Cook their own meals
• This allows the Scouts to fish on the lake, develop teamwork and nautical skills and learn weather patterns.
• This is an awesome program, and we had 6 of our Scouts participate in the sailing adventure a few years ago and they had a blast. They were very excited to not have adults on the boat.

Requirements
• Minimum age is 14 by the start of camp.
• Small Boat sailing merit badge prior to arrival at camp
• Passed the BSA swim test

If this sounds like a cool opportunity, head over to lhcbsa.org/high-adventure for more information. There is a lot more info on their site.
If you want more information on all kinds of high adventure options, head over to HighAdventureScouting.com.

#highadventure #boyscouts #boyscoutsofamerica #scoutingamerica #aquabase
@LHCBSA

As a part of our series highlighting council high adventure programs, we will be highlighting Zink High Adventure Base, or better known as Z-Base, in this edition.  Z-Base is located near Tulsa, OK and is a part of the Indian Nations Council.

This is unique high adventure base that combines some great activity areas. 

·      Sporting Clays is an 18 station sporting clays setup with a BBQ dinner.

·      ATV Action Course allows you to pilot your own quad around the natural terrain of Z-Base.

·      Mountain Biking allows you to ride through some scenic and rugged terrain on a very robust trail system in Oklahoma

·      Aerial Adventure is a 70-foot-high ropes course with over 40 elements to traverse over. There is also a zip line that goes over 1,300 feet across the lake. 

·      Cable Wake is a Unique overhead cable system that is designed for wake boarding, water skiing and knee boarding.  This is a unique adventure not found in many places.

·      Ninja Warrior & Tree House Adventure is an obstacle course with three suspended tree house lodges connected by gravity defying bridges.

·      Aquatics Adventure center allows the use of jet skis through a water obstacle course. 

·      Western Village features cowboy action shooting and a chuck wagon dinner.

This is a full week of activity starting on Sunday and ending on Saturday – much like a typical summer camp.  A few items to keep in mind.

·      If you are participating in the ATV program, you will need to bring proof of an online pre-course completion and parental waivers.

·      If participating the Jet Ski program, bring proof of state boaters’ course and waivers. Must have card in hand.

·      Swim check roster with tester documentation. 

·      Each group will have to have one adult with current CPR and Wilderness First Aid.

·      There are a few additional items required which are typical including BSA medical forms A, B, & C with proof of medical insurance, copy of the council insurance, and proof of adult youth protection training. 

·      Minimum age is 13 years old by the time of your trek.  You must be 14 for the ATV trek.

·      You don’t have to bring a tent for this trip, but a sleeping pad is highly recommended.

#highadventure #boyscouts #boyscoutsofamerica #scoutingamerica #zbase @zbase4888 @okscouts