High Adventures

Scouting America High Adventures are immersive, challenging, and often once-in-a-lifetime outdoor experiences designed for older Scouts and Venturers to develop leadership, outdoor skills, teamwork, and personal confidence. They focus on adventure, exploration, and learning in some of the most beautiful and rugged environments in the United States. Here's a breakdown:

High Adventure programs are held at iconic locations across the U.S., often connected to national parks, lakes, rivers, and mountains, such as:

• Northern Tier: Canoeing in Minnesota and Canada’s Boundary Waters.
• Philmont Scout Ranch: Backpacking in the Rocky Mountains of New Mexico.
• Florida Sea Base: Sailing, snorkeling, and scuba adventures in the Florida Keys.
• Summit Bechtel Reserve: Zip-lining, mountain biking, and STEM-focused activities in West Virginia.

• Backpacking & Hiking: Multi-day treks through mountains, forests, or deserts, teaching navigation, endurance, and self-sufficiency.
• Canoeing & Rafting: River trips that challenge paddling skills and teamwork.
• Rock Climbing & Mountaineering: Guided climbs to foster courage, planning, and safety awareness.
• Camping & Survival Skills: Learning fire building, shelter construction, Leave No Trace principles, and wilderness cooking.
   

Leadership & Personal Growth

High Adventure experiences are not just physical—they emphasize:

• Teamwork: Scouts work in crews or patrols to plan and execute their adventure.
• Leadership: Older Scouts take on leadership roles, learning decision-making under real-world conditions.
• Problem-Solving & Resilience: Challenging environments teach planning, resourcefulness, and perseverance.
• Environmental Stewardship: Activities often include conservation, trail maintenance, and education about natural ecosystems.
   

• Typically geared toward older Scouts (14+) and Venturers, though specific programs may have varying age requirements.
• Some treks require prior scouting experience, physical fitness, and sometimes prior merit badges or training.
   

In essence: Scouting America High Adventures combine thrill, learning, and personal growth, offering Scouts the chance to challenge themselves physically and mentally while creating lifelong memories.