At a recent planning session, eligible Troop 818 Scouts expressed interest in 2 potential High Adventure trips for 2015—Alaska (Chilkoot High Adventure Base) and/or Hiking a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail in Washington State. The following poll is meant to provide general descriptions of each potential trip and secure commitments from interested eligible Scouts.
Scouts are eligible to attend these trips if they meet the following requirements:
- Are at least 14 years old OR 13 years old and completed 8th grade by summer 2014. Younger Scouts “may” be able to participate depending on the particular trip and the specific high adventure base requirements
- Are in good health. Individual medical conditions will be evaluated in accordance with the High Adventure Risk Advisory for national high adventure bases.
- Are physically fit.
- Exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their behavior and are in good standing with Troop 818.
- Are Star Rank or higher by May 2015.
Any questions about an individual Scout’s eligibility can be referred to the Scoutmaster.
Scouts should only participate in the poll if they are prepared to make a $200 deposit by November 10th, 2014. A minimum of six participating Scouts will be required for Troop coordinated high adventure trips.
Trip #1—Chilkoot High Adventure Base in southeast Alaska
Description: This trip can be any combination of various high adventure activities, including sea kayaking, ice climbing, mountaineering, whitewater rafting, backpacking and more. Located near Haines and across the border from the Yukon Territory in Canada, this area is famous for its pristine wilderness environment, multiple glaciers, and high concentration of bald eagles. Chilkoot High Adventure Base is managed by the BSA Great Alaska Council in conjunction with the International Wilderness Leadership School.
Length: Ten days total…six days of activities plus four days of travel. The duration of the trip can be lengthened or shortened depending on the preferences of the Troop. The travel includes an unavoidable overnight layover in Juneau in either direction due to the ferry schedule.
Dates: July 27th thru August 6th, 2015 (tentatively schedule, may change depending on Scout needs)
Estimated cost: $1800 to $2000
Chilkoot Link: http://chilkoothighadventure.org/ NC Troop Video: http://youtu.be/EyMe-vximxI?list=PLzuQox512vpgxKP0UqtDakSGJKP4Pk1tF
IF INTERESTED PLEASE SIGN UP AT: www.SignUpGenius.com/go/70A0B4FA4AF238-alaska
Trip #2—Backpacking in Washington State (Camp Parsons Olympic Mountains or Do-It-Yourself Pacific Crest)
Description: Backpacking across the majestic Olympic Mountains would bring participants through many climate zones, including alpine meadows, temperate rainforests, and coastal beaches. We would start from Camp Parsons, managed by the BSA Chief Seattle Council and located right next to Olympic National Park. Multiple itineraries are available. Views include Puget Sound, Vancouver Island, and the Pacific Ocean. Alternatively, we could design a “do-it-yourself” backpacking adventure along the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT)in the north Cascades between the Canadian border and Mt. Rainier.
Length: Eight days total…six days of backpacking plus two days of travel. The duration of the trip can be lengthened or shortened depending on the preferences of the Troop.
Dates: July 13th thru July 20th, 2015 (tentatively schedule, may change depending on Scout needs)
Estimated cost: $800 to $1100
Camp Parsons Link: http://www.campparsons.com/highadventure
Pacific Crest Trail adventure by Troop 33 in Charlotte, NC: http://www.troop33charlotte.org/news/highadventure-4
IF INTERESTED PLEASE SIGN UP AT: www.SignUpGenius.com/go/70A0B4FA4AF238-pacific
Please contact Tom Rodriguez (High Adventure Coordinator) or Chris Smith (Scoutmaster) for more information or answers to questions. The Scouts will be provided and urged to use their Scout Accounts and Fundraising Opportunities to help pay the financial requirements for these adventures.
It is important that you sign up, so we can start the planning (by November 7th). If there are not enough interested Scouts the event or events may need to be cancelled.
