Welcome Leadership Calendar Councils Activities Resources

The Venturing Super Activity is the backbone of Venturing.  With a super activity, the crew has something to plan for and therefore something to look forward to.  Crew success to a large part will be based upon the imagination of the crew and the follow through to bring the super activity to fruition.

Many Boy Scout councils offer high adventure activities to Venturing-aged scouts.  Listed below are many of the links to those council camps in the Western Region that specifically address high adventure activities for Venturers.  Some of the information will be a seasonal, but it will at least give you a flavor the activities and where to go to get more information.  Most camps fill quickly so these references may be best used for planning for 2008 and later.

Also added are links to National High Adventure Bases which certainly offer many opportunities for fun and adventure.

A third area of opportunity are links to sites that offer adventure but are not necessarily part of scouting.  They are not endorsed by Western Region but at least they can give your Crew some ideas.

If you have more information or want your site listed, please e-mail Craig Murray.

Crew 888 from Montana is planning a great trip to Honduras in June 2009.  If you would like to join them, please visit www.venturingcrew888.com/honduras2009/.

Another good site to look for high adventure activities is the Kodiak-BSA web site.  The Kodiak Venturing leadership course is unique in that it is offered in an exciting and challenging atmosphere using whatever high-adventure resources you have available.

The links were updated 2/4/2008.
 

California - Alaska - Colorado - Idaho - Nevada - New Mexico - Oregon - Utah - Washington - Wyoming - Non-BSA Activities

California

Philmont Scout Ranch
Route 1, Box 35
Cimarron, NM 87714
(505) 376-2281
(505) 376-2636 Fax
Website   E-mail

Explore the Philmont high country on a 12-day backpacking expedition.  Experience the thrill of climbing mountains! Learn technical rock climbing, archaeological excavation techniques, and blacksmithing.  Relive the by-gone days of the Old West as you ride a western saddle horse, learn the ways of the mountain man, pack burros and pan for gold in a clear mountain stream.

Camp Emerald Bay
Western Los Angeles County Council
16525 Sherman Way
Suite C-8
Van Nuys, CA 91406
Attn: Camping Department
(818) 933-0130 or
(818) 785-8700 (818) 901-4887 Fax
Website   2008 High Adventure Guide   E-mail

Located on Catalina Island, Emerald Bay offers an outstanding location for your long-term camp.  Read the High Adventure Guide for programs offering high adventure experience Exploring, Canoeing, Oceanography and SCUBA diving.

Sierra Expeditions
Western Los Angeles County Council
Sierra Expeditions
Route 1, Box 105
Kernville, CA 93238
(760) 376-6469 OR (706) 376-3195
(760) 376-3195 fax
Website   Program Diector E-mail

Based in the beautiful Sequoia National Forest of California, Sierra Expeditions offers guided backpacking, mountain biking, horse back riding, rock climbing and much more for Scouting units and individuals through the Sequoia, Golden Trout Wilderness, and Kern River Valley.

Northern Tier National High Adventure Programs
P.O. Box 509
Ely, MN 55731-0509
(505) 376-2281
Website   E-mail

Canoe, fish, hike, and experience the beauty of the Northern Boundary Water Canoe and Wildlife Area.  Experience the splash of your canoe paddle as it enters a cold clear stream or lake.  The Northern Tier is the canoeing adventure of a lifetime.

Hi-Sierra Trekking
Santa Clara County Council
970 W. Julian Ave,
San Jose, CA 95126
(408) 280-5088 ext. 25
(408) 280-5162 fax
Website   2008 Brochure   E-mail

A weeklong trekking program that includes rock climbing, backpacking, swimming, initiative games, navigation, cooking, and mountain biking in the backcountry of the Sierra Nevada Mountains as well as some time at Camp Hi-Sierra to begin and end your adventure.
Log Cabin Wilderness Camp
Los Angeles Area Council
2333 Scout Way
Los Angeles, CA 90026
Attn: Camping Department
(213) 413-4400 ext. 257
Website   Flyer   E-mail

Features C.O.P.E., a Sierra Nevada Mountain Man Program, a Log Cabin Peak Bagging Program, Ranger advancement for Venturing Crews and approximately 18 different treks rated from leisurely to strenuous.

The Florida National High Adventure Sea Base
P.O. Box 1906
Islamorada, FL 33036
(305) 644-4173
(305) 644-2039 Fax
Website

Imagine thousands of square miles of underwater coral formations, peaks, valleys, and literally hundreds of different kinds of fish.  Florida Sea Base provides many vehicles to gain access to this underwater wilderness: large sailing vessels, powerboats, kayaks, and SCUBA equipment.

Camp Lassen Horse Trek
Golden Empire Council
PO box 13558
Sacramento, CA 95853-3558
(800) 427-1417 ext. 117
2008 Application

The horseback trek is one of the Camp Lassen high adventure activities for older scouts.
Soap Creek Pass High Adventure
The Greater Yosemite Council
4031 Technology Dr.
Modesto, CA 95356
(877) 486-5519
(209) 545-6321 fax
Website

This program is designed to challenge young people with a variety of exciting and adventurous program elements.  The High Adventure Program includes:  COPE, bicycle hikes, sailing, climbing, black powder shooting, pistol shooting and wilderness survival.
Venturing Outpost Program
San Francisco Bay Area Council
1001 Davis St.
San Leandro, CA 94577-1514
(510) 577-9000
(510) 577-9002 fax
Website   E-mail   Flyer

August 5-11, 2007 at Wente Scout Reservation in northern California.  Along with offering you the opportunity to have a whole bunch of fun, this program will also enable you to complete many of your Ranger requirements.
Camp Mensinger High Adventure Program
Greater Yosemite Council
4031 Technology Dr.
Modesto, CA 95456
(877) 486-5519
(209) 545-6321 fax
Flyer

Camp Mensinger will host a brand new High Adventure program for Venturers this summer.  Crews will spend four days and three nights on the trail, camping in a different location each night.  Activities include canoeing, backpacking and mountain biking.
Camp Fleischmann High Adventure Trek
Nevada Area Council
1745 S. Wells Ave.
Reno, NV 89502
(775) 787-1111
(775) 787-1114 fax
2008 Reservation form

Join the fun in our high adventure program for older boys of your Troop, Team or Crew.  The Nevada Area Council is proud to offer a backpacking program through Lassen Volcanic National Park in northern California.
Alaska
Northern Lights High Adventure Base
Midnight Sun Council
1400 Gillam Way
Fairbanks, AK 99701-6091
(907) 452-1976
(907) 452-1977 Fax
Attn: Shari Crismore   Website

This program is based out of Lost Lake Camp.  Lost Lake sits along the Tanana River in the shadow of the Alaska Range, allowing easy access to some of the best wilderness in the last frontier.  Many styles of High Adventure trips are possible.  How about ... fishing, backpacking in the Gates of the Arctic Nat'l Park, Wrangle St. Elias Nat’l Park or the Alaska Range, white water and flat water canoe treks, float the historic Yukon River, or a sightseeing van trip.
Colorado
Elkhorn High Adventure Base
Longs Peak Council
P.O. Box 1166
Greeley, CO 80632
(970) 330-6305 or (800) 800-4052
(970) 330-7961 Fax
Website   E-mail

The Elkhorn High Adventure Base is one of four camps located on the Ben Delatour Scout Ranch.  The program has been put together to take advantage of the magnificent location high in the Rocky Mountains of northern Colorado.  Located just north of Rocky Mountain National Park, the Elkhorn High Adventure Base offers a unique experience for older Scouts to hike, camp, and climb in the Rocky Mountains.
Tahosa High Adventure Base
Denver Area Council
2901 West 19th Avenue
Denver, CO 80204
(303) 455-5522
(303) 455-4689 Fax
Attn: Camping Department
Website   2008 Registration   E-mail

Tahosa High Adventure Training Base is a 300-acre camp located in the mountains west of Boulder near Ward, Colorado.  The camps offers major programs developed to enhance outdoor opportunities for older Scouts, Venturers, Explorers and leaders.
Packard/Rocky High Adventure Camp
Rocky Mountain Council
411 South Pueblo Blvd.
Pueblo, CO 81005
(719) 561-1220
(719) 561-3891 Fax
Website   2008 Leader's Guide   E-mail

Located in the high country of southern Colorado near Poncha Springs, Packard High Adventure Base offers white water rafting and backpacking programs in a breathtaking mountain setting.
Idaho
Trapper Trails High Adventure Camps
Trapper Trails Council
1200 East 5400 South
South Ogden, UT 84403-4599
(435) 752-4278 or (801) 479-5460
(801) 479-1563 Fax
Program Guide   E-mail

Trapper Trails lists high adventure activities at a number of great locations.
Salmon River High Adventure Base
Grand Teton Council
574 4th St.
Idaho Falls, ID 83401
(208) 522-5155
Attn: Sheryl
Website

Your adventure includes two and a half days of pure excitement set in beautiful and remote mountains, far away from civilization.  Trained and experienced guides take you safely through turbulent eddies, roaring holes, and crashing white water.  As you travel down the Salmon River in rafts and kayaks, the mountains and cliffs tower over you, offering an experience you will always treasure.  The evenings are filled with other activities, including archery, gold mine tours, campfires, rappelling, and even an Honor Trail.
North Idaho High Adventure Base
Inland Northwest Council
W. 411 Boy Scout Way
Spokane, WA 99201
(509) 325-4562
(509) 242-8233 fax
Website   2008 Reservations

Discover the ultimate whitewater rush by taking a ride down the Salmon River with its incredible canyon beauty and challenging rapids that will satisfy any appetite for adventure!
Nevada
Camp Del Webb High Adventure Base
Las Vegas Area Council
7220 South Paradise Road
Las Vegas, NV 89119
(702) 968-8138
(702) 736-0641 fax
Attn: Donna Sword   Website

Del Webb High Adventure Base is located just north of Zion National Park in the mountains of Southern Utah.  If your boys (13 years and older) want to rappel, mountain bike, canoe, kayak, swim, fish, hike, mountain man and backpack among the endless forests of pines, firs and aspens, then Del Webb is the place to be.  Year round residents of bear, cougar, deer, and elk await to share with you a great mountain top experience.  Challenge yourself with a hike through Zion's Subway.
New Mexico
Rayado Trek
Philmont Scout Ranch
Attn: Rayado Trek
17 Deer Run Rd.
Cimarron, NM 87714
(505) 376-2281
(505) 376-2636 Fax
Application

On the Rayado Trek you will backpack with Scouts/Venturers from all over the country and along with them, you will learn to thrive on the unexpected and unexplored.  Every day will hold new challenges and opportunities.
The Double H Ranch
Philmont Scout Ranch
Attn: Double H Registration
17 Deer Run Rd.
Cimarron, NM 87714
(505) 376-2281 Philmont
Website   E-mail

Double H High Adventure Base is Philmont Scout Ranch's newest program. Located on the Torstenson Family Wildlife Center in Datil, New Mexico  Seven-day backpacking programs give crews the freedom to hike without trails.
Oregon
Butte Creek/Baldwin Horse Trek
Cascade Pacific Council
2145 SW Naito Parkway
Portland, OR 97201
(503) 226-3423
(503) 225-5733 fax
Website   E-mail

This is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure traveling the 165 miles between Butte Creek Scout Ranch and Camp Baldwin.  Travel through the majestic Mount Hood wilderness area.  Participants are selected using a drawing process.
Challenge Rafting
Cascade Pacific Council
2145 SW Naito Parkway
Portland, OR 97201
(503) 225-5707
Attn: Chris Baker   Website

Take your Crew down the mighty Deschutes River on a council Challenge Rafting adventure!
2008 Adventure Trek
Cascade Pacific Council
2145 SW Naito Parkway
Portland, OR 97201
(503) 225-5707
Website   Flyer   Requirements   E-mail

Come Bike, Hike, Raft, and Canoe, in the Oregon High Desert.  4 to 6 person teams will be in fun, exciting, competitive events.  This event is run every 2 years so look for it again in 2010.
Utah
Uinta High Adventure Bases
Great Salt Lake Council
525 Foothill Blvd.
Salt Lake City, UT 84113-1199
(801) 582-3663
(801) 582-7401 Fax
Attn: Tim Gillie
Website   Fact Sheet   

The Uinta High Adventure Bases offers kayaking, mountain biking and pistol shooting.
Utah National Parks High Adventure Camps
Utah National Parks Council
748 North 1340 West
Orem, Utah 84057
(801) 437-6222
(801) 437-6240 Fax
Website

Utah National Parks Council has several High Adventure Camps that include activities such as:  Rappelling & COPE, Mountain Biking, Marksmanship & Fishing, Whitewater Rafting and more.
Washington
Pacific Northwest High Adventure
Chief Seattle Council
P.O. Box 440408
Seattle, WA 98114
(206) 725-0361
(206) 721-8985 Fax
Attn: Camping Department
Website   E-mail

High Adventure Bases are well positioned at the door step of spectacular Mt. Rainier National Park, the Cascade Range and Olympic National Park.  Exciting seven day adventures feature- Big mountain glacier mountaineering, climbing, rappelling, bouldering, mountain biking, backpacking, saltwater kayaking, canoeing, wilderness camping and adventure racing.  Treks focus on skill instruction and safety.
Camp Sheppard High Adventure Base Brochure   Camp Parsons High Adventure Base Brouchure
Wyoming
Teton High Adventure Bases
Great Salt Lake Council
525 Foothill Blvd.
Salt Lake City, UT 84113-1199
(801) 582-3663
(801) 582-7401 Fax
Attn: Tim Gillie
Website   2008 Brochure   

For many years, youth and leaders have enjoyed the excitement of the Teton High Adventure Bases  Known for its spectacular trips down the Snake River, the base has continued to expand their program opportunities for a wider range of interests.
Other Adventuresome Activities
Island Sailing Adventure
12864 Biscayne Blvd. Suite # 217
North Miami, Florida 33181
(800) 593-7245
Website   E-mail

Here is a great opportunity to sail with your scout group to places like the Bahamas or the Florida Keys.  During the week, you will learn to trim sails and how to navigate.  Your group can also go snorkeling, deep sea fishing, learn about marine life and water conservation.
RaftSiberia Whitewater Trips
PO Box 3184
Rocklin, CA 95667
(916)624-5189
Website   E-mail

Whitewater enthusiast can enjoy trips on the Klamath River in California, the Middle Fork of the Salmon and the Main Salmon in Idaho, and Desolation Canyon on the Green River in Utah.  One of the co-owners is an Eagle Scout and he can bring his knowledge of Scouting and rafting together to recommend a great trip.
Channel Islands National Park
1901 Spinnaker Drive
Ventura, CA 93001
(805) 658-5711
(805) 658-5799 Fax
Website

Visitors to the park may enjoy a variety of recreational opportunities, such as SCUBA diving, snorkeling, swimming, bird watching, kayaking, whale watching, and sailing.  On the islands, one may camp, hike, picnic, and explore tide pools, isolated beaches, and rugged canyons. Park naturalists conduct interpretive hikes on the islands throughout the year.
Whitewater Voyages
5225 San Pablo Dam Rd.
El Sobrante, CA 94803-3309
(800) 400-RAFT
(510) 758-7238 Fax
Website   E-mail

Whitewater Voyages is California's largest, most experienced, most popular whitewater rafting outfitter.  Our caring, professional river guides are truly dedicated to making each and every rafting trip the finest possible.
Mother Lode River Center
P.O. Box 456
Coloma, CA 95613
(800) 427-2387
Website   E-mail

Mother Lode River Center offers whitewater rafting, a challenge ropes course and an outdoor education center.  In addition, other adventures include canyoneering, kayak instruction, adventure race training, whitewater schools and youth guide school camps.
Zephyr Whitewater Expeditions
P.O. Box 510
Columbia, CA 95310
(800) 431-3636
Website   E-mail

We are one of California's original and most experienced whitewater rafting outfitters.  We offer exceptional California whitewater trips on the Kings, Tuolumne, Merced, and American rivers, all near Yosemite, Lake Tahoe, and Kings Canyon/Sequoia National Parks.
Turtle River Rafting Company
PO Box 313
Mount Shasta, CA 96067
(800) 726-3223
(530) 926-3443 Fax
Website   E-mail

Guided whitewater rafting trips in northern California; Klamath, Trinity, Sacramento, Rogue, Salmon, Scott and Owyhee.  Adventurous multi-day wilderness trips; Family trips with children as young as four; and wild Class 4 and 5.