Welcome Leadership Regional VLA Calendar Councils Activities Resources World Jam

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 2010 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 or updated information or want your site listed, please e-mail Craig Murray.  Any new information must have a reference from a Council's website or be sent from a scouting professional due to past problems.

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 2/4/2009.
 

California - Alaska - Colorado - Idaho - Montana - 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
Unit C-8
Van Nuys, CA 91406
Attn: Camping Department
(818) 933-0130 or
(818) 785-8700 (818) 901-4887 Fax
Email   Website

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 Director 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   2009 Brochure   E-mail

A week long trekking program that includes rock climbing, backpacking, swimming, initiative games, navigation, cooking, and mountain biking in the back country 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   E-mail

Features COPE, 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
Horse Trek Application

The horseback trek is one of the Camp Lassen high adventure activities for older scouts.  The Camp Lassen web site has additional information regarding their many activities.
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.
Camp Fleischmann High Adventure Trek
Nevada Area Council
1745 S. Wells Ave.
Reno, NV 89502
(775) 787-1111
(775) 787-1114 fax
Website   2009 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.
Southeast Alaska High Adventure Base
Great Alaska Council
3100 Channel Dr. 320
Juneau, AK 99801
(907) 723-1241
Attn: Cal Hiebsch   Program flyer

Eagle River Scout Camp offers six day Alaskan High Adventure programs.  Three days are spent sea kayaking with humpback whales and sea lions. You will experience an overnight adventure to the mighty Herbert Glacier, and have the option of taking an aerial tramway up the summit of Mount Roberts in Juneau, a zipline adventure through Juneau’s rainforest canopy or chartering a boat to pursue one of Alaska's prized deep sea fish species, Halibut, Sockeye or King Salmon.
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
10455 West 6th Avenue, Suite 100
Denver, CO 80215
(303) 455-5522 x2111
(303) 455-4689 Fax
Attn: Camping Department
Website   Alpine Adventures 2009 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, and leaders.
Rocky Mountain High Adventure Base
Rocky Mountain Council
411 South Pueblo Blvd.
Pueblo, CO 81005
(719) 561-1220
(719) 561-3891 Fax
Website   2009 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
(801) 479-5460
(801) 475-0197 Fax
Website   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.
Salmon River High Adventure Base
Ore-Ida Council
8901 W. Franklin Rd.
Boise, ID 83709
(208) 376-4411
Website

There are three different trips that participants can choose from.  The high adventure base welcome older youth who are ready for a challenging high adventure of river running, hiking and rappelling.
Cullimore High Adventure
Ore-Ida Council
8901 W. Franklin Rd.
Boise, ID 83709
(208) 376-4411
Website

Cullimore is Camp Morrison's full time older youth high adventure opportunity.  This program is designed to allow the older youth an opportunity to experience a Scouting adventure specifically designed for their age group.
North Idaho High Adventure Base
Inland Northwest Council
W. 411 Boy Scout Way
Spokane, WA 99201
(509) 325-4562
(509) 242-8233 fax
Website   2009 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!
Montana
Montana High Adventure Base
Montana Council
820 17th Avenue South
Great Falls, MT 59405
(406) 761-6000 or (888) 761-6001
(702) 736-0641 fax
Facilities Coordinator   Website   Brochure

The Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Ranch serves as the base of operations.  Crews depart the base for pre-established treks into the Bob Marshall Wilderness, a 1,009,356 acre wilderness located in Northwestern Montana approximately 75 miles west of Great Falls.
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
2010 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.
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 Climbing
Cascade Pacific Council
2145 SW Naito Parkway
Portland, OR 97201
(503) 225-5707
Website

Experience climbing at its best!  With over 1,500 routes Smith Rock provides a huge variety of climbing opportunities for experienced scouts.  All trips are fully outfitted and lead by certified instructors.
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

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

Beaver High Adventure Base offers:  Horse Trek, COPE, Climbing & Repelling, Marksmanship & Fishing, Whitewater Rafting and more.
Entrada Desert High Adventure Wilderness Camp
Utah National Parks Council
748 North 1340 West
Orem, Utah 84057
(801) 437-6222
(801) 437-6240 Fax
Attn: Joseph Carr - jocarr@bsamail.org
Website

Entrada offers climbing/rappelling, biking, whitewater rafting, shooting/archery, sight-seeing at closeby national and state parks, and back-packing.
Washington
Pacific Northwest High Adventure - Camp Sheppard & Camp Parsons
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 Brochure
Wyoming
Teton High Adventure Bases
Great Salt Lake Council
525 Foothill Blvd.
Salt Lake City, UT 84113-1199
(801) 582-3663 or (800) 834-3874
(801) 582-7401 Fax
Website   E-mail

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.
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.

Last modified:  2/4/09 -->