High Adventure Facts and Myths

Conversations of high adventure trips usually center on the B.S.A’s popular and heavily promoted big three – Philmont, Seabase and Northern Tier.

Council high adventure programs usua;;y focus on putting crews together for trips to these three destinations but there are hundreds (if not thousands) of other places for Scouts to experience a high adventure trip. With a little ingenuity, planning and vision every Scout can participate in a high adventure trip.

I want to challenge you to stretch your understanding of the High Adventure idea, to go beyond your comfort zone and make it happen for your Scouts. MYTH High Adventure trips must happen at a high adventure base or as part of an ‘offical’ program FACT High adventure can happen anywhere!

State and National Parks offer great places for hiking, backpacking, climbing, canoeing, and kayaking. You don’t have to travel far or go to exotic locations; that’s another myth – MYTH High Adventure only happens in distant, exotic places. FACT High Adventure is not a place, it’s a state of mind, a challenge beyond our normal weekend camping trips. High Adventure is about who you go with and what you do, not where you go!

Philmont may be a great location but it’s not high adventure without the right mindset and the right participants. Four or five days backpacking hours rather than days from home can be as exciting, adventurous and rewarding. The most important location for high adventure is between your ears! MYTH To lead a High Adventure Trip I have to become a highly trained expert. FACT You do not have to be an expert to lead a High Adventure Trip but you’ll need some important training (Weather, Safety, First Aid, etc.). You’ll also need plan your trip to be slightly below your estimated skill level. High Adventure does not need to be dangerous to be challenging. Rely on the experience of others to educate yourself- talk to them, read their books, practice your skills. MYTH High Adventure trips are dangerous and risky. FACT The most dangerous part of your trip (statistically at least) will be driving to the location you choose. Risk must be carefully assessed and proper steps taken to assure everyone’s safety. MYTH High Adventure trips require expensive equipment. FACT Some trips (like canoeing or kayaking) do require expensive equipment but this equipment is commonly offered for rent in the locations they are likely to be used.

Backpacking is a great low-cost option.

Equipment manufacturers have done a good job of equating comfort and safety with expense but this is only partially true. A little research will reveal viable, inexpensive alternatives to high-priced gear ( see this post ). MYTH High Adventure is expensive. FACT Stay closer to home, plan a challenging but attainable outing, make reasonable choices about gear and you can have a great High Adventure trip. You may find that a trip like this could be the catalyst that motivates your Scouts to work towards planning and financing more ambitious trips next year. High Adventure is a great program builder and a fantastic opportunity for your Scouts! Don’t let these common misconceptions make you reluctant to give it a go