There’s adventure, which is woven throughout all of Scouting America’s programs, and there’s high adventure, an opportunity for older Scouts, Venturers and Sea Scouts to embark on a challenging and rewarding outdoor experience that will stick with them for the rest of their lives.
You’ve got questions? We’ve got answers.
Join us on Wednesday, April 23 at 7 p.m. CT to virtually visit Scouting America’s four legendary high-adventure bases. Whether you’re into mountain treks, boundary water canoeing, tropical scuba diving or epic outdoor challenges, there’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience waiting for you and your Scouts.
Tune in tonight to learn all about high adventure and why visiting one base — or all four bases — is a must for your Scouting experience. We’ll hear from representatives at Sea Base, Summit Bechtel Reserve, Northern Tier and Philmont to find out how you can secure a 2026 high-adventure trek.
You can watch on the official Scouting America Facebook page or on YouTube, embedded below.
What is the Scouting America national high-adventure program?
Scouting America’s National Council develops and administers the high-adventure programs offered at the Sea Base in the Florida Keys, the Northern Tier National High Adventure Program in northern Minnesota and Canada, Philmont Scout Ranch in northern New Mexico and the Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve in West Virginia.
A high-adventure trek is the perfect way to take your Scouting adventure to the next level. While a level of physical fitness is required, there are programs for Scouts who have never camped more than one night at a time, all the way up to Scouts who are used to spending days — or even weeks — at a time in the great outdoors.
What is the difference between the four properties?
There’s something for everyone.
Philmont Scout Ranch offers 214 square miles of rugged northern New Mexico wilderness. Experience backpacking treks, horseback cavalcades and challenges such as rock climbing, mountain biking and sport shooting.
Located in the wilds of West Virginia, The Summit is an adventure center for the millions of youth and adults who love the outdoors. Whether it’s paddling inflatable kayaks down whitewater rapids, racing ATVs on backcountry tracks or sharpening archery skills, there’s a supercharged outdoor adventure waiting for everyone.
Sea Base is a unique destination offering aquatic programs found nowhere else. Whether your interests lie in sailing, scuba diving, rustic camping on an undeveloped barrier island, fishing, ocean kayaking or paddleboarding, Sea Base can offer a combination of all.
From incredible canoe journeys to wild winter wilderness camping, Northern Tier promises the adventure of a lifetime. Explore millions of acres of pristine lakes, meandering rivers, dense forests and wetlands in the Great North Woods of northern Minnesota and Canada.
Sounds great! How do I sign up?
Tune in tonight for information on the sign-up process and everything that leads up to your high-adventure experience, including fundraising, gear and training.
While there is limited availability for 2025, our show will focus on those interested in treks for 2026 and beyond.
Be sure to watch on Facebook or YouTube for the opportunity to learn more and ask questions for our expert guests from each high-adventure base.
Support the BSA National High Adventure Base Camp Scholarship Fund
Your support can help bridge the gap between ambition and access, allowing Scouts to participate in life-changing experiences at BSA’s National High Adventure Bases. Help make epic adventures a reality that will ignite a lifelong passion for the outdoors.
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