High Adventure Bases of the Boy Scouts of America are outdoor recreation facilities located in several locales in North America operated by the Boy Scouts of America at the organization’s national level. Each facility offers wilderness programs and training that could include wilderness canoeing, wilderness backpacking trips, or sailing, and provide opportunities for Scouts to earn the 50-Miler Award.
Every summer we provide opportunities for older scouts (age 14 and above) to participate in at least one high adventure trek. Last summer, we have a group went to Philmont High Adventure.
Each of the High Adventure Bases have Crew Requests get submitted about 18-24 months in advance. They then process each request as part of a lottery system and award crews a slot or place them on a waiting list.
Each of these High Adventure Bases have minimum age and health/fitness requirements. Sea Base is like Club Med and not very strenuous; Northern Tier presents solid toughness challenges; Philmont is very challenging and in my view targeted for 15 and up, late 14 if they have hit their growth spurt. The Summit’s requirements vary depending on your choice of activity.
Generally – Sea Base is good for 13 and up; Northern Tier 14 and up recommended, requirements may allow 13 and complete the 8 grade; Philmont – 15 and up, late 14 – key is they will be carrying 35+ to 55+ pounds and have to have the physical ability to do so.