Camping
Step back in time to experience a BSA Historic Trail near you and earn an award
On certain special hiking routes across the country, Scouts can look back even as they move forward. That’s the promise of the BSA Historic Trails, a collection of nearly 300 hiking paths from 38 states, nine foreign countries and the District of Columbia designed to help young people connect with history in an immersive way.…
Read MoreZia Experience makes high adventure more accessible to all Scouts, families
For decades, Scouts with special needs have attended Philmont Scout Ranch, enjoying adventures at the BSA base in New Mexico. However, not every activity has been accessible to every Scout. The BSA is working on changing that via the Zia Experience. Under the Family Adventure Camp program, the Zia Experience provides an adaptive high-adventure course,…
Read More5 ways to take better pictures outdoors (No. 5: Attend an incredible photo workshop at Philmont!)
All photos by Moose Peterson Moose Peterson With wild critters, unspoiled mountain views and historic buildings everywhere you look, it’s hard to take a bad photo at Philmont Scout Ranch. Taking a truly great photo, though? That requires more than simply opening the camera app and tapping your screen. Moose Peterson knows the landscape of…
Read MoreHigh-adventure guides share tips for Family Adventure Camp
Open to all registered members of the BSA and their families, you can visit Philmont, the Summit or Sea Base and participate in exciting programs with Family Adventure Camp. Depending on where you go, activities can include swimming, hiking, horseback riding, ziplining and so much more. If you’ve never been to any of these bases,…
Read MoreHigh Adventure Preparation Camp at Many Point — Monday 08-23-2021 to Friday 08-27-2021
For many scouts and leaders, a High Adventure trip is the highlight of their scouting career. Our High Adventure Preparation Camp is designed to prepare crews attending Philmont or Northern Tier during the summer of 2022, but everyone is welcome. Crews of scouts or venturers will bring all of their own camping gear and should…
Read MoreWhat is a micron and why should you care when filtering water?
On long backcountry treks, you’ll want a hydration plan other than to lug around multiple gallons of water. When you encounter a freshwater source, such as a river or a lake, you have a few options to make that water potable: boil, filter or treat with tablets. You’ll want to treat the water, no matter…
Read MoreFall 2021 BB Gun & Archery Rangemaster Training – Sept 19th and 25th
Sign up now for BB Gun & Archery Range Master Safety Training. Get trained so you can run your Scouting Unit’s ranges at our Council Camps. Certification good for 2 years! Pre-registration required – limited to 20 individuals per class. Course #1: – BSA Separate BB & Archery Range Master Saturday, September 25,…
Read MoreHow to be a zero-waste Scout troop
W. Garth Dowling/BSA file photo Scouts are the ultimate planet protectors. We use public lands responsibly. We pick up litter left behind by strangers. We volunteer our time for service projects that improve trails, control erosion and protect animals. These efforts are laudable, but we should ask ourselves whether we can do more. Just like…
Read MoreSAVE THE DATE FOR FALL DAY CAMP AND SPOOKY-REE
For Packs planning their unit calendar, be sure to sure to save the Dates for 2021 Fall Day Camp and Spooky-ree! Spooky-ree! A Fall and Halloween–Themed Camp Experience designed to be fun and flexible! We’ll scare your socks off while you play games, eat candy, enjoy hay rides, learn camp skills, and have fun.…
Read MoreLet’s close the debate on open-toe shoes vs. closed-toe shoes at Scouting events
Fashion trends ebb and flow. And while this blog probably isn’t the place to discuss the ins and outs of skinny jeans or no-show socks, there is one clothing debate we can settle once and for all. It’s a question that’s been asked since at least the 1990s, when I first joined Scouting: Should Scouts…
Read More