In addition to our normal campouts, the Troop tries to offer longer “Special Campout” every few years where Scouts have the opportunity to take part in one-in-a-lifetime activities.  These Special Campouts are extended trips (at least a week) to a BSA High Adventure Base, the National or World Scout Jamborees, (as part of a group sponsored by Moraine Trails Council) or Troop specific events.  (Learn more below)

Participation in a Special Campout is a privilege that Scouts earn by completing rank, merit badge, and participation requirements.  Some trips may also have age restrictions.

Special Campouts are typically more expensive as they are longer distance trips to far away destinations or may require additional registration costs.  The Troop will typically host additional fundraisers to help Scouts reduce the cost of attending these events.  (Learn more in the Paying for Scouting module)

BSA High Adventure Bases

The Boy Scouts of America runs four High Adventure Bases:

• Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico gives Scouts the opportunity to participate in extended backpacking expeditions and other outdoor activities. (It is also the world’s largest youth camp by size.)
• Sea Base in the Florida Keys hosts programs that focus on sailing (both open water and reef sailing), island camping, snorkeling, and SCUBA diving.
• Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia has programs related to white water rafting in the New River Gorge, climbing, rappelling, mountain biking, hiking, geocaching, orienteering, skateboarding, freestyle BMX, mountainboarding, ATV riding, paddle boarding, dragon boats racing, and ziplines.
• Northern Tier in Minnesota offers wilderness canoe trips and other activities such as cold weather camping.

The Troop tries to rotate through these high adventure bases to allow Scouts an opportunity to experience all the BSA has to offer.  Scouters who participate in expeditions at three or four of the BSA’s High Adventure Bases are eligible to earn the Triple Crown or Grand Slam awards respectively.

Other Special Campouts

Not all Special Campouts have to be held at BSA High Adventure Bases.  Scouts to suggest other activities that could be considered during the annual planning conference (typically for future years).  These other types of Special Campouts could include:

• A bike trip departing Washington D.C. and travelling over 300 miles to Point State Park in Pittsburgh.
• An extended canoe trip down the Allegheny River
• Visits to National Parks like Yellowstone, the Grand Tetons, or the Black Hills.