High Adventure

Welcome
Welcome to the Cahokia Mounds District High Adventure webpage!  We hope you’ll find the resources here that you will need to have a successful high adventure program with your Troop.

High adventure can mean a lot of things to different people.  It doesn’t necessarily mean high-adrenaline (like skydiving), but it does involve getting out of your comfort zone, and it usually involves getting outside.  High adventure programs help Scouts gain self-confidence, as they rely more on themselves and their fellow Scouts in facing the challenges of the activity.  They provide a different level of fun and autonomy, especially for older Scouts.  They also inspire a deeper appreciation for our natural world.

Successful high adventure programs are not just about taking trips to the main BSA bases; these programs can be incorporated into a Troop’s regular program.  Scouts of any age can participate in age-appropriate activities which will prepare them well for greater adventures when they are older.  High adventure programs also help keep Scouts active in their Troops for longer.

Volunteer Advisors
In addition to the information resources presented on this website, the Cahokia Mounds District also provides assistance to Troops with their high adventure programs by offering volunteers with experience in these programs to advise them in their quest for high adventure.  To arrange for a volunteer to speak with your Troop, ask a question, or whatever, contact one of the members of the District High Adventure Committee:

• Jeff Lott:  jeff@ribcagetrio.com   phone:  217-412-6387
• Don Halpin:  donhalpin00@gmail.com

Also contact them if you have high adventure experience, and you’d like to become a volunteer to advise Troops!

Be Prepared!
So what do Troops need in order to be prepared for high adventure?  They need:

• Adult training. Adults must possess the required outdoor skills in order for the program to be successful.  Sources of this training include:
  • Informational programs presented at University of Scouting, NESA Day, and other venues.  Check the Council website for more information.
  • Council training programs in topics such as Wilderness First Aid, Leadership skills, etc.
  • Online training offered at my.scouting.org, in topics such as Youth Protection, Weather Hazards, Safety Afloat, etc.
• Scout skills in areas such as outdoor clothing, cooking on small stoves, orienteering, canoeing, and climbing.
• Medical exams. The BSA Annual Health & Medical record must be completed for all high adventure trips, especially for the high adventure bases. Click here for the medical forms.
• Fitness. Due to the physical demands of these activities, participants must have a higher level of personal fitness.  A training preparation program is essential for high adventure trips.  Even a basic fitness regimen will provide most Scouts with the fitness level they need for most trips, although activity-specific training will allow Scouts to take full advantage of their adventure.  Adults may need more assistance.
• Gear. A number of resources, both online and local, are available.  Check out our Gear page for more information.

Where to Go.  High adventure opportunities abound, from local options, to the BSA High Adventure bases, to other locations in the U.S. and around the world.  Click here to access our page on High Adventure trips and bases.