High Adventure Scouting Podcast

Rob Smith
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Kids & Family
  • Updated Biweekly

High adventure is an essential part of keeping youth involved in Scouting. We highlight national and council high adventure bases, independent high adventure options and sometimes delve into cool product reviews. Interviews feature directors from some of the best high adventure bases in the United States. Make your high adventure trips better and more diverse.

  1. 5d ago

    Bringing a Chair to Philmont

    Are you Team Chair or Team No Chair.  We discuss why you might want to bring a chair to Philmont and why you might leave it at home.

  2. Sep 22 ·  Bonus

    Cell Phones at Philmont

    In this edition of the High Adventure Scouting podcast, we talk about bringing a cell phone to Philmont Scout Ranch.  We discuss cell signal, taking photos, and GPS navigation.  The idea of designating one or two in the crew to take pictures is also discussed.

  3. Sep 15 ·  Bonus

    Sleeping Pads – Flat or Inflatable?

    What is your preference – Flat or inflatable sleeping pads.  We discuss the differences and why you might choose flat or inflatable sleeping pads.

  4. Sep 8 ·  Bonus

    Water Bottles and Backpacking – Nalgene vs Smart Water Bottles

    Do you use a Nalgene type bottle or a Smart Water bottle, or something else?  We discuss the advantages and disadvantages in using either type bottle on a longer backpacking trip like a trek to Philmont Scout Ranch.

  5. Sep 1 ·  Bonus

    Coffee at Philmont – An Alternative to Bringing a Dedicated Stove for Coffee

    In this edition of the High Adventure Scouting podcast, we explore an alternative to bringing an extra stove for advisor coffee.  We explore the idea of using a Toaks Titanium 450ml Cup to heat water for instant coffee at Philmont or other long term backpacking trips.    Toaks Cup – https://www.amazon.com/TOAKS-CUP-450-Titanium-450ml-Cup ($15) BRS 3000 Stove - https://www.amazon.com/BRS-BRS-3000T-Ultra-Light-Titanium-Miniature/dp/B00NNMF70U/ref=sr_1_1? ($17)

  6. Aug 4 ·  Bonus

    Things Not to Bring to Philmont - Extra Tents for Adults

    I wanted to expand on the items that Adult leaders shouldn’t bring to Philmont.  So, on this edition we’ll talk about bringing a separate tent for the adults.  On the Philmont Trek Talk Facebook group, this topic creates a lot of discussion on both sides.    Philmont Tent - Philmont will provide 2 person tents as a part of the fees paid.  These tents are well used but in great condition.  If you have any issues on the trail with a pole, rain fly, tent, you can easily get some kind of replacement.  With your own tent, you might not be as lucky.    Footprint in Campsites – Some campsites have ample camping areas, some don’t.  I’ve been at several campsites that had limited flat camping spots.  Reduce your footprint and take less gear.   Set the Example – Philmont is set up to work in buddies for meals and tents.  We had a leader one year that was a big guy, and he tented with our Scoutmaster without a problem.  You will have plenty of room to sleep.  We expect the Scouts to buddy up, as leaders we should lead by example.   I’ve been backpacking a ton with Scouts, and I will share a tent with another adult.  Frankly, I never spend much time in my tent as I’m enjoying the trip and the awesome surroundings.     So, what did I leave out?  Feel free to disagree with my list and add your own in the comments below and make sure to subscribe on all the socials.

  7. Jul 28 ·  Bonus

    Yellowstone High Adventure Outpost Overview

    As a part of our series highlighting council high adventure programs, we will be featuring Yellowstone High Adventure Outpost in this edition.  Yellowstone High Adventure Outpost is a part of the Adventure West Council.  The Yellowstone High Adventure Outpost offers an awesome backcountry experiences based out of Camp Buffalo Bill. ·      The base has five high adventure options for backpacking, climbing, whitewater, kayaking and rock and river adventures. o   The Backpacking Adventure §  5 day, 4 night backcountry adventure §  Hike between 5-10 miles per day – 35-40 miles overall §  A lot of wildlife on this trip §  Adventure is in either Yellowstone or Shoshone national Forest – the website indicates there is no guarantee for Yellowstone as there are permits that must be requested.  §  Group size for Shosone is 4-12 individuals, Group size for Yellowstone is 4-8 individuals o   Climbing Adventure §  Spend an entire week climbing on natural rocks in the area. §  Rope climbing on “The Island” which is a 100’ free standing granite pillar, bouldering on Cedar Mountain, and some time to choose where you want to climb. §  Great views before, during, and after climbing §  You will be staying in camp and traveling to the climbing destinations. §  There is a free day to explore other cool places in the area §  Group size is 4-12 individuals o   Whitewater Adventure §  Three full days of whitewater rafting. §  You will be staying in camp and traveling to the whitewater destinations. §  There is a free day to explore other cool places in the area §  Group size is 4-12 individuals o   Kayak Adventure §  5 day, 4 night backcountry kayaking trek in the heart of the Yellowstone park §  3 full days of kayaking and 2 half days. §  Each day will be a new basecamp location.  §  You will visit areas not accessible by roads. §  Group size is 4-8 individuals o   Rock & River Adventure §  This is a combination of the climbing and whitewater rafting.  §  2 days of climbing and 2 days of whitewater rafting.  §  You will be staying in camp and traveling to the whitewater and climbing destinations. §  Group size is 4-12 individuals   If there are free days on the treks – there are all kinds of opportunities ·      Whitewater rafting ·      Buffalo Bill Center of the West – museum ·      Buffalo Bills Irma Hotel ·      Grand Teton National Park ·      West Yellowstone Montana ·      Fishing ·      Attend the Cody Nite Rodeo ·      Hike the fist – steep hike with incredible views ·      Swim in the Hot Springs ·      Visit Yellowstone National park   If this sounds like a cool opportunity, head over to awbsa.org/yhao for more information.  There is a lot more info on their site.  If you want more information on all kinds of high adventure options, head over to HighAdventureScouting.com.

  8. Jul 24

    Things Not to Bring to Philmont - Too Many Clothes

    I wanted to expand on the items that Adult leaders shouldn’t bring to Philmont.  So, on this edition we’ll talk about clothing.   Some leaders will bring too many clothes.  My guideline is to follow the Guidebook to Adventure.  There is a really good list of items to take to Philmont.  Let’s look at the clothing I took on my last trek.   (Snap Fingers)   -            Clothing I have on – wicking shirt, breathable zip off pants, socks, underwear -            2 additional pair of underwear -            4 pair of socks – you could probably pair that down to 3. -            2 additional shirts – one long sleeve, one short sleeve -            1 pair of gym shorts -            Sleep clothes – For me it’s synthetic long underwear.  I sleep cold.  -            Fleece/Jacket – I didn’t take a fleece as I had a puffy coat on my last trek.   You obviously don’t need a pair of clothes for every day.  There are ways to wash your clothes, but when you get  into the trek, that won’t become a priority.   So, what did I leave out?  Feel free to disagree with my list and add your own in the comments below and make sure to subscribe on all the socials.

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High adventure is an essential part of keeping youth involved in Scouting. We highlight national and council high adventure bases, independent high adventure options and sometimes delve into cool product reviews. Interviews feature directors from some of the best high adventure bases in the United States. Make your high adventure trips better and more diverse.

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