"Since 1923, Scouts have been voyaging into the great north wilderness to seek adventure. Eagles soaring overhead, walleye swimming in the depths of pristine lakes, meeting a moose on the portage trail. These are the experiences that Scouts get in Canada and the north woods of the United States. Northern Tier High Adventure Program is the ONLY outfitter in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area and Canada charged by the Boy Scouts of America to deliver the Scouting program to Scouts and Leaders adventuring into North America's Canoe Country....your Scouts will get a Wilderness Adventure that Lasts a Lifetime."

The crews will start at the Charles L. Sommers Canoe Base. This historic canoe base is located 22 miles east of Ely on Moose Lake, the premier entry point into the Boundary Waters Wilderness Canoe Area. On your trek you may see beautiful waterfalls, travel into remote areas, and maybe catch a fish for dinner!

2011 Northern Tier High Adventure -- Troop 956 will be sending 3 crews on NT Canoe Treks!

Trek Dates: July 6, 2011 - July 16, 2011

Northern Tier Website: Northern Tier

Here is a link to the NT Expedition Planning Guide .

"The Florida National High Adventure Sea Base is owned and operated by the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America to offer unique educational aquatic programs to our members. Located in Islamorada and on Summerland Key in the beautiful Florida Keys, as well as Marsh Harbour, Great Abaco Island, Bahamas, the heart of the Florida Keys, the near shore reefs and crystal clear waters offer unparalleled opportunities for long term and short term programs year round."

Website: Sea Base

2010 Sea Base High Adventure -- Troop 956 will be sending 2 crews on the Bahamas Sailing Adventure!

Trek Dates: July 16 - July 22, 2010

Click here for: Bahama's Sailing Guide and Participant's Guidebook!

Philmont, the Boy Scouts of America's premier high-adventure base, challenges Scouts and Venturers at a national camping area located in the rugged New Mexico wilderness.
Philmont is large, comprising 137,493 acres or about 215 square miles of rugged mountain wilderness in the Sangre de Cristo (Blood of Christ) range of the Rockies. Its 34 staffed camps and 55 unstaffed camps provide an unforgettable adventure in the high country along hundreds of miles of rugged, rocky trails. Philmont has high mountains which dominate rough terrain with an elevation ranging from 6,500 to 12,441 feet.

2008 Philmont High Adventure -- Troop 956 will be sending 2 crews on Backpacking Treks!

Trek Dates: July 10, 2008 - July 22, 2008
Travel Dates: July 9 & 22, 2008

Crew I: Itinerary 32 See Trek Map here! See Itinerary 32 here!
This super strenuous itinerary begins in the historic north country with stops at Indian Writings for archaeology before hiking over Hart Peak to Ponil Camp for western lore, including boot branding, horse rides and cantina. Re-live the days of the Continental Tie & Lumber Company and enjoy the mountain man rendezvous prior to hiking Mt. Baldy (12,441'). Back in the central country, enjoy shotgun shooting and burro racing. This trek concludes with a victory hike over the Tooth of Time.

Crew II: Itinerary 19 See Trek Map here! See Itinerary 19 here! (scroll down)
This action-packed itinerary takes you along the cool mountain streams and lofty peaks of the south and central country. Sharpen your map, compass and G.P.S. skills at the Zastrow Navigation Center. You're then off to Fish Camp to seek the elusive trout. Trek on to beautiful Apache Springs Camp and shoot the three dimensional archery course and learn about the Jicarilla Apache people. Rest-up at the Crooked Creek Homestead before hiking to Mt. Phillips Camp (11,711') where you will spend a night at Philmont's highest camp. Finally, stop by Sawmill Camp for .30-06 shooting and reloading. A day at Clarks Fork for boot branding and a chuck wagon dinner caps off your programs while you camp at the beautiful Ponderosa Trail Camp... Your last day takes you in to Base Camp via the Tooth of Time.

Troop 956 Philmont Planning Handouts:

Troop 956 Philmont Travel Schedule/Itinerary

Personal Gear list for Philmont with suggestions/comments from Mr. Dills.

Personal Gear Checklist Items sorted by category, use list to check off as you pack.

Important Philmont Information for Participants & Parents All Participants & Parents must read this handout re: Medical Risk Advisory, Physical Conditioning, Special Food Needs & Philmont Wilderness Pledge.

Other links re: Personal Gear

Philmont Personal Gear List Less is more! Includes tips on what to choose/look for.

BackpackingLight Magazine article on light gear for Philmont "Backpacking requires proper equipment just as any outdoor sport." ...advice from those who have "been there, done that!"

Philmont Equipment ...another list.

Philmont Information:

Philmont Scout Ranch - official BSA website Here you will find basic information for planning the trip, being part of the team, physical conditioning, what to bring and what to expect.

Philmont Overview Describes location, history, treks & Philmont lingo.

Philmont 2007 Guidebook to Adventure A guide for all participants, crews will receive 2008 copy in spring.

Medical Considerations Health requirements & risk advisory.

BSA - Philmont Expeditions BSA Philmont site with links to 2008 Ininerary summaries.

Philmont Programs Overview of various program activities that are offered at different campsites throughout Philmont.

Philmont Itineraries in Brief Overview of each trek describing views, campsites and program activities.

BSA - Preparing for Philmont Physical Conditioning, Skills & Teamwork

Philmont Menu Menu & ingredients from last year's program.

BSA - Philmont Camping & Adventure Tips These tips and techniques are developed from the experiences of staff and campers to make your time in Scouting's Paradise more enjoyable.

Philmont's Trading Post: Tooth of Time Traders

Cimarron HS web cam pointed toward Philmont

Philmont Advisor Resources:

2008 Philmont Unit Leaders' Planning Guide

Philmont Scout Ranch - official BSA website

Philmont Scout Ranch Maps

Selden's list for Philmont planning web pages

'Trek Safely' Resources

- Philmont Grace -	- Philmont Hymn -
For food, for raiment For life, for opportunity For friendship and fellowship We thank thee, O Lord -Amen-	Silver on the sage, starlit skies above Aspen covered hills, country that I love Philmont here's to thee, Scouting paradise Out in God's country tonight	Wind in whispering pines, eagles soaring high Purple mountains rise, against an azure sky Philmont here's to thee, Scouting paradise Out in God's country tonight

Go here for links to hear the Philmont Hymn from the Philmont Staff Association "Live From the Tooth" CD or sung by the U.S. Air Force Academy Chorale.

- Philmont Wilderness Pledge -

LITTER/GRAFFITI - Keep Philmont free of Litter and graffiti.
WILDLIFE - Respect all wildlife.
WATER - Conserve and don't pollute; Use proper sanitation.
TRAILS - Stay on Trails; Do not cut across switchbacks.
CAMPSITES - Use designated sites and leave neat and clean.