High adventure opportunities are the chance to take your Scouting experience to the next level. A high-adventure experience includes several days of trekking by foot or water craft in wilderness and other rugged, remote locations. High adventure opportunities for Scouts BSA Troops, Venturing Crew, and Sea Scout Ships abound in the BSA, with some options close to home in the Michigan Crossroads Council. Take your pick: visit one of the four National High Adventure Bases operated by the Boy Scouts of America, one of the programs through our own Cole Canoe Base or Great Lakes Sailing Adventure, or one of the numerous local council high adventure bases that provide outdoor adventure opportunities for older Scouts and Venturers.
CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE:
NATIONAL HIGH ADVENTURE OPPORTUNITIES
Looking for high adventure? Consider joining the Michigan Crossroads Council 2025 contingent to Sea Base.
$2250 Per Person
The Annual Council Sea Base SCUBA Contingent
Sunday, August 3 – Saturday, August 9, 2025
Youth must be 13 and not yet 21 by August 3, 2025 to attend
All youth and adults must have current Scuba Certification.
Trip cost includes:
- Air and Ground Transportation to and from Sea Base
- All Sea Base fees (room, board and diving)
- Trek hat, shirt and Council Shoulder Strip commemorating the trip
- Several side trips after the week at Sea Base and a lifetime of memories
LOCAL HIGH ADVENTURE OPPORTUNITIES
Nobody offers more exhilarating or a wider variety of high adventure for young people than the Boy Scouts of America. Through high adventure experiences, The Boy Scouts of America leaves lasting memories with youth and fosters development in character and leadership.
What’s great is that there are High Adventure opportunities close to home, right here in Michigan.
With our new à la carte menu, we will recommend a trek based on where you want to go, how long of a trek you want, and the activities you would like to do.
“Camp on your own” Scheduled Treks
Stay Tuned for 2025 High Adventure Opportunities!
2024 Options are Listed below
Our Great Lakes Kayak Adventure Week and ATV Trail Adventure Week are scheduled weeks of treks available for anyone. No need to register with your unit — these “Camp on your Own” events allows anyone the opportunity for adventure. Bring a friend or register on your own. Adventure Awaits!
GREAT LAKES KAYAK ADVENTURE
This staff guided trip is considered the most unique high adventure opportunity in scouting, offered once a summer, this provisional trip will take scouts to some of Northern Michigan’s most beautiful paddling destinations. Including Grand Island, Pictured Rocks, Tahquamenon Falls and more!
When: August 4th through 9th, 2024
Who: Open to all swimmers 14+
Cost: $500
ATV Trail Adventure Week
Five days of trail riding for experienced ATV riders!
When: August 4th through 10th, 2024
Who: Scouts age 16+ and Adults that are experienced trail riders
Cost: $550
Other Customizable Trek Options
General Information for Paddling and Backpacking Treks
Depending on trek length and skill level, staff can recommend a few options for treks. Below are some basic options.
Menus can be planned before the trek, using a combination of Fresh meals and Backpacking food depending on the trek location and length.
DISTANCE PADDLING
Pictured Rocks National Lake Shore
Among the most popular High Adventure Programs at CCB is the Pictured Rocks 50 Miler. The trip consists of a 5 day backpacking trek along Pictured Rocks on the shores of Lake Superior, considered by many to be one of the most beautiful parts of the country.
Grand Island
Just across the bay from Pictured Rocks, Grand Island is a hidden gem crews will have an exercise in Leave no Trace and low impact camping, while having the opportunity to build their own trek around the island
Fox and Manistique 100 Miler
As our most challenging trek, this float takes scouts through the rustic backcountry of Michigan’s Beautiful Upper Peninsula. This river is not for beginners as it requires backpacking food and water filtration.
Au Sable 75 Miler
The Au Sable is among Michigan’s most popular and beautiful paddling destinations, home to the famous Au Sable River Marathon, scouts can paddle a piece of Michigan history. The Au Sable is considered by many to be a good paddle for beginners, however long distances ensure that our Au Sable Treks are a challenge all their own. Moving forward, we are working towards expanded programs on the Au Sable River, including a 100 Miler.
Rifle River 50 Miler
Our first, and most popular High Adventure Program, the Rifle River 50 Miler take scouts from the upper reaches of the Rifle, to just a couple miles up river from Saginaw Bay (part of Lake Huron).
BACKPACKING
Depending on trek length and skill level, staff can recommend a few options for treks. Below are some basic options.
Pictured Rocks National Lake Shore
Among the most popular High Adventure Programs at CCB is the Pictured Rocks 50 Miler. The trip consists of a 5 day backpacking trek along Pictured Rocks on the shores of Lake Superior, considered by many to be one of the most beautiful parts of the country.
Grand Island
Just across the bay from Pictured Rocks, Grand Island is a hidden gem crews will have an exercise in Leave no Trace and low impact camping, while having the opportunity to build their own trek around the island.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Gregg Zdan
Michigan High Adventure Director
Caleb Mulholland
Cole High Adventure Director
Curious about the GLSA and our sailing treks? Click on the link to learn more about this exciting aspect of our high adventure program.
PLEASE NOTE:
Scholarship Applications are reviewed quarterly and must be submitted by the 1st of the Month (March, June, September, & December) to be reviewed later that same month. Scholarships will be awarded based on a portion of the total cost as posted on the registration website (the amount will vary based on event).
REQUEST MORE INFORMATION
