Big Munson Island
In
December of 1982, a gift was received by the National Council of the
Boy Scouts of America which was destined to change the very nature of
some of the exciting programs offered by the Florida Sea Base. The gift
was an untouched, uninhabited island over 100 acres in size, surrounded
by the crystal clear water off Big Pine Key in the lower Keys.
On the entire string of islands called the Florida Keys, there
are but a few that remain as they were when the pirates first rowed
ashore in search of fresh water and game to provision their galleons.
This island shows up on old nautical charts as Newfound Harbor Key, and
on newer charts as Big Munson Key.
It is located three miles offshore from US 1, and a mere four
miles inshore from Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary, known for some of
the most fabulous reef formations found in the Keys. Sea Base has
committed to retain this island in its natural state. Lightweight
screened tents, cooking gear and other necessary equipment is provided
by Sea Base, but all personal gear, food, and water must be waded ashore
for your stay.
MUNSON! Along with your assigned island mate, your crew will paddle a
Polynesian war canoe more than five miles to a primitive barrier island
located in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary for an epic high
adventure experience.
Upon arrival at Big Munson Island, your unit will camp under a canopy
of gumbo limbo trees, mangroves, and lush vegetation. Endangered Key
Deer will pass through your campsite along with hermit crabs and vaca
coons. Each day will be action packed. From Big Munson Island your crew
will ocean kayak, board a large vessel to access the Florida Barrier
Reef to snorkel, board a Sea Base vessel for a fishing excursion, shark
fish, paddle to Munson Rocks for a night snorkel, and explore the
largest wilderness on Earth. The ocean.
Crews seeking a unique primitive camping experience and a one of a
kind adventure should look no further than The Out Island Adventure.
This is a six-night, seven-day adventure.
Florida Sea Base Promotional Video
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Philmont Scout Ranch
Philmont
Scout Ranch, the Boy Scouts of America's premier High Adventure™ base,
challenges Scouts and Venturers with more than 214 square miles of
rugged northern New Mexico wilderness. Backpacking treks, horseback
cavalcades, and training and service programs offer young people many
ways to experience this legendary country.
Born in 1938 as Philturn Rockymountain Scoutcamp, today's Philmont
Scout Ranch is a bustling center for high adventure and training. Youth
and adults take advantage of the Ranch's camping, training and work programs. Most activity takes place during the summer, but Philmont also offers Autumn Adventure and Winter Adventure programs.
More than 1 million Scouts, Venturers, and leaders have
experienced the adventure of Philmont since the first camping season in
1939. Throughout its existence, conscientious attention to low-impact
camping techniques has helped maintain the Ranch's wilderness.
The area surrounding the Ranch is rich with history, from the
Native Americans who made this arid land their home to the land barons
of the 19th century. The town of Cimarron boasts a number of historical
buildings, including the St. James Hotel: the site of at least 26
killings during Cimarron's wilder days.
Philmont Scout Ranch Promotional Video
Philmont Scout Ranch provides an unforgettable adventure along its hundreds of miles of rugged, rocky trails. Program features combine the best of the Old West—horseback riding, burro packing, gold panning, chuckwagon dinners, and interpretive history—with exciting challenges for today—rock climbing, burro racing, mountain biking, and rifle shooting—in an unbeatable recipe for fast-moving outdoor fun.
12-day & 7-day Expeditions
You and your crew will hike 50-100 miles through Philmont's rugged wilderness, summiting peaks and participating in staffed programs along the way. Register a minimum of 7 participants or contact your local council about hosting a Council Contingent reservation containing youth from multiple units.
Cavalcades
Philmont Cavalcades are similar to regular expeditions except that, instead of hiking, crews ride horses through the rugged mountain wilderness. Register a minimum of 10 participants.
Individual Programs
In addition to regular expeditions for crews of seven to 12 members, Philmont offers several programs that are available to individuals and smaller groups.
Fall/Winter Programs
While Philmont is best known for its popular summer programs, the Scout ranch is open year-round, providing high-adventure expeditions through the Autumn Adventure and Winter Adventure programs.