I have spoken to several Scoutmasters who scheduled High Adventure trips this summer, then had trouble completing their contingents.

One of the Troops with this problem still remaining is Troop 803 from Zionsville’s American Legion Post. They still have one berth left for the Out Island Adventure, departing Indy on July 11th for the car trip (another part of the contingent is flying out on or about July 13th).  The scout must meet Sea Base’s eligibility requirements (e.g., either (a) completed 8th grade and age 13, or (b) age 14) and is recommended by their Scoutmaster.

Www.bsaseabase.org describes this adventure as

“You think Survivor is tough? Check out Big Munson. The Out Island Adventure combines camping on a remote 100+ acre island, snorkeling on pristine coral reefs, trolling for sportfish, kayaking through red mangroves, and exploring the flora and fauna of Big Munson Island. You will wade ashore on Big Munson Island carrying all the food, water and equipment used during your adventure in a rugged camping setting. Powerboats will take you snorkeling and fish on selected days. A program mate will remain with you for the duration of your trip to assist you in appreciating this unique environment. This is a true high-adventure program, one that combines physical challenge with excitement and adventure. If your crew has strong camping skills and enjoys rugged camping, then the Out Island program is for you. This is a seven day event.”

The website describes Big Munson this way:

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.

Troop 803 has already paid $815.00 for the berth and already has a contingent driving to Sea Base.  Sea Base offers a “Campership Program” that traditionally requires that a scout’s berth be prepaid by the troop. Once the scout who qualifies arrives at Sea Base to accept his berth, the Troop’s account is credited with a refund of the tuition, room, and board allowed by the Campership.

This berth would be eligible for the Campership Program, so families that could not traditionally afford to send a scout to High Adventure could do Troop 803 the favor of sending a scout just as much as a family who could pay the fee in full with a check.