Scoutmaster Musings
High Adventure Tenderfeet
So, here's a trick question: What rank is required to attend Philmont, Northern Tier, or Sea Base?You can find many troop websites listing a minimum rank requirement of First Class. You can even find council requirements listing First Class as a requirement. But, those are not BSA high adventure base requirements. They've been set up by that particular unit or council to help ensure the scouting skills of participants.
There actually is no rank requirement at all for any of the national high adventure bases. A 17.5 year old Boy Scout that has yet to earn Tenderfoot can be on your crew!
Would I recommend that? not normally, but if you have a boy experienced in the outdoors join your troop in 10th grade to do exciting camping with his buddies, you don't need to force him through months of sign-offs and three boards of review before doing the high adventures.
What, you still don't believe me? :-)
- Sea Base - Participants must be thirteen (13) and graduated from the 8th grade or fourteen (14) years old to participate in all programs.
- Northern Tier - Youth participants must have attained the age of 13 by the year that they attend.
- Philmont - Philmont participants must be 14 years of age OR completed 8th Grade and be at least 13 years of age prior to participation.
Scout On
Posted: 14:42 10-04-2010 527
Comments:
Oct 13, 2010 - Andy
Wait? What? You'd go to a high-adventure situation with someone who has not demonstrated their competence? Really? You'd take on that responsibility in order to excuse a boy some paperwork?
I beg to disagree. There's nothing magic about requiring demonstrated skills for a situation full of risks. It seems common sense.
Oct 13, 2010 - Scoutmaster PaulAndy: I certainly didn't say that. There is no requirement from the national BSA high adventure bases for rank - that's what I said and that's what's true.
A scout can demonstrate his abilities and become a safe, experienced member of a crew without completing every advancement requirement through First Class. He could demonstrate that he is a competent backpacker on a couple campouts and demonstrate his physical fitness and abilities on a few hikes, even though he was not in the troop long enough to complete the Tenderfoot physical fitness requirement.
Oct 20, 2010 - Larry GeigerSea Base activities certainly don't require rank advancements. You do need to be able to pass the swim check. Many Venture groups attend with Scouts who have never earned Boy Scout ranks (and young women too!).
Nov 15, 2014 - MaryIt is interesting that there isn't a rank requirement for High Adventure Trips but there is one for National Jamboree, First Class. I don't think having a minimum rank requirement of First Class is and unreasonable request.
Nov 17, 2014 - Scouter Paul@Mary - Some troops require that scouts attain First Class before participating in high adventure outings. Some also require specific skill-oriented merit badges before specific high adventures, such as earning the Hiking and Backpacking merit badges before attending Philmont.
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