Scouting America

Waypoint #1

Choose Adventure

Waypoint

noun /ˈwāˌpoint/

A stopping place on a journey. In modern terms, it most often refers to coordinates which specify one’s location at each stage along the way. Here we will use Waypoints to identify the stages of The Adventure Plan.

Every adventure starts with an idea. Maybe it is a suggestion from the Patrol Leaders Council, perhaps it’s an idea from the unit committee or maybe from the unit’s adult leadership.  Regardless, it should be an adventure that the youth are excited about and committed to. Some adventures can be planned in a short period of time; some may take 18-24 months depending on the adventure. The national Scouting America High Adventure Bases start taking reservations 18 months ahead of time. 

The first place to start is to decide WHAT you want to do, WHERE you are going, WHEN are you going to go, and WHO is responsible for each step. 

NOTE: The following steps can be done in any order as sometimes you might know when and where before you choose what.  Use the following as a guideline.

choose adventure img-lan

What

Every good adventure begins with choosing the activities you want to do, here are a few resources to help you decide:

  • Activity Interest Survey – use these lists to brainstorm ideas: Scouting / Venturing
  • Subject Matter Experts – who do you know that has expertise in the Available Resources

Where

Once you know what you want to do, next is to choose where to do it. Here are some resources:

Scouting America Websites

National Resources

Local Resources

  • State / County / Local Parks Websites
  • Local Council Websites

When

What time of year do you want to go?  Here are a few things to consider:

Calendars – gather your Unit, School, and Family Calendars to find the best times to go.

Season – Here are several things to consider when planning on what time of year.

  • Accessibility – what time of year can you get to the area you want to go
  • Availability – are reservations required?  Will there be space for you?

Trail Conditions and Water Levels – find the current trail and water levels by researching the area you are visiting.

Weather – What time of year has the best conditions

Who

This is in two parts: First, Who all is going on this adventure, and Second, who going to be in charge. Consider the following:

Attendees: What is the age, experience and skill of group? Do they have ability to safely complete the adventure. Also consider health limitations. Since an Adventure is a big activity, it is important to make commitments early. Here are some things to consider:

  • Are there sufficient youth and adult commitments to make the Adventure Possible.
  • Consider inviting youth from nearby units if you need more numbers.
  • Obtain the Parental Activity Consent Form as an initial commitment.

Leadership: While Scouting is always youth-led, adult leadership helps youth succeed while maintaining safety.

Youth Leadership – Most often Senior Leadership will take lead planning the adventure, but there are many opportunities to delegate leadership responsibility for various tasks. Here are some helpful tools:

  • Adventure Checklist
  • Duty Rosters.
  • Cooking Assignments

Adult Supervision / Leadership – The primary goal for Adults on Adventure to provide support for youth leadership and ensure safety.

Chat Icon
Scoutly Toggle Size Close Chat