Birchbark Expeditions interview with Alan Percy.

Birchbark Expeditions is a Nationally Accredited week-long, fully guided high adventure canoe experience, steeped in the rich Age of Exploration history. Operated by volunteers from the Greater Niagara Frontier Council of the BSA, the program offers three different options:
1) WNY Waterways - A local one or two-day canoeing expedition on one of the many waterways in Western New York.   An ideal first opportunity to experience canoe tripping with an optional over-night stay.
2) Adirondack Adventure - a 7-day High Adventure experience based in New York's beautiful Adirondack Park, it operates four weeks from mid-July to mid-August.  
3) Algonquin Adventure - also a 7-day High Adventure experience, but based in the remote Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario (on hold until border crossing restrictions are lifted)

http://www.wnyscouting.org/birchbark   

This episode is an interview with Steve Nelson, Director of Camping at Philmont Scout Ranch.  The interview explores the individual programs at Philmont.  

• Rayado Trek
• Roving Outdoor Conservation School Trek (ROCS)
• Order of the Arrow Trail Crew Trek
• STEM Trek
• Order of the Arrow Trail Crew Trek
• Trail Crew Trek
• Ranch Hands Trek

We also talked about the Cavalcade – Equestrian crew program.  A great discussion on the non-typical Philmont experience.

www.philmontscoutranch.org 

Maine High Adventure 2022 Update with Keith Nelson, Program and Base Director

Opportunities abound for exciting, unique and extended backcountry travel. Every day will involve challenges and rewards. Each bend in the river or change in horizon will bring new possibilities for excitement and relaxation. Take each day as it comes, make your own itinerary that fits EVERYONE'S desires and wishes.

Canoeing is, by far, the most popular option for participants of Maine High Adventure. Paddling is available on waters ranging from some of the largest lakes in Maine to challenging whitewater streams and rivers and everything in between. A crew can plan a laid-back relaxing itinerary, a strenuous, demanding trip or a combination of each. Over the past three summer seasons, most crews have paddled an average of 75 to 85 miles while on the water based portion of their trek.

Backpacking is another option for participants at Maine High Adventure. The famous Appalachian Trail winds its way over rugged terrain towards its northern terminus atop Mt. Katahdin. Many hikers refer to Maine as the "hardest section of the Appalachian Trail" due to the nature of the rocky footing. Maine High Adventure is in very close proximity to the "100 Mile Wilderness", the final 100 miles of this long-distance footpath and ambitions crews may wish to take on the challenge of hiking all 100 miles, while some may wish to backpack the final 25, culminating in a hike of Mt. Katahdin. Options abound, the opportunities are limitless!