Summer Camp
High Adventure Alaska 2024
Boy Scout summer camps are week-long programs that offer Scouts a variety of activities and experiences to help them develop skills, make friends, and advance in their ranks.
Some activities that Scouts may participate in at summer camp include:
merit badge classes, troop competitions, swimming, flag ceremonies, campfires, and outdoor activities.
Some benefits of attending Boy Scout summer camp include:
Learning new skills
Developing leadership skills
Working with others to achieve goals
Serving others
Living in a wholesome environment
Having meaningful spiritual experiences
Summer Camp 2025
J.N. Webster Scout Reservation - 231 Ashford Center Rd, Ashford, CT 06278
check out the general infomation farther down
High Adventure trip
For older scouts age 14 and up and go farther away from our homebase. Plan to happens every other year.
Coming up Summer 2026 Philmont Trek, New Mexico
Alaska High adventure 7/2024
Troop 1 Hopkinton’s high adventure trip was an exercise in patience and flexibility.
In July, 11 Scouts and 5 adults from the troop spent 10 days backpacking and canoeing in southern Alaska. The troop organized the trip through the Northern Lights High Adventure Base, which is associated with the Midnight Sun Council in Fairbanks, Alaska.
The trip began without issue in Denali State Park, just north of Anchorage. In the park, the group spent three days hiking the Kesugi Ridge Trail.
The Scouts hiked 18 miles of the 29-mile trail. Along the way, they were treated to scenic views of the nearby Denali National Park and Preserve.
General information (emailed for summer camp 2024*)
For families that are new to camp, the boys will be staying in canvas tents similar to old army tents, see a typical picture below: The packing list recommends a footlocker, with some additional explanation about footlockers. Another item that is recommended is a bed mosquito net. Some older Scouts and adults at camp don't use them, but it does provide some protection against the mosquitos and could provide some reassurance to younger scouts also. They are commonly available on Amazon and at the store at the camp if a Scout decides they want one during the week.
There is also a packing list attached to this email including some additional I added to the document provided by the camp. See some items of note below"
Most boys end up using a footlocker to store their stuff for the week. The packing list has links to suggested footlockers from Amazon, Target or Walmart. The most important thing is to not pick a foot locker too tall, anything under 15" should fit under the cots at camp.
A foot locker is not required, but is convenient during the week. The tents the boys will be staying in are pretty robust, but the footlocker provides some additional weather protection in the event of some torrential rain. The solid footlockers are also convenient to slide in and out of under the Scout's bed as they'll need to keep the aisle between the beds free so they and their tent mate can walk in/out of the tent
Duffel bags and/or backpacks also work, don't feel a need to go buy a footlocker if you don't want to. Although, older scout parents will also tell you the footlockers make a good place for the scouts to throw their camping gear for the rest of the year to keep backpacks, mess kits, water bottles, and other personal gear all in one place.
Bug Spray
I don't remember the mosquitos being any worse than my own back yard in Hopkinton, but each person's tolerance for mosquitos is different.
I personally found deet bug spray to work myself at camp last year.
Some scouts prefer Picaridin based bug repellent for health or environmental reasons.
If your Scout is particularly finicky about mosquitos, and or highly reactive there are also commercial sprays for clothes and hats. Permethrin can be applied to clothes in advance, but it does need at least a day to dry before you wear it. I've bought this myself and will bring my own bottle to camp if anyone wants to spray a hat or hoodie for themselves on the first day of camp.