The Ultimate Guide to the Top 10 Scout Trip Destinations

Planning a trip for your scout group is a great way to explore the world. There are so many options, depending on what you want to accomplish. If you want to dive into history, take on a service project, practice sustainability, or simply enjoy the great outdoors, there are countless adventures to consider. We’ll get you started with the ultimate guide to the top 10 scout trip destinations!

Revealing the Top 10 Scout Trip Destinations

So where can you go? And what can you do when you’re there? Here’s a sneak peek of our favorite scout trip destinations.

1. Exploring the Historical Depths of Washington D.C.

Washington D.C. is a great trip for scout troops. The first National Boy Scout Jamboree was held near the Washington Monument in 1937 and every president since the 27th has been an honorary president of Boy Scouts of America.

As you plan a trip to Washington D.C., include stops at Capitol Hill, the Supreme Court, White House and National Archives.  Visit the monuments (especially impressive at night) and the National Smithsonian Museums. Scouts will earn Citizenship Badges for branches of the federal government and national monuments.

Include a stop at Arlington Cemetery to witness the Changing of the Guard, visit John F. Kennedy’s gravesite and pay respects at the Tomb of the Unknown. Participate in a wreath-laying ceremony -a somber and incredibly moving experience for visitors. Once complete, scouts are eligible for the American Heritage Badge.

Take A Scout History Tour of Washington D.C.

As you wrap up your D.C. adventures, don’t forget to stop at Mount Vernon, George Washington’s historic home. Spend the day exploring the mansion, lush grounds, grist mill, distillery, and museum. Education programs for scouts are available as well.

Visiting Mount Vernon with Your Scout Group

2. Launching Adventures at Space Camp Huntsville

The U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama offers a world of scientific wonder and space exploration for all ages.

Camp Scout Programs

Space Camp is designed for campers aged 9-11 and highlights real-world applications for science, technology, engineering and math. Scouts can earn a Space Exploration Badge for their work.

Aviation Challenge is a weeklong immersion in military life and flight. Campers will learn shelter building and other survival tactics as they earn an Aviation Badge.

Take part in Robotics Camp or Academy (depending on age). Work as a team to design robots for land, air and underwater. Winning teams will build their creations. All participants can work toward the Robotics Badge.

3. Scouting Magic at Disney Imagination Campus

Embrace hands-on adventures at Walt Disney World in Orlando when you register for Disney Imagination Campus programs. These are guided, in-park educational field studies led by knowledgeable Disney Cast Members.

Scouts can explore applied sciences, environmental studies, leadership and more while meeting badge requirements like American Culture, Chemistry, Movie Making, Nature, Oceanography, Photography and Reptile/Amphibian Studies.

4. Embracing the Wilderness in National Parks

Our national parks give scouts a chance to truly immerse themselves in a cross section of stunningly wild places. Hiking, biking, rafting, climbing – or even just experiencing a sky full of stars make scouting memories that last a lifetime.

The Scout Ranger Program is designed for scouts to participate in educational or service projects in our national parks. They learn about protecting our natural and cultural resources while exploring spectacular surroundings. The Ranger program is available at most national parks, monuments or sites protected by the National Park Service. Scouts can earn a certificate for 5 hours of volunteer time or a patch for 10 volunteer hours.

Scout Ranger Programs

5. Paddling Through the Louisiana Swamp Base

Deep in the heart of Cajun country is Louisiana Swamp Base, a high adventure recreation base and conservation center in the Atchafalaya Swamp.  It was created in 2010 by the Evangeline Council as part of the scouting centennial celebration.

Scouts can experience the incredibly unique swamp ecosystem as they paddle through 1,000-year-old cypress trees or camp at sites throughout the base.   High adventure treks of varying degrees and weekend trips are available, as well as summer camp opportunities.  Earn up to 5 merit badges during a week-long camp!

6. Scaling New Heights at Philmont Scout Ranch

Tucked away in the stunning Sangre de Cristo Mountains is America’s largest National High Adventure Base. Philmont Scout Ranch offers unforgettable backpacking adventures, horseback riding, burro packing, gold panning, rock climbing, sport shooting, and more – all with an emphasis on low-impact camping and conservation.

Since 1939, Philmont has been a place for scouts who want to improve their scouting abilities or take on unique challenges.

7. Adventure in the Water at Sea Base

Sea Base is a National High Adventure offering that features unique aquatic programs. Scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, fishing, and even camping on an undeveloped barrier island are just some of the experiences available.

Even better, you can choose from the Florida Keys, Bahamas, or St. Thomas locations, depending on a which program best meets the needs of your scout group.

Another great inclusion? Sea Base serves thousands of youth with special needs through Coastal Opportunities for Autistic and Special Needs Scouts (COASTS). These are accessible programs designed specifically for scouts who may require accommodations.

Uncover the mysteries of the sea and make lasting maritime memories with your troop when you plan a scout trip to Sea Base!

What to Know Before You Go

8. Discovering Ancient Wonders at Chaco Culture National Historical Park

Chaco Culture National Historical Park is a network of monumental structures in northwestern New Mexico dating from 850 to 1250 CE. It was a thriving regional center for the ancestral Pueblo people and a deeply personal, sacred place for many Indigenous people in the Southwest.

Chaco Culture National Historical Park is one of a small collection of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the U.S. It’s an amazing spot to explore ancient rock carvings and structures, stunning landscapes, and the fascinating Great Kiva.

There are six major sites located along the 9-mile Canyon Loop Drive and ranger-led programs year-round.

One of the coolest things for scouts to do here is the Chaco Night Sky Program.  Astronomy programs highlight the practices of the Chacoan people a thousand years ago, as well as modern approaches to viewing the same night sky they viewed. It’s an incredible opportunity to see the stars in a clear, dark sky with little to no ambient light.

9. Adventure Awaits at Northern Tier

The gateway to adventure in the Great Northwoods begins at Northern Tier High Adventure Base.

Scouts can trek through dense green forests, paddle pristine lakes, or investigate rivers and wetlands. Plan a winter or summer excursion deep into the wilderness of Northern Minnesota, Northwest Ontario, and Northeast Manitoba.

It’s high adventure for the most competent scouts – but they must be at least 14 years old or have finished 8^th grade and be 13 years old by the time they arrive at Northern Tier.

10. Conservation and Service at Summit Bechtel Reserve

The Summit Bechtel Reserve is home to high adventure AND the BSA National Jamboree right in the heart of wild West Virginia.

Here scouts and adults learn the value of leadership, embrace the outdoors, and dive deep into conservation and sustainable practices.

By working as a team, scout groups see firsthand why it’s crucial to take care of the environment and how their efforts can make a difference. It’s all about learning responsibility and growing as leaders.

Plan with a Pro Partner

If you’re feeling inspired but perhaps slightly overwhelmed, then simplify your scout trip and plan with a pro partner!

For 30+ years, Kaleidoscope Adventures has been the vehicle for experiences that teach, inspire, encourage, and allow young people to explore the world around them.

Online registration and payments, convenient crowdfunding options, and a pro team make your planning simple and efficient.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT PLANNING YOUR SCOUTING ADVENTURE

Top 10 Scout Trip Destinations

Planning a scout trip is a great way to earn merit badges, bond as a troop, explore the world, and have a great time! These top 10 scout trip destinations are just scratching the surface of what you can do – so grab your gear and get started on your adventure!