Northern Tier High Adventure base Interest

Hello Scouts,

In Summer of 2026 Troop 97 will be venturing to Northern Tier High Adventure base in Ely, Minnesota. This is a 7 day canoe camping trek up in the Boundary Waters. Mr. Hurler and I will be adult leaders for this trip. This is a smaller crew of 6 scouts, 2 leaders, and one interpreter (staff guide). We have a small crew of older scouts already and have limited spaces available. I am looking to see who is interested and capable of joining this type of trek. Information is linked below for Northern Tier, Ely Base, and Boundary Waters. 

All Northern Tier Participants: (from Summer 2025 Participant Handbook)

• Must be 14 years of age or be 13 years of age and have completed 8th Grade upon arrival at Northern Tier. 

• Must fall below the maximum (295 pounds) weight allowed for participation and it is strongly recommended that no participant weigh less than 100 pounds. See Appendix D. 

• Must have a current (within 12 months) and completed BSA Health and Medical Record. The doctor completing the form must review the Northern Tier Risk Advisory included with the form. The Northern Tier form can be found at https://www.scouting.org/health-andsafety/ahmr/ 

• Must be classified as a BSA swimmer

• Must be a registered member of Scouting America.

Northern Tier, Ely Base:

https://www.ntier.org/about/ely-mn-base/

Boundary Waters:

https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/destination/boundary-waters-canoe-area-wilderness

Northern Tier Information Sheet:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1enO7ZPFvlEJNGb6ByMaPlmVrl0WW-aGvJ-6PI8i6S1E/edit?usp=sharing

The date is August 4-12, 2026. 

Please see the attached trip information sheet above for pricing and payment schedule.

Preparation for high adventure trips should be taken seriously in terms of packing lists, physical fitness, and having a crew-first mentality. These ingredients are paramount to a successful trip. In addition, scouts who are selected for this adventure must know that they are committing to the crew, packing with intent, the shakedown trip, and all duties inherent in a high adventure trip. 

Shakedown:

There is a Shakedown event on the troop calendar for June 27-29 (Sat-Mon). This will be 2 nights on the Delaware River in the Poconos area, reviewing canoe and rowing skills, testing and discussing gear, and getting acclimated to this new type of camping. We will leave early on Saturday to hit the water, and come off the river Monday afternoon. 

Please Contact Mr. Poholsky AND Mr. Hurler as soon as possible to express your interest in attending Northern Tier 2026 or with any initial questions. Replying to this email does not guarantee a spot on the crew.