The first step to planning your Northern Lights High Adventure Expedition is to answer the following questions:
1) Which trek do we want to attend? See pg. 7 for more information on the treks.
2) What day do we want to arrive? Arrival dates are flexible on a first come, first serve basis.
3) How long of a trip do we want? From 3 days to 3 weeks we have an option for you!
4) How many crews will we need? Some trips are restricted in size due to land use permits. See fee section for more details.
Once you have answered all of the above questions, contact NLHA to make your reservation. After reserving your trip, you will have 3 weeks to turn in your $330 deposit per crew (note: if making reservation after January 1, we require a $1,100 deposit per crew).

Each Crew must have:
➢ A minimum of two adults (one of which must be at least 21 years of age and registered with the BSA). There are no gender restrictions for leadership except for co-ed Exploring post or Venturing crews, which must have both male and female leadership 21 years old or older.
➢ 1 adult leader trained in the following:
o Wilderness First Aid (16 hour course)
o CPR
o Weather Hazards
o Safe Swim Defense
o Safety Afloat
➢ All adult leaders must be trained in Youth Protection

All participants:
➢ Must be 14 years of age or have completed 8th Grade upon arrival at NLHA
➢ Must weigh 100 LBS and no more than 295 LBS- more information on pg. 20
➢ Must have a current (within 12 months) and complete BSA Health and Medical Record
➢ Must be classified as a BSA swimmer*
➢ Must be a registered Boy Scout, Explorer or Venturer
*Swim Checks will be done at Lost Lake Camp by our Life Guards in order to verify that participants are able to swim in Alaskan waters.

Swimming and Diving

All swimming and water activities must be done in accordance with the BSA Safe Swim Defense policy. In addition, water shoes, a lifejacket and a swimsuit or shorts must be worn by all swimmers at all times.

Diving is prohibited at the NLHA per the BSA Safe Swim Defense policy. Therefore, all entry into the water must be feet first or by wading into the water. Jumping feet first into the water is allowed from rocks or ledges no 

greater than 40 inches above the surface of the water and if the water is clear and the depth of the water is at least 7 feet deep. Persons should not jump into water from heights higher than they are tall, and should jump only into water chest deep or greater with minimal risk from contact with the bottom.

No elevated entry is permitted where a person must clear any obstacle, including land. Lifejackets must be worn at all times.

Cliff Jumping

Jumping into the water from any height greater than 40 inches above the surface of the water is prohibited.

Secure Your Food

Bears, chipmunks, mice and other rodents are fond of trail food. Northern Lights High Adventure provides bear canisters for your food and ‘smellables’ at night. Use of the canisters is necessary. Remember, perfumed items (toothpaste, soaps, lip balm, etc.) may smell like food. Your Trek Leader will advise you on what to do and how to do it. Whether on the trail or on base, do not take food into any tent or cabin. 

Respect Wildlife

We are visitors in the wilderness – please be responsible and courteous guests. Do not bother or provoke wildlife. Animals should be enjoyed from a distance and should never be fed.

Purify All Drinking Water

All water from all natural sources - including springs, streams and lakes must be purified by bringing it to a rolling boil, treated with chemical purifier or filtered. 

Tobacco

The use of tobacco is never permitted within the line of sight of youth. No smoking is permitted in any NLHA building or vehicle. Each base has a single established tobacco use area.

Alcohol and Drugs

Possession or use of alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs or misuse of prescribed drugs is prohibited. Groups or individuals found in violation of this national policy of the Boy Scouts of America will be sent home immediately, as arranged with the council office or parent.

Firearms and Fireworks

Shooting firearms are not allowed at Northern Lights High Adventure. Do not bring firearms or archery equipment with you. Fireworks are a safety hazard and are prohibited by NLHA. Leave them at home.