About

The premier Alaskan High Adventure outdoor experience for scouts. Backpacking, hiking, canoeing, fishing and more!

Thank you for your interest in the programs of the Northern Lights High Adventure Base. The Midnight Sun Council, Boy Scouts of America, based in Fairbanks, Alaska, operates the Base.

The mission of the Base is to provide a remote outdoor experience to youth and adults within the Scouting program.

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Category: FAQs

Ready to plan Trip. How do I make a reservation?

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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 Leaders Guide 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 $300 deposit per crew member (note: if making reservation after January 1, we require a $1,000 deposit per crew member).

 

What are the Requirements to Attend NLHA?

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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* if on a water base trek
➢ Must be a registered 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.

Category: Resources

Trail Programs and Policies-part 1

Secure Your Food

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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. 

 

Trail Programs and Policies-part 2

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Wash and Rinse Dishes Thoroughly

Protect the health of your crew by thoroughly washing, rinsing and sanitizing dishes. Let dishes and utensils air dry. The dirty dishwater should be disposed of at least 200 feet behind the campsite and at least 200 feet from any water source.

No Climbing Allowed

Rock climbing, rappelling and tree climbing are not permitted.

 

 

 

Trail Programs and Policies-part 3

Swimming and Diving

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

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Diving is prohibited at the NLHA per the 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. 

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.

 

Reservations Category

Email Subscription

A: 1400 Gillam Way, Fairbanks, AK 99701

T: (907) 452-1976

E: phil.burkett@scouting.org

W: alaskahighadventure.com

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