This page is designed to be a resource for Arrowmen planning on attending one of the Order of the Arrow's High Adventure programs this summer. Contained on this page you will find detailed travel information, information on preparing for your trip, and other useful information to help you plan your trek.

Wilderness Voyage | Trail Crew | Ocean Adventure

OA Wilderness Voyage:

Equipment and Clothing:
Review the enclosed Personal Equipment List designed to help you pack for your trip. In addition to the items on that list, you will need boots with good ankle support (these boots will be wet every day -- US-made jungle boots the best choice) and work clothes, including a long sleeved shirt and long pants (synthetic or cotton-poly blend -- NO JEANS!). Sturdy boots and long pants are required at the work site. Be sure to bring quality raingear (NO PONCHOS!). Remember, you will be doing physically strenuous work in the Boundary Waters for the first five days of your trek, so be prepared. Charles L. Sommers will provide tents, cooking gear, stoves, packs, and all food necessary for your two-week experience. All gear will be repacked before departure. You will be sharing a bag with two to three other participants. In addition to the above, please bring your full Boy Scout uniform (pants/shorts, socks, belt, shirt) and your Order of the Arrow sash. Limited secure storage is available for your clothing and other personal “travel” items that you will not be carrying on the trail.

Leadership:
Your crew will be under the leadership of a pair of OA Voyage Foremen. They are skilled and trained in both conservation and wilderness survival in the Boundary Waters. They will meet you in the parking lot as you arrive at the Charles L. Sommers Canoe Base. The Foremen will take you to the cabins where you will spend your first night, and then to the dining hall for check-in and registration. These Foremen will assist you in planning and carrying out your wilderness adventure. You must arrive at the base by 7:00 p.m. the day that your program officially starts. For example, if your Voyage Expedition Number is OAV-610, you must arrive at the base by 7:00 p.m. on June 10^th.  See following explanation of Expedition Number.

Expedition Number
Your expedition number is important. Your expedition number is based on the day your OA Voyage begins. For example, if your Voyage begins on June 10^th, your expedition number will be OAV-610. If it begins on July 8^th, your expedition number will be OAV-708. Please be sure to include your expedition number in all correspondence.

Uniforming
Wear your uniform proudly, as it identifies you as a member of the greatest organization in the world. While at the Charles L. Sommers Canoe Base, the official BSA short-sleeved shirt and shorts are appropriate and comfortable. You will wear work clothes on the trail, but while in base camp, full uniform is required.

Code of Conduct
Participants are expected to follow the OA VOYAGE CODE OF CONDUCT, as detailed in the participant application. Also, due to the nature of the program, it is necessary for you to be in attendance for the full period that you signed up for.

Insurance
The Boy Scouts of America carries accident and sickness insurance coverage for Charles L. Sommers participants from the time they leave home until they return. This policy is secondary to a family policy that might be in effect. The name and policy number of your family’s insurance needs to be on the medical form.

Medical Form:
BRING YOUR COMPLETED MEDICAL FORM WITH YOU TO THE CHARLES L. SOMMERS CANOE BASE!!! Do not mail it in with your registration information. If you arrive at Charles L. Sommers without a physical form, the fee for the required physical is $80, and its completion will delay your departure into the Boundary Waters.  Ensure that your parent’s signature (if you are under 18 years of age) as well as your insurance information is on the medical form.

Transportation:
You will be responsible for your transportation to and from Charles L. Sommers Canoe Base.
Private Vehicle - Private vehicles can be driven directly to Charles L. Sommers Canoe Base, twenty-two miles from Ely, Minnesota. Voyage staffers will meet you at the stockade next to the parking lot the day your trek officially begins.  The address is:

Participants are strongly encouraged to find a travel companion from their home council to ease the process of traveling to the base.

If you have difficulties or questions about travel arrangements call the OA Voyage Office at 218-365-4811 ext. 115.

Arrival at Charles L. Sommers
Make plans to arrive at Charles L. Sommers by 7:00 p.m. on the day your program officially begins. Airport to base transportation will ensure that you arrive at the base on time. Upon arrival, OA Voyage staffers will greet you at the stockade near the entrance to the Sommers Canoe Base, and assist you in settling in. Plan to depart on the official last day of your program. We have scheduled the transportation to the airport so you can make flights scheduled after 2:30 p.m. on your day of departure. Also, you will be separated from people you know for the trek portion in order to allow you to begin new friendships with other Arrowmen from around the country.

Individual Arrival Plans Form:
Enclosed in your acceptance packet you will find information regarding your Individual Arrival Plans form, which you will receive by email in the next few weeks.  Please follow the directions to confirm your email address and to compile all necessary information ahead of time, which will enable you to submit your form in a timely manner.

Cost and Payment:
Participant cost for this program is $150 for United States programs and $200 for Candadian Programs. A deposit of $50 was due with your application. The additional cost is due with the return of your acceptance notice. 

The fee for shuttle transportation from the Minneapolis/St. Paul airport is due upon arrival at the Sommers Base. The cost is $75.  Please bring payment for shuttle using cash or check, as credit cards are NOT accepted. 

Extra Charges:
One group photo, which will be taken on the first official day of the program, is included with your trek. You may purchase additional photos for $5 each. Charles L. Sommers also has a Trading Post where you can purchase souvenirs and last-minute items.

Northern Tier OA Wilderness Voyager Award:
An individual camper award will be presented to you when you have:

• Completed an OA Voyage (except for medical reasons) with your crew.
• Completed staff supervised conservation work on your OA Voyage project in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Superior National Forest.
• Taken advantage of every opportunity to learn about and improve our ecology, and practiced the skill of Leave No Trace.

Work Week:
Your work week will consist of challenging service to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) in the Superior National Forest. You will be working in an environment that is prone to damp conditions, including deep patches of mud (moose muck), blown down trees, and varying temperatures ranging from mid-high 80 degree temperatures in the day, to low 50’s in the evening. Therefore, it is important to bring the proper clothing and “Be Prepared” for this unique environment.

Trek Week:
The OA Voyage program is unique because participants have the freedom to plan their own itinerary. The Voyage Staff is experienced in most areas of the pristine Boundary Waters. Be sure to listen to their recommendations upon your arrival to the base, but here are some ideas to bring with you:

Remember: These trips are the “average” trips taken by OA Voyage crews. Make sure to ask your OA Voyage Foreman for advice in planning your trip upon arrival.

If you have any other questions about planning for your trek, feel free to e-mail us at voyage@adventure.oa-bsa.org

Voyage participant forms can be downloaded Here

OA Trail Crew:

Equipment and Clothing:
Review the personal equipment list in the Philmont Guidebook to Adventure. In addition to that list, you will need a good pair of work gloves, all leather rugged boots, and work clothes, including a long sleeved shirt and long pants. Boots and long pants (i.e., heavy material like jeans or canvas) are required at the work site. A small daypack may be helpful for carrying your lunch, raingear, and water to and from the work site. Remember, you will be doing physically strenuous work in the Philmont back country for six days prior to your trek, so be prepared. Philmont will provide tents, cooking gear, stoves, and all food necessary for your two-week experience. In addition, please bring to Philmont your full Boy Scout uniform (shorts, socks, belt, shirt) and your Order of the Arrow sash. Limited storage is available for your clothing and other personal “travel” items.

It is also very important that you bring ground cloth and rain gear that is extremely durable and dependable. You will be working at 10,000 feet and weather conditions can be harsh. It is imperative that you have quality rain gear and a dependable set of warm clothing.

Leadership:
Your trail crew will be under the leadership of a pair of trail crew foreman. They are skilled and trained in both conservation and backpacking. When you arrive at Philmont, please check in at the Order of the Arrow registration table at the Welcome Center the day which your program starts. After your week of trail work is completed, they will also assist you in planning and carrying out your seven day trek.

Expedition Number:
Your expedition number is important. All crews on the ranch have one and is the means of knowing where crews are on the ranch. It is also how a participant receives his mail. Your expedition number is based on the day your trek begins. For example, if you trek begins on June 16, your expedition number will be OATC-616 If it begins on July 7, your expedition number will be OATC-707. Please be sure to include your expedition number in all correspondence.

Uniforming:
Wear your uniform proudly as it identifies you with the greatest organization in the world. At Philmont, the BSA short sleeved shirt and shorts is appropriate and comfortable. On the trail site, work clothes are required. You will need to bring your OA sash as well; however, it is not to be worn in base camp. You will receive instructions as to when the uniform and sash will be appropriate.

Code of Conduct:
Participants are expected to follow the TRAIL CREW CODE OF CONDUCT printed in the participant application. Also, due to the nature of the program, it is necessary for you to be in attendance for the full 14 days!!

Insurance:
The Boy Scouts of America carries accident and sickness insurance coverage for Philmont participants from the time they leave home until they return. This policy is secondary to a family policy that might be in effect. The name and policy number of your family's insurance needs to be on the form.

Medical Form:
BRING YOUR COMPLETED MEDICAL FORM TO PHILMONT!! Do not mail it in with any of your information. If you arrive at Philmont without a physical form, the fee is $80.00 and its completion will delay your departure into the back country. Ensure that your parents signature as well as your insurance information is on the form.

Transportation:
You will be responsible for your transportation to and from Philmont.

• Private Vehicle - Private vehicles can be driven directly to Philmont Camping Headquarters, five miles south of Cimarron, New Mexico. Check in at the OA Welcome Booth the day your trek begins.
• Commercial Train - Raton, New Mexico (45 miles northeast of Philmont), is the nearest terminal for AMTRAK (1-800-872-7245). A representative from Philmont will meet you in Raton and transport you to Philmont*.
• Commercial Bus - TNM&O Bus Company (a subsidiary of Greyhound) travels to both Cimarron and Raton from either Albuquerque, Denver or Colorado Springs. Also, a Philmont representative will meet you in either Raton or Cimarron and transport you to Philmont.*
• Airplane -Participants for OA Trail Crew may only use Albuquerque International Airport (ABQ)*.

* A shuttle is available from the Albuquerque, NM airport to Philmont. The shuttles leave the airport at 2:00PM, on the day before your scheduled starting date, arriving at Philmont at 6:00 to 6:45 pm. The return shuttle leaves at 7:30 am on your departure date (15th day), arriving at the airports at 11:30 am. You may also consider a bus or train arrival at Raton, New Mexico (40 miles from Philmont). A roundtrip shuttle is available from Raton. If you do not arrive by shuttle from Albuquerque, plan to arrive at Philmont between 8:00am and 11:00 am on your scheduled starting date. Shuttle information and registration forms will be included in your packet. Participants are strongly encouraged to recruit a travel companion from their home council to ease the travel process.  Information about the shuttle will be mailed upon registration for this program.

Arrival at Philmont:
Make plans to arrive at Philmont by lunch (11:00 am) on the day your program begins. Upon arrival, check in at the OA Welcome Booth and directions will be given to you then. It is imperative that you meet at 1:00pm at the Conservation Shed. If, due to problem travel times, it is necessary for you to arrive at Philmont a day early, please indicate this on your "Individual Arrival Plans" card. Do not arrive more than one day early because of limited tent space and even more limited opportunities for program. All early arrival/late departures will be charged an overnight fee of $8.00 per person. Extra meals (any before lunch on the day your program begins or after breakfast the day your program ends) are $4.00 each and can be paid for when you check in at the Welcome Booth. Plan to leave on the day your program ends. Also, due to the nature of the program, you will be separated from people you know for the trek portion in order to begin new friendships with other people.

Individual Arrival Plans Card:
Your "Individual Arrival Plans" Card is enclosed in your packet. Be sure to fill it out completely and mail it to Philmont at lease three weeks before your departure. Also, if your plans are known at the time of program confirmation, please include them.

Cost and Payment:
Participant cost for this program is $200.00. $50.00 was due with your application. The additional $cost is due with the return of your acceptance notice. 

Extra Charges:
One group photo, which will be taken on your arrival day, is included with your trek. You may purchase additional photos for $4.00 a print. See the Guide Book to Adventure for advice on spending money. Transportation fees may be paid in advance to reduce the amount of cash you have to carry

Arrowhead Award:
An individual camper award presented when you have:

• Completed a Philmont-approved OA Trail Crew itinerary (except for medical reasons) with your crew.
• Completed staff supervised conservation work on your OA Trail Crew project at Philmont.
• Taken advantage of every opportunity to learn about and improve our ecology, and practiced the art of outdoor living in ways that minimize pollution of soil, water, and air.

Work Week:
Your work week will consist of challenging service to the Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico. You will be working in an environment that is prone to heat, and high in elevation. Therefore, it is important to bring the proper clothing and “Be Prepared” for this environment.

Trek Week:
The OA Trail Crew program is unique because unlike “normal” Philmont crews, participants have the freedom to plan their own itinerary. It is important to remember that there are many program camps at Philmont to enjoy, as well as many challenging treks for participants to partake in. Your Trail Crew Foreman will have a lot of experience and know most of these. Use them as a planning resource. Here are some of Philmont's most popular sights, all of which are open to OATC crews:

Tooth of Time – This Philmont landmark sits high upon Tooth of Time ridge. Many crews enjoy sunrise over the tooth.

Mount Phillips – Many crews conquer Mount Phillips while on their treks. Mt. Phillips is the second highest peak in Philmont and offers a challenging hike and unbeleiveable vistas from the top.

Mount Baldy – The highest mountain in Philmont, Mount Baldy sits in the north country of Philmont. At 12,441 feet above sea level, Baldy is a challenge for even the most experienced Philmont hikers. The summit of Baldy offers an extensive view of almost all of Philmont.

Remember: Not every crew can experience everything that Philmont offers. Make sure to ask your OA Trail Crew Foreman for advice in planning your trip upon arrival.

Trail Crew participant forms can be downloaded Here

OA Ocean Adventure:

General Information
The Order of the Arrow, in cooperation with the Florida Sea Base is offering you an opportunity to cheerfully serve one of the greatest ecosystems on our planet – the Florida Keys and the waters which surround them. You will be camping on a remote 100 acre island, snorkeling on pristine coral reefs, trolling for sportfish, kayaking through red mangroves, and exploring the flora and fauna of Big Munson Island. You will wade ashore on Big Munson Island carrying all the food, water and equipment used during your adventure in a rugged camping setting. Venture out to snorkel, fish and explore.

Your program is a 13 day experience in which participants will have the opportunity to improve the habitat of Big Munson Island. Participants will experience wilderness camping on one of the BSA’s island paradise in the Florida Keys. The program will be conservation based and will seek to improve trails, campsite location, critical Key Deer habitat and, renew and improve the critical mangroves surrounding the Island.

In addition to the conservation service, participants will strengthen leadership skills, learn more about marine environment, strengthen understanding of the Order of the Arrow, and explore the history of the beautiful Florida Keys.

Participants will enjoy many of the recreational opportunities unique to Sea Base. Sailing, deep sea fishing, sea kayaking and canoeing, snorkeling, fishing – you may even have the opportunity to go shark fishing while you enjoy life on Big Munson.

Preparing:
Before you can begin planning your trip, you must register for the program. Download an application for OA Ocean Adventure. After you have completed the application, it is important to have both your Council Scout Executive and Lodge Adviser sign the application (as well as your parent/guardian if you are under the age of 18). Mail in the completed application with at least your $100 deposit to:

Order of the Arrow
Boy Scouts of America
P O Box 152079
Irving, TX 75015-2079

Since this may be your first time participating in an OA and Scouting program alone, it is encouraged that you find a friend in your troop, chapter or lodge to be your travel companion. To ensure you can travel to the program together, it is helpful to send in your deposits and applications together. If you end up on the waiting list for Ocean Adventure, you are strongly encouraged to participate in either OA Wilderness Voyage or OA Trail Crew. Participation in one of the two programs ensures you a spot on the top of the list for the next summer.

Program Cost:
Participant cost is $500 for the 13-day experience. A $100 non-refundable deposit is required with this application. The balance of the fee is due at the time of acceptance as a participant in the program. This fee covers food, housing, and all other program related expenses. Additional expenses, including travel to and from Sea Base as well as miscellaneous purchases, are the responsibility of the participant.

Medical Requirements for Ocean Adventure:

Philmont height and weight restrictions do apply. For more information Click Here

Travel to Ocean Adventure:
A shuttle is available from the Miami International Airport to Sea Base’s Brinton Environmental Center located on Summerland Key, 23.8 miles north of Key West, Florida. The shuttle leaves the airport at 2:45pm on the day of your starting date, arriving at Sea Base at 5:00pm. The return trip leaves at 7:30am on your last scheduled day, arriving at Miami International Airport at 9:30am. Plan to arrive at Sea Base no later than 5:00pm on your starting date. Shuttle information and registration forms will be included in your packet. Participants are strongly encouraged to find a travel companion from their home council to ease the process of traveling to the base.

OAOA participant forms can be downloaded Here