This adventure is designed for those older scouts in Troop 55 and Crew 55 who are at least 16 years old and who
have previously completed several high adventure summer treks (such as Philmont).
(For the Tri-Trek program for younger scouts, click Tri-Trek.)
The trek has the following components that will be new for most of the youth members of Troop 55 or Crew 55:
- We will be camping on snow / ice / glaciers for four nights.
- We will be climbing a 14,410 ft peak that is covered in snow all year.
- Reaching the summit requires mountaineering skills including being roped together and using an ice axe.
This will be a difficult trek and a strong commitment will require to reach the
summit of Mt. Rainier.
| Dates: | Depart Houston on Saturday, July 24, 2010. Return on Sunday, August 1, 2010. |
| Location: | We fly into Seattle, Washington. Camp Sheppard High Adventure Base is about 60 miles south of Seattle. The camp is in a national forest on the north side of Mt. Rainier. |
| The Plan: | Upon arrival in Seattle, we travel by bus to Camp Sheppard High Adventure Base at 1,800 ft elevation. The first night at Camp Sheppard is in cabins, and then we have four nights on the snow. Each night is at a higher elevation. The first night of camping is at 7,600 ft, the second night at 8,580 ft, and the third and fourth nights at 10,800 ft. This gradual increase in elevation should help the bodies to adjust and to avoid any altitude sickness. The climb to the summit at 14,410 ft is done in the early morning when the snow is firm. We will have two days in Seattle for sightseeing prior to departure for home. |
| Itinerary: | For the detailed day-by-day itinerary, click HERE. |
| How many can go? |
We expect to have one and possibly two crews. Each crew can have a maximum of 12 participants. Three of the slots are reserved for the staff members from Camp Sheppard. That leaves nine slots for Crew 55 participants on each crew. We will probably have two adults from Crew 55 and seven youth members on each crew. |
| Which youth members can go? |
Scout participants must (a) be at least 16 years old by the first day of this trip, (b) have completed at least one high adventure trek with Troop 55, and (c) have the physical ability and mental toughness to complete the climb. This adventure is being done under rules of the Camp Sheppard High Adventure Base, which is owned by the Chief Seattle Council of the BSA. The age restriction is set by the camp. |
| Which adults can go? |
For the limited number of slots for adults, the selection will be based on training, physical fitness, prior experience on high adventure treks, and the adult's contribution to the Venturing program throughout the year. |
| Cost: | Between $950 and $1,100. The fee is dependant on actual cost of the airline tickets, possible accommodations in Seattle last two nights, and activities chosen for the days in Seattle. Of this amount, the fee for Camp Sheppard is $550. |
| Need more info? | Speak with either Ross Spence or James Cauble. |
| Registration: | Click for the Registration Form.
Registration began on January 31. The registration deadline is February 15. It may be possible to register after that date, but the fee may be higher. |
Photos from prior Mt. Rainier expeditions at Camp Sheppard High Adventure Base:
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