Adventure on your own terms.

Resources & Planning

Family fun awaits! A vacation to our unique getaway is something that your family will remember forever. From our scenic hikes, variety of lodging options, and exciting outdoor activities, we have something for everyone. Family Adventure Camp at the Summit is in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia, next to the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Discover why so many people call this land “Almost Heaven,” with its breathtaking natural beauty, abundant ecosystems, and many activities. When you choose to have an adventure with us, you will be greeted every morning with a breath of fresh mountain air. Be warned: your family will want to keep coming back!

Open to ALL Families; no BSA or Scouting affiliation required!

Check out our Virtual Concierge.

Need a helping hand use our virtual concierge to learn about local attractions
and family adventure camp options and schedules.

General Policies

The safety of youth and our guests is something that the Summit and the BSA take very seriously.  The following policies are meant to be taken very seriously. Violation of these policies may result in removal from the property and/or police action.

Tobacco
Adults should support the attitude that they and youth are better off without tobacco in any form and may not allow the use of tobacco products at any BSA activity involving youth participants. This includes the use of electronic cigarettes, personal vaporizers, or electronic nicotine delivery systems that simulate tobacco smoking.

All Scouting functions, meetings, and activities should be conducted on a smoke-free basis, with smoking areas located away from all participants. Use of all tobacco products (including E-cigarettes and chewing tobacco) must be done out of sight of all youth participants in designated areas within camp. Contact the camp Commissioner if you have any questions about where these areas are.

Alcohol
It is the policy of the Boy Scouts of America that the use of alcoholic beverages and controlled substances is not permitted at encampments or activities on property owned and/or operated by the Boy Scouts of America, or at any activity involving participation of youth members.

Drugs
Illegal drugs, including the misuse of prescription drugs have absolutely no place at any Scouting function. The misuse of drugs happens in all levels of our society. We may be confronted with the problem at any time; therefore, we need to understand the misuse of drugs and what can be done about the situation. See the Drug Enforcement Administration website (www.dea.gov/) for detailed information on controlled substances and their effects.

Medical Marijuana
It is unacceptable for anyone to use or be under the influence of medical marijuana at or during any Scouting activity. Any marijuana possession is illegal in the State of West Virginia.

Technology
Technology use is not discouraged at Camp. Participants are encouraged to appropriately document and share their experiences during their stay. The site offers full wireless and cell phone connectivity. AT&T Wi-Fi Hotspots are available throughout the Scott Summit Center and base camps. Outlets and charging stations are available in select locations in base camp and/or the Scott Summit Center, however a battery back-up or solar charger is strongly recommended.

Aquatic Activities
All participants must have passed the BSA Swimmers test to participate in any swimming, water reality, or paddling activity. Properly fitted PFDs must always be worn for paddling activities. PFD and helmet for water reality.

After Hours &  Onsite Emergency Contact  

For any emergency, please contact The Summit Operations Center (SOC) at 304.465.2900. 911 is also an option in case of a medical emergency.  Inform the 911 dispatcher that your location is - The Summit Bechtel Reserve.

Youth Protection

Due to the BSA's commitment to the safety of youth, all 18+ guests are required to watch a 10-minute youth protection training video for the safety of all youth and all guests.

Special Dietary Needs

The dining hall has the capability to provide meals that meet various special dietary needs throughout your stay at the Summit, including but not limited to vegetarian, vegan, religious diets, food allergies (gluten, peanuts, tree nuts, etc.), and many more. You will be able to indicate r in the registration system any special dietary needs for your family members. Please be sure to indicate this by the due date.

In addition, please note any special diet needs on your medical forms and identify yourself with dining hall management upon arrival and they will be happy to assist and review ingredients in the different items and review items that are available to you. Sometimes it is best for people with severe allergies or very strict diets to bring their own supplemental food to be stored in the dining hall (a walk-in cooler is provided for this purpose). If you have questions about a special dietary need e-mail familyadventurewv@Scouting.org well ahead of your arrival date.

Due to wildlife and scavenging animals, there should be absolutely no food is to be stored in or around tents, all food must be stored in the dining hall, vehicles, or other lockable storage away from tent camping area.

Medical Re-Checks

Each participant’s medical form (both youth and adult) will be reviewed by a member of the Medical Staff. In this review, they will briefly look over the health form and identify any medical issues of concern and discuss those concerns with either the adult leader or that participant themselves. Note: Medical staff may place restrictions on the activities a participant may partake in if a medical condition warrants it.

Wildlife

DO NOT FEED OR TOUCH ANIMALS. We respect and reduce the risk of animal encounters by making ourselves and our base less approachable to them. Contact the SOC if wildlife encroaches in your campsites or if they pose a threat to your family. The following wildlife are dangerous and should ALWAYS BE AVOIDED.

All campfires are only allowed in above-ground Summit fire pits. Fire pits must be placed on durable surfaces like rock or gravel and follow Leave No Trace principles. Fire pits are not allowed on grass (unless approved by Summit Staff) to prevent soil damage. Please ensure to have a bucket of water or fire extinguisher close by in case fires become uncontrollable. The use of solid-form fire starters is preferred over lighter fluid.

What will your trip look like?

Ready to start your vacation? Get ideas on how your adventure might look using the sample schedule below.
To maximize your time and minimize your stress, we suggest booking an Adventure pass bundle for your family or group. 
*The schedule gives you options for both 3 and 5 days, but feel free to make it your own, mix and match or create a custom adventure for you and your family.

DAY ONE

Get comfortable with your accommodations – It’s time to kick back and relax.  Next, enjoy a short hike and do some archery; finish the night with your first campfire.

DAY ONE
DAY TWO

Upgrade your adventure with some fun! Kick off the day with rock climbing and then cool off in the lake paddle boarding. If you still have a little more energy, maybe ride a zipline! Then, finally, finish your day with some s’mores by the campfire.

DAY TWO
DAY THREE

Enjoy an exciting canopy tour zipping through the trees at Action Point. Double down on the fun by zipping over to your next adventure, challenging yourself at our challenge course. We recommend taking some time to visit the New River Gorge National Park and Bridge, which is just minutes away from our site! Round out the day with some family games and relax in your campsite.

DAY THREE
DAY FOUR*

Still have energy for another adventure? Set your sights on our shotgun range and take aim at honing your skills by shooting clay pigeons out of the sky, or maybe focus your precision on our rifle range. If you’re looking to mix things up, we’d suggest heading into town and enjoying some local attractions and restaurants.

DAY FOUR*
DAY FIVE*

It’s time for a little rest and relaxation as you finish up your vacation. Make it a relaxing day by kayaking and paddleboarding on the lake. Pack up your belongings and enjoy a safe ride home, ready to plan your next trip to #AlmostHeaven

DAY FIVE*

What are people asking?

When you arrive at our North Gate in Glen Jean, our staff will provide you with a map of the Summit and instructions on how to get to your lodging option. Once you arrive at the campsite or hotel, you'll be greeted by our staff with more information about your stay.

Normal check-in window is from 2PM to 7PM daily - be sure to let us know if you require a late check-in. Normal check-out time is 10:30AM daily.

We provide all linens blankets towels and pillows except for primitive camping.

Located in the Luxury Deluxe Eco-tent Site, we have eight private bathroom "suites" with a toilet, shower, sink, and a changing area, or you can enjoy our propane-heated outdoor shower facilities with individual stalls and curtains.

Have a room at a Bunkhouse or Yamagata Lodging? 

For the bunkhouses, the bathrooms are centrally located on each floor, with private bathroom/shower rooms. 

For Yamagata Lodging, each room includes an in-suite bathroom and shower similar to a hotel. 

We offer most activities and passes through all three seasons. Connect with one of our team members to help schedule and plan your vacation! Contact information is available at the bottom of the page. 

Planning Tip: The Summer season offers the most availability and variety of onsite program programs. *Note: The Adventure Pass | Ultimate is only available during our Summer Season. 

Family Adventure Camp is open to ALL families; no BSA or Scouting affiliation is required!

Be sure to check out our Virtual Concierge, but if you still can't find what you're looking for or if you want to talk to someone, feel free to give us a call or shoot us an email. Contact info is available at the bottom of the page. 

Your adventure begins here.

Begin your adventure today.

BSA FAMILY ADVENTURE CAMP AT THE SUMMIT  BECHTEL RESERVE

2550 Jack Furst Dr. Glen Jean, WV 25846
 304.465.2800 |  FamilyAdventureWV@scouting.org
Visit the Summit Bechtel Reserve website

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