Without an underlying system of core values, the Paul A. Christen National High Adventure Base at the Summit is just another camp to do fun stuff. Really, really fun stuff.
As the new 2014 high adventure programs at the Summit take shape, you might be asking, “What does all this high adventure mean for Scouting?”
We hope that’s what you’re asking, because it’s important to understand the core values underlying everything Scouts can experience at the Summit.
Regardless of the program selected and the high fun factor, each crew will also participate in activities focused on the Summit core values of adventure, service, leadership, and sustainability, concepts that anchor high adventure in the Scouting tradition.
Adventure
Located in Scott Scouting Valley, Action Point is where you will experience action just like that at the Summit’s full blown high-adventure sports venues. This includes challenge courses, canopy tours, BMX tracks, mountain bike trails, and skate parks. During your stay, each crew will have access to one evening at the Action Point venues.
Service
Because service is a key element of Scouting, each crew will spend a half-day engaged in a service project at the Summit, the New River Gorge National River, or the surrounding area. In most cases, your project will focus on areas impacted by your selected program track and may include river cleanup, bike-trail maintenance, or similar projects.
Sustainability
The Summit has been built with sustainability front and center. Sustainability describes a way of planning and operating that balances environmental stewardship, economics, and people to ensure what you do today can be sustained into the future. The Summit Sustainability Pledge program includes the Sustainability Treehouse—a self-contained structure demonstrating sustainable practices near Action Point—and Reach the Summit, a guided hike focusing on Leave No Trace principles that ends at the top of Adventure Valley. Travel back to basecamp in style on the Summit’s Big Zip.
Leadership
Leadership is more than having a given position or title. The Summit program activities are designed to foster the development of important leadership characteristics in all participants: self-confidence, sound decision-making skills, and a commitment to living the ideals of Scouting. Each crew will operate under the direction of a youth crew leader assisted by the quartermaster, chaplain aide, and outdoor ethics guide.
It’s these core values that add a dimension to some of the most amazing high adventure facilities in the world, that make the experience truly Scout-worthy.