Canoeing and Kayaking

BSA also operates a number high adventure bases, some of which focus on canoe trekking. The Northern Tier National High Adventure Bases are a string of bases in the northern United States and southern Canada whose focus is on canoeing and kayaking. These week-long experiences are generally intended for older Boy Scout and Venturer participants. A high adventure trip to, for example, Charles L. Sommers Wilderness Canoe Base will require months' of preparation and training.

Sea Scouts
Although canoeing and kayaking are not as widely thought of as Sea Scouting activities, many Sea Scout units (called "Ships") are located inland and as such may lack immediate access to deep or navigable water. For these Sea Scouts, canoeing is their place to go boating.

There are several canoeing- and kayaking-related advancement requirements, but the only requirement that is specifically related is Able Sea Scout, requirement 17(i).

Coast Guard Auxiliary Resources

 * Paddlesports
 * Paddlesports America

High Adventure Bases & Scout Camps

 * Northern Tier National High Adventure Bases
 * Boy Scouts of America
 * Find your local Scout group

Advancement Requirements

 * Able Sea Scout, requirement 17(i)
 * Canoeing Merit Badge
 * Kayaking BSA
 * Whitewater Merit Badge

BSA Safety Guidelines

 * Safe Swim Defense
 * Safety Afloat
 * Guide to Safe Scouting

Magazines

 * Canoe & Kayak
 * Paddler

Training Resources

 * A SmartStart for Paddlers (4.7 meg Powerpoint)

Contributed by
[mailto:alexcascione@msn.com Alex Cascione], BC-VQS