Outings & Adventures
Experience the great outdoors with Troop 1128
The outdoor program is at the heart of Troop 1128. From monthly campouts to week-long expeditions and national high-adventure bases, we provide Scouts with progressive outdoor experiences that build skills, confidence, and lasting memories. Whether you're pitching your first tent or summiting mountains at Philmont, there's an adventure waiting for you.
Monthly Campouts
What to Expect
Our monthly campouts typically run from Friday evening through Sunday afternoon. We camp at scout camps, state parks, and wilderness areas throughout the region, experiencing all four seasons of outdoor adventure.
Activities include campfire cooking, hiking, orienteering, wilderness survival skills, games, and evening campfire programs. Scouts work together in patrols to set up camp, prepare meals, and complete challenges.
Camping equipment is available for scouts to use on their first campout. Talk to older scouts on what gear is essential and also refer to backpacking checklist.
Year-Round Adventures
Spring Campouts
March - May: Perfect weather for hiking, outdoor cooking, and exploring nature as it comes back to life. Popular activities include overnight visit on navy battleships or submarines, canoeing, and backcountry backpacking.
Summer Camp
June - July: Week-long summer camp at Goshen Scout Reservation, our primary summer camp destination. All Scouts are strongly encouraged to attend this critical part of our annual program.
Features merit badge programs, aquatics, climbing, shooting sports, and a special New Scout Program led by Troop Guides and Assistant Scout Masters (ASMs).
Fall Adventures
September - November: Enjoy cooler weather, fall foliage, and outdoor events like Sandy Springs rope course under the night sky.
Winter Camping
December - February: Learn cold-weather camping skills, winter survival, and ice safety. Our most challenging and rewarding adventures!
Competitions
Participate in district and council events like Klondike Derby, camporees, and skill competitions where patrols test their abilities.
Backpacking Trips
For Scouts seeking more adventure, we offer extended backpacking trips that challenge your endurance and deepen your connection with nature.
Intro to Backpacking
2 day trip on local and regional trails. Perfect for Scouts new to backpacking, preparing for high adventure, or working on their Backpacking merit badge.
- Learn Leave No Trace principles
- Develop wilderness navigation skills
- Practice lightweight camping techniques
- Build physical endurance
Backcountry Backpacking
3+ day expeditions on challenging trails for experienced backpackers. These trips require physical fitness and advanced outdoor skills.
- Multi-day wilderness trekking
- Advanced navigation and route planning
- Self-sufficient camping
- Leadership opportunities
New to Backpacking?
No problem! We'll help you learn the skills and build the experience you need. Start with day hikes and car camping, then progress to weekend backpacking trips. Our experienced leaders will teach you everything from packing your pack to purifying water to setting up a lightweight shelter.
Backpacking Gear Essentials
Proper gear is crucial for a safe and enjoyable backpacking experience. Review these essentials and download our complete backpacking equipment checklist before your trip. This checklist can also be used as guide for other camp outs.
Important Gear Rules
Please follow these requirements for safety and comfort on the trail:
- NO cotton clothing — Cotton loses all insulating value when wet and takes forever to dry. Wear synthetic or wool materials only.
- NO ponchos — They don't provide adequate protection. Bring a proper rain jacket and rain pants.
- Knife blade limit: 3 inches or shorter — Longer blades are not permitted on backpacking trips.
- NO bladder-style water containers — Use standard water bottles. Bladders are prone to leaks and difficult to refill on the trail.
What to Wear
- Moisture-wicking base layers
- Insulating mid-layers (fleece/synthetic)
- Waterproof rain jacket and pants
- Broken-in hiking boots
- Wool or synthetic socks (multiple pairs)
- Sun hat and warm hat
What to Pack
- Backpack (appropriate size)
- Sleeping bag (rated for conditions)
- Sleeping pad
- Tent/shelter (often patrol gear)
- Water bottles
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- First aid kit and medications
Optional Items
- Trekking poles (highly recommended)
- Camp shoes/sandals
- Extra layers for warmth
- Camera
- Journal and pen
- Lightweight book
Includes detailed packing list, food planning guide, and trip-specific requirements
High Adventure Programs
The ultimate Scouting adventures! Scouting America operates four national high-adventure bases offering world-class outdoor experiences for older Scouts (14+).
Philmont Scout Ranch
Location: Cimarron, New Mexico
Philmont is the ultimate backpacking adventure, covering 140,177 acres of rugged Rocky Mountain wilderness. Trek for 7-12 days through stunning high-country terrain, reaching elevations over 12,000 feet.
Activities include: Backpacking, rock climbing, horseback riding, gold panning, western lore programs, wildlife observation, and challenging mountain ascents.
Crews are completely self-sufficient, carrying all gear and food. Each trek is unique, with dozens of trails and backcountry camps to explore. Many consider Philmont the pinnacle of their Scouting experience.
Northern Tier
Location: Boundary Waters, Minnesota/Canada
Paddle through pristine wilderness lakes in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Quetico Provincial Park. This water-based adventure takes crews through some of North America's most beautiful canoe country.
Activities include: Wilderness canoeing, portaging, fishing, wildlife viewing, camping on remote islands, navigation by map and compass, and experiencing true backcountry solitude.
Crews travel 50-100 miles over 7-10 days, portaging between pristine lakes. You'll develop paddling skills, learn to read weather, and experience the serene beauty of the North Woods. Perfect for Scouts who love water sports and wilderness.
Sea Base
Location: Florida Keys & Caribbean
Experience sailing, scuba diving, and marine adventure in the crystal-clear waters of the Florida Keys, Bahamas, or U.S. Virgin Islands. Sea Base offers multiple programs from sailing adventures to SCUBA certification.
Activities include: Sailing, SCUBA diving, snorkeling, fishing, marine biology, coral reef exploration, island camping, and sailing to remote destinations across the Caribbean.
Programs range from week-long sailing expeditions aboard 40-foot sailboats to SCUBA adventure programs with reef diving and wreck exploration. Live aboard and learn seamanship, navigation, and marine science while exploring tropical paradise.
Summit Bechtel Reserve
Location: Glen Jean, West Virginia
The Summit is Scouting America's newest high-adventure base, featuring world-class action sports facilities. Experience BMX biking, skateboarding, zip-lining, rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and shooting sports on a state-of-the-art campus.
The Summit also hosts the National Scout Jamboree every four years, bringing together thousands of Scouts from across the nation and around the world for an unforgettable week of adventure, learning, and friendship.
Our Adventure Legacy
Over our 60+ year history, Troop 1128 has conducted numerous high adventure trips across North America and beyond. Our Scouts have experienced:
- Philmont Scout Ranch (New Mexico)
- Northern Tier - St. Croix (Minnesota/Canada canoeing)
- Sea Base / Florida Sea Base (Florida Keys sailing/SCUBA)
- Yellowstone National Park
- Wind River Mountains, Wyoming (backpacking)
- Pamlico Sound (sea kayaking)
- Alaska
- Costa Rica
- Salmon River, Idaho (white water rafting)
- Eagle Cap, Oregon (backpacking)
- Canadian Rockies (ice climbing/backpacking)
- Pacific Northwest
- Local High Adventure (Pennsylvania/West Virginia)
National & World Jamborees
Scouting's largest gatherings bring together thousands of Scouts for adventure, friendship, and international brotherhood:
- National Jamboree: July 2026 - Summit Bechtel Reserve, West Virginia
- World Jamboree: July 2027 - Poland
Join the Adventure
Ready to experience the great outdoors with Troop 1128? Check out our calendar for upcoming trips and events, or visit us at aTroop meeting.
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