Rugged Explorers

Register today for Rugged Explorers!

In Rugged Explorers, your adventure will start the moment you set foot on Catalina Island.  Orientation and team-building activities begin your week as you and your fellow Explorers divide yourselves into boat crews.  You will pour over maps and find your location using your GPS as you plan out the week's activities. 

Your adventures will range from practicing advanced route-finding techniques as you lead your crew to one of the highest peaks on Catalina Island, to flying down hill on our mountain bikes.  You will kayak and you will cook.  You will sleep under the stars and explore sea caves that only open overnight when the tide is at its lowest. You will be rewarded with close friends and breathtaking scenery.  You will explore your limits, and leadership's limitless possibilities. 

At some point you will find yourself leader of the day.  You will be assisted by our veteran staff to make decisions based on the Scout Oath and Law, whether that means putting together the logistics for your overnight war canoe trip to a deserted beach, or making a dive plan and loading fresh batteries into your dive lights for your night snorkel.  Your ability to lead your peers will be honed using our groundbreaking ethical-decision making curriculum to accomplish the week's activities.

Given the rugged nature of the Explorers program, it is important that all participants arrive in good physical condition.  Your week on Catalina will be full of activities that are likely to tire even the strongest participant at some point.  Be sure to prepare appropriately.  While most of the gear will be provided for your experience, there are many important personal items you must bring.  Please be sure to pay attention to the required and recommended items in the "What to Bring" section of this website.

Difficulty

Rugged Explorers is a physical and mental challenge designed for older Scouts.  Participants will need to be able to hike, bicycle, kayak, and canoe for several hours at a time.  It is likely that everyone will struggle at some point during their week, and often those who struggle the most gain the most from their experience.  That being said, a moderate level of fitness is required of anyone wishing to participate in Rugged Explorers.

Age Requirement

Participants in Rugged Explorers must be 14 years old by September 1st of the year they wish to participate.