Camp Barstow High Adventure Information

Island War Canoe Trek || Lake Murray Sailing Adventure


Island War Canoe Trek


Overview: This program started in 2005 and has run successfully for the past several years. It consists of twelve individuals canoeing around Lake Murray in one of two Indian War Canoes. Upon arrival at Camp Barstow preparations begin immediately for this five day trek across the lake; it starts with swim checks and gear packing along with food selection and deciding as a group the trail across the lake that will be taken on the trip. The group will get a good nights rest and head out for the open waters of Lake Murray bright and early Monday morning only to return to Camp Barstow late Friday afternoon. During the trek participants will cook their own meals, camp in primitive settings, and learn how to operate as a team while canoeing across the vast wilderness of Lake Murray. This adventure is fun for all Scouts and Leaders ages 13 and up, it promises to be an adventure that will not soon be forgotten by Scouts, Leaders, or the staff that accompanies this Island War Canoe Adventure Trek. Participants will qualify for the 50-miler Award.


Canoe Slide

Pictured left you see some of the participants of the Island War Canoe Trek sliding down the belly of the canoe, having some fun.

Requirements: Each Group must meet the following requirements for the trek to be able to take place and be safe while on the trek.


  1. Two Adult Leaders
  2. One Scout Lifeguard
  3. Everyone must pass their Swim Check
  4. Only Scouts ages 13 and up
  5. Follow Safe Swim Defense
  6. Follow Safety Afloat
  7. Be proficient in Canoeing skills
  8. Have an understanding of the Leave No Trace Principles
  9. Be proficient in primitive camping

Trek Capacity: Each group must have the following numbers for the trek to take place. Since there are two War Canoes at Camp Barstow we can run a maximum of two crews through this program each week. This High Adventure Program is offered during normal operations of the Indian Waters Councils Summer Camp Program.



*Trek capacities are limited to 10 youth (max) or 6 youth (min) to allow for the 2 required adults and the required staff member(s) to be on board the boat(s).


Equipment and Clothing: This equipment list is based upon previous trek members and other qualified staff members and it is only a suggestion as to what the group or individual may want to bring. If any group or individual has special needs we can work to accommodate those needs. These are individual items only; group items will be taken care of at Camp prior to departure.


  1. Sleeping
    • Sleeping bag in waterproof bag
    • Foam sleeping pad
    • Tent
  2. Packing
    • Internal/External Frame Backpack
    • Waterproof bags (2 or 3)
    • 12-24 Zip Lock bags
  3. Clothing
  4. Layer A (Paddling Clothes)
    • Closed toe shoes
    • 3 pairs heavy socks
    • 3 pair inner socks (polypro)
    • 3 changes underwear
    • 2 hiking shorts
    • 2 short sleeve shirts (not nylon)
    • 1 hat or cap-flexible, with brim
    • Bathing suit
  5. Layer B (Cool Day/Evening)
    • 1 long sleeve shirt
    • 1 long pants (NO JEANS!)
    • 1 pair quick dry underwear (under armour works great)
  6. Layer C (Wet, Cold, Windy)
    • 1 rain coat (NO PONCHOS!)
  7. Eating
    • 1 cup (Sierra Cup works great)
    • 1 spoon
    • 3 or 4 one quart water bottles
  8. Personal and Miscellaneous
    • Small pocketknife
    • Flashlight (small with extra batteries)
    • Compass (liquid-filled)
    • 2 bandannas or handkerchiefs
    • Lip balm (chap stick)
    • Toothbrush/toothpaste
    • Deodorant
    • Mosquito spray
    • Small camp trowel
    • Tampons/sanitary napkins
    • Sunscreen at least 15 SPF
    • Sunglasses
  9. Optional Items
    • Camera and film
    • Whistle
    • Watch
    • Fishing equipment (only if hold a licenses)
    • Note pad and pen
    • Crazy creek seat

NO RADIOS, CD/MP3 PLAYERS, IPODS, VIDEO GAME DEVICES, HAMMOCKS, OR CELL PHONES.


Pictured right, is one of the many sunsets that the Island War Canoe Trekers witnessed while canoeing around Lake Murray in a giant War Canoe.

Canoe Slide

Leadership: Your adventure experience will be under the leadership of a pair of Camp Barstow High Adventure Staff Members. They are skilled in both conservation and wilderness survival techniques. They will meet you when you arrive at Camp Barstow to check in at the Camp Office prior to 6:00pm on the day your Adventure Trek is to begin. These staff members will assist you in planning and carrying out your Adventure Trek.

Code of Conduct: Participants are expected to follow the CAMP BARSTOW CODE OF CONDUCT printed within this Leaders Guide, found HERE. Also, due to the nature of the program, it is necessary for you to be in attendance for the full period that you sign up for.


Insurance: The Boy Scouts of America carries accident and sickness insurance coverage for Camp Barstow participants from the time they leave home until they return. This policy is secondary to a family policy that might be in effect. The name and policy number of your family’s insurance needs to be on the form.


Medical Form: BRING YOUR COMPLETED MEDICAL FORM TO CAMP BARSTOW!! Do not mail it in with any of your information. If you arrive at Camp Barstow without a Class 3 physical Form, there will be a fee charged and it will delay your departure or could possibly cause you not to be allowed to participate in the program. Ensure that your parent’s signature as well as your insurance information is on the medical record.


Campsite

Pictured left you see some of the participants of the Island War Canoe Trek setting up their campsite and preparing for another night on Lake Murray.

Cost and Payment: Participant cost (including adults) for this program is $225.00. A deposit of $50.00 is due by January 15th. The remaining balance is to be paid in $75.00 increments due on the 15th of each month (so if you pay the $50.00 on Jan. 15th the first payment of $75.00 is due Feb. 15th, the second on March 15th, an so on until the balance is paid in full). Participant costs are to be paid in full no later than May 15th. You may cancel your intentions at any time until May 15th at which time the money will be non-refundable, but transferable to another Scout; cancelations prior to May 15th will be guaranteed a full refund.


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Lake Murray Sailing Advenutre


Overview: This program started in 2008 and ran successfully last summer. It consists of 8 individuals sailing around Lake Murray in a racing Sail Boat. Upon arrival at Camp Barstow preparations begin immediately for this five day trek across the lake; it starts with swim checks and gear packing along with food selection and deciding as a group the trail across the lake that will be taken on the trip. The group will get a good nights rest and head out for the open waters of Lake Murray bright and early Monday morning only to return to Camp Barstow late Friday afternoon. During the trek participants will cook their own meals, camp in the Sail Boat, learn how to operate as a team while sailing across the vast wilderness of Lake Murray, and learn the ins and outs of open water sailing. This adventure is fun for all Scouts and Leaders ages 16 and up, it promises to be an adventure that will not soon be forgotten by Scouts, Leaders, or the staff that accompanies this Sailing Adventure Trek. Participants will qualify for the 50-miler Award.


Requirements: Each Group must meet the following requirements for the trek to be able to take place and be safe while on the trek.


  1. Two Adult Leaders
  2. One Scout Lifeguard
  3. Everyone must pass their Swim Check
  4. Only Scouts ages 16 and up
  5. Follow Safe Swim Defense
  6. Follow Safety Afloat
  7. Be proficient in how to tie knots
  8. Have an understanding of the Leave No Trace Principles

Trek Capacity: Each group must have the following numbers for the trek to take place. Since there is only one Sail Boat at Camp Barstow we can currently only run one crew through this program each week. This High Adventure Program is offered during normal operations of the Indian Waters Councils Summer Camp Program.



Equipment and Clothing: This equipment list is based upon previous trek members and other qualified staff members and it is only a suggestion as to what the group or individual may want to bring. If any group or individual has special needs we can work to accommodate those needs. These are individual items only; group items will be taken care of at Camp prior to departure.


  1. Sleeping
    • Sleeping bag in waterproof bag
  2. Packing
    • Waterproof bags (2 or 3)
    • 12-24 Zip Lock bags
  3. Clothing
  4. Layer A (Paddling Clothes)
    • Closed toe shoes
    • 3 pairs heavy socks
    • 3 pair inner socks (polypro)
    • 3 changes underwear
    • 2 hiking shorts
    • 2 short sleeve shirts (not nylon)
    • 1 hat or cap-flexible, with brim
    • Bathing suit
    • Sturdy Gloves
  5. Layer B (Cool Day/Evening)
    • 1 long sleeve shirt
    • 1 long pants (NO JEANS!)
    • 1 pair quick dry underwear (under armour works great)
    • Layer C (Wet, Cold, Windy)
    • 1 rain coat (NO PONCHOS!)
  6. Eating
    • 1 cup (Sierra Cup works great)
    • 1 spoon
    • 3 or 4 one quart water bottles
  7. Personal and Miscellaneous
    • Small pocketknife
    • Flashlight (small with extra batteries)
    • Compass (liquid-filled)
    • 2 bandannas or handkerchiefs
    • Lip balm (chap stick)
    • Toothbrush/toothpaste
    • Deodorant
    • Mosquito spray
    • Small camp trowel
    • Tampons/sanitary napkins
    • Sunscreen at least 15 SPF
    • Sunglasses
  8. Optional Items
    • Camera and film
    • Whistle
    • Watch
    • Fishing equipment (only if hold a licenses)
    • Note pad and pen
    • Crazy creek seat

NO RADIOS, CD/MP3 PLAYERS, IPODS, VIDEO GAME DEVICES, OR CELL PHONES.


Leadership: Your adventure experience will be under the leadership of a pair of Camp Barstow High Adventure Staff Members. They are skilled in both conservation and wilderness survival techniques. They will meet you when you arrive at Camp Barstow to check in at the Camp Office prior to 6:00pm on the day your Adventure Trek is to begin. These staff members will assist you in planning and carrying out your Adventure Trek.


Code of Conduct: Participants are expected to follow the CAMP BARSTOW CODE OF CONDUCT printed within this years Leaders Guide, found HERE. Also, due to the nature of the program, it is necessary for you to be in attendance for the full period that you sign up for.


Insurance: The Boy Scouts of America carries accident and sickness insurance coverage for Camp Barstow participants from the time they leave home until they return. This policy is secondary to a family policy that might be in effect. The name and policy number of your family’s insurance needs to be on the form.


Medical Form: BRING YOUR COMPLETED MEDICAL FORM TO CAMP BARSTOW!! Do not mail it in with any of your information. If you arrive at Camp Barstow without a Class 3 physical Form, there will be a fee charged and it will delay your departure or could possibly cause you not to be allowed to participate in the program. Ensure that your parent’s signature as well as your insurance information is on the medical record.


Cost and Payment: Participant cost (including adults) for this program is $225.00. A deposit of $50.00 is due by January 15th. The remaining balance is to be paid in $75.00 increments due on the 15th of each month (so if you pay the $50.00 on Jan. 15th the first payment of $75.00 is due Feb. 15th, the second on March 15th, an so on until the balance is paid in full). Participant costs are to be paid in full no later than May 15th. You may cancel your intentions at any time until May 15th at which time the money will be non-refundable, but transferable to another Scout; cancelations prior to May 15th will be guaranteed a full refund.


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Revised 7/16/2008



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