BSA Swamp Base

Live look into a gear shakedown with Scouts from the Three Fires Council, Scouting America in Illinois. These Scouts and leaders begin their trek tomorrow morning. 🐊

As you’ve already met our returning staff members, we’d like to introduce our first year Trek Guides!

Meet Sam! Sam was a previous participant in 2024! Coming all the way from Washington, Missouri, he brings tons of positive energy and enthusiasm to our program. We’re happy to have him on the team!

Have a great first trek Sam! 🛶

Our first two crews of the summer are officially on the trail this morning!

We’re welcoming a crew from the Cornhusker Council, Scouting America in Nebraska and the Grand Canyon Council, Scouting America in Arizona.

Over the next 5 days and 4 nights, these Scouts and leaders will paddle 61.6-miles through an environment they know little about—challenging their preconceived notions of the flora, fauna, and people. We’re looking forward to hearing their newfound opinions and stories of the swamp.

Have a great trek, y’all!

"Today begins the first day of our 14th summer of high adventure treks through the Atchafalaya Swamp. Where has the time gone?! Over the next eight weeks, Scouts from 19 different states will descend on Louisiana to face their fears, test their skills, and ultimately realize that the challenge of a Swamp Base trek is far more than simply paddling 61.6-miles.... It's about supporting others, seeing the world with new eyes, and growing as a person.

As we reflect on how far we've come since our first crews arrived in 2013, I know that we'd never be able to make the positive impact we have, without our incredible professional staff, the countless summer staffers that simply wanted to "get paid to paddle," our incredible volunteers and board members, the support of the Evangeline Area Council, and of course, the Scouts and leaders that have accepted a personal challenge to see if they have what it takes to conquer the swamp.

Thank you to all of you for being open-minded, open-hearted, and open for an adventure experience that you'll never forget!"

Yours in High Adventure,
Ben Pierce, Executive Director

What an incredible departure ceremony with our trek guides last night!

They spoke about the experience of Staff Week, both the struggles and the successes. They shared a common excitement for serving youth and introducing them to Louisiana’s majestic swamp environment, but most importantly they complimented each other. Though they won’t all paddle together again, the bonds which were formed during their training will uplift them through this summer and beyond….

They understand their “why,” and we couldn’t be more proud.

Happy National Alligator Day, from Gumbo and the entire Swamp Base team!!! 🐊