2017
Leader’s Guide
www.tetonbsa.org
Great Salt Lake Council
Boy Scouts of America
Welcome to the Teton High Adventure Base
Located near famous Jackson Hole, Wyoming, the Teton High Adventure Base is one of
the nation's premiere high adventure bases. For over 40 years, it has provided adventure in
some of America's most picturesque settings.
The 20-acre base is located one mile south of Hoback Junction and 13 miles south of
Jackson, Wyoming. It overlooks the mighty Snake River and is surrounded by the BridgerTeton National Forest at an altitude of nearly 6,000 feet above sea level.
PARTICIPANTS
This camp is designed for youth groups and their leaders. It is perfect for the older boys in
Scout Troops, Varsity Teams, and Venturing Crews. We have also been serving Co-Ed
youth groups and their leaders for decades. Participants must be at least age 13 by
September 1 of the season they attend.
HISTORY
Started in the summer of 1959 and originally called the Teton Explorer Canoe Base, it was
outfitted for three-day, two-night, 70-mile canoe trips through the Jackson Hole on the
Snake River. In the late 70s, it was changed to the Teton High Adventure Base and
included rafting, backpacking and Yellowstone trips. Program is now expanded to threeday programs using 2 full-day options and 11 half-day options or four-day backpacking and
Yellowstone trips.
Participants can custom-build their program choices for their three- or six-day stay. They
choose experiences like whitewater rafting, whitewater canoeing, scenic rafting, high-wire
COPE course challenges, pistol shooting, biking, and hiking. We provide the equipment,
transportation, guides, food, and facilities to make your experience memorable.
CONTACT US
Summer
Teton High Adventure Base
11750 S. Hwy 89
Jackson, WY 83001
(307) 733-8242
[email protected]
Off-Season
Teton High Adventure Base
525 Foothill Blvd
Salt Lake City, UT 84113
(801) 582-3663
(801) 582-7401 fax
[email protected]
Camp Fees
$100 per unit non-refundable deposit is due at registration. Your deposit will be applied to the
final payment. If you are booking a group of 50 or more, your deposit must be 50% of your base
fee.
$130 base camp fee per person (includes food and lodging)
● 50% payment is due March 1. Reservations made after this date will be required to make
this payment at the time of registration.
● Balance is due April 15.
ACTIVITIES
You have five activity periods during your stay at camp. A half-day activity occupies one period. A
full-day activity occupies two activity periods.
Half-Day Activities
 Wilson Canoeing ($15 per person)
 King Canoeing ($15 per person)
 SUP Southpark Adventure ($15 per person)
 Whitewater Rafting ($55 per person, Second Trip $40 per person)
 Grand Teton National Park Scenic Float ($50 per person)
 COPE Low Course ($15 per person)
 Bridger Teton Mountain Biking ($15 per person)
 Road Biking, Grand Teton Ntl. Park ($15 per person)
 Downhill Mountain Biking ($95 per person)
 Pistol Shooting ($20 per person)
 Five-Stand Shotgun Shooting ($25 per person)
Full-Day Activities
 COPE Low and High Course ($25 per person)
 Grand Targee Mountain Biking ($35 per person)
Refund Policy:
1. A unit deposit fee for the base camp ($100) or per person deposit fee for backcountry treks
($50) is not refundable under any circumstance.
2. Camp fees are transferable to another camp within the same year, up to the time of camp.
NO fees are transferable to any other year.
3. Cancellations or refunds requested prior to May 31 will be refunded at 100% less any
applicable deposit. Cancellations or refunds requested after May 31 will be refunded at 50%
less the deposit until the Friday prior to your first day of camp. No refunds will be granted
thereafter except in exceptional, emergency situations. Please note that family vacations,
sport camps and other like activities are not exceptional circumstances.
4. “No shows” (units or individuals) are not eligible for a refund. After spending a day in camp,
a camper is not eligible for a refund except for illness/injury, or death in the family. A
camper asked to leave camp by the Camp Administration due to discipline is not eligible for
a refund.
5. One week prior to camp activity fees are NON refundable.
6. Due to administrative costs, we will not issue refunds for less than $25.00.
7. Requests for refunds must be in writing using the Refund Request Form. Refund requests
for units prior to camp will be handled in the service center by the Director of Camping
and/or the Camp Desk Personnel until the Friday prior to your first day of camp.
Preparing for Camp
The success or failure of your group’s experience depends largely on your preparation. We suggest
the following steps as a guide for your camp preparation.
■ 180 to 360 days
 Make reservations and deposits.
 Parents informed of cost and fee deadlines.
■ 60 to 90 days
 Final fees collected and paid by May 1st.
 Unit committee and leadership meet to
review:
o camp information
o Guide to Safe Scouting
o transportation plan and commitments
from drivers
o commitments from adult leaders and
parents who will provide leadership
o equipment needs
o projected attendance
o youth who are meeting money
deadlines
The Guide to Safe Scouting
As an important part of your preparation, you
must consult the Guide to Safe Scouting
available at your local council service center.
This handbook contains all BSA policies
regarding adult leadership, youth protection,
transportation, high adventure, and other
activities. Groups must comply with these
guidelines while en route to and while at
camp. In particular, please note that in order
to file a tour plan, you must:



Have a minimum of two adult
leaders.
Have at least one adult trained in
Youth Protection guidelines.
Meet all transportation guidelines,
including the use of seatbelts.
Certify that the tour leader has a
copy of and has read the Guide to
Safe Scouting.
■ 30 to 60 days

 Youth receive a list of equipment they should
bring to camp.
 Parents receive final information about camp,
including departure time and location, permission slips, etc.
 Swim check verification conducted with all participants, youth and adult.
■ 0 to 30 days
 Tour plan filed with and approved by local council office if needed.
 Transportation and leadership for camp confirmed.
 Unit shakedown inspection of youth’s equipment to make sure they are prepared for camp.
BEFORE LEAVING, MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE FOLLOWING:
 A valid tour plan. (Filed with and approved by your local council office).
 The Annual Health and Medical Record completed for every youth and leader.
 Signed parental permission slips for youth who will participate in whitewater.
 A signed insurance verification form certifying that your unit is covered by accident
insurance. (We have a blanket policy on file for all troops sponsored by the LDS Church.
These troops do not need to submit this form).
 A completed participant roster with swim check verification.
 All outstanding fees paid.
Program Schedules
Program Options
FULL-DAY
C.O.P.E. Low & High Course
Project COPE is an acronym for Challenging
Outdoor Personal Experience. It comprises a
series of outdoor challenges, beginning with basic
group initiative games and progressing to more
complicated low course and high-course activities.
Some of these events involve a group effort,
whereas others test individual skills and agility.
Participants climb, swing, balance, jump and think
through solutions to a variety of challenges.
Conclude the high-course with a 500’ zip line!
Grand Targhee Mountain Biking
Spend a full day riding single track at beautiful
Grand Targhee resort. As an option, units can
purchase a lift pass to give you access to the
downhill rides for an additional fee. Enjoy your
sack lunch at Grand Targhee and return back to
base camp by dinner time. Helmets, bikes, and
sack lunches are provided. Bring your own
adrenaline! This activity can handle up to 20
participants each day. (Be sure to bring your own
all about. This activity includes ground and lowcourse event activities, not high-wire events or zip
line.
King Canoeing
Challenge the waves and get wet by paddling
through rapids like King, Roller Coaster, and Red
Moose. Groups canoe along 10 miles of the Snake
River through the Bridger-Teton National Forest.
You must be a swimmer and have the canoeing
merit badge or its equivalent to participate. Rapids
experience along this trip hover around Class II.
Whitewater Rafting
Test your mettle against eight miles of Class III
rapids like Lunch Counter and The Big Kahuna
deep in the famous Snake River Canyon with
Teton Whitewater! With guides that are both
expert and personable, you are sure to have a
great and memorable time, and want to come
back again and again. This activity can handle up
to 48 participants in each activity period. Groups
can do a second trip for a discounted rate.
water)
HALF-DAY
Mountain Biking
Explore the backcountry of the Bridger-Teton
National Forest. Trails are easy to moderate.
Helmets, and bikes are provided. Bring your own
adrenaline!
Wilson Canoeing
This trip is not for the faint of heart! Challenge 20
miles of the winding Snake River through Jackson
Hole. Paddle your way through the beautiful valley
as you and your partner try to stay afloat in a 15foot aluminum canoe. You must be a swimmer
and have the canoeing merit badge or its
equivalent to participate.
Jackson Hole Downhill Mountain Biking
If you feel the need for speed, this activity will
have your heart pumping around every corner and
over every jump. The fee covers the rental of full
body protection, full suspension downhill bike, lift
ticket and guide provided by Jackson Hole
Mountain Resort. You and your scouts will not
forget this activity for years to come. This activity
can handle up to 20 participants in each activity
period.
C.O.P.E. Low Course
Although better suited for a full day, this event can
give groups a taste of what COPE challenges are
Teton Park Scenic Rafting
Cameras and sunscreen are a must. Spend a halfday on a scenic trip and float the winding Snake
River through Grand Teton National Park. You’ll
have many photo opportunities at the base of the
majestic Teton Mountain Range. There is a great
chance of seeing wildlife like bison, moose, elk
and bald eagles. Teton Whitewater has a great
selection of guides to make this a trip you’ll never
forget. NOTE: This is not a swimming and water
fighting trip as all participants are required to
remain in the boat during the float! This activity
can handle up to 36 participants in each activity
period.
SUP South Park Float
Experience Stand Up Paddle Boards for an
afternoon on the beautiful Snake River. Float the
Snake River from South Park to base camp. You
must be a swimmer to participate in this event.
This is a bit more advanced Stand Up Paddle
Board adventure. This activity can handle up to 8
participants in each activity period.
Pistol Shooting
Test your shooting skills with our Ruger .22caliber revolvers at the beautiful Jackson Hole
Gun Club. Enjoy a half-day of shooting in the
.22 bay at the gun club. This activity can handle
up to 20 participants in each activity period and
we only offer 2 periods per session. NOTE:
Youth must be registered as a Venturing Scout
to participate in this event!
Road Biking
Enjoy an exhilarating half-day road ride along
the beautiful Grand Teton National Park.
Experience the scenic views as you make your
way from Moose Junction to Jenny Lake and
back. Helmets, bikes are provided. Come ready
for an amazing ride. This activity can handle up
to 12 participants in each activity period.
Yellowstone Trekking
Bechler Backpacking
Enjoy the beauty and surroundings of the Bechler Trail as you cross one of the parks major
migration areas. Spend 4 days and 3 nights visiting each of the thirteen waterfalls and then take
a break in one of the many hot springs along the trail. Capacity for this trek is 2 groups per session
with 11 participants and 1 guide per group (22 total participants + 2 guides). The groups camp
and travel separately, but may have some time for interaction during the day on the trail.
Black Canyon (aka Hells Roaring) Backpacking
Are you an avid fisherman? Do you want to learn how to fly fish? This might be the trek for you.
Spend four days and three nights hiking along the Hell’s Roaring area practicing your fishing
skills. Those not interested in fishing can enjoy the trails into remote parts of the park as well.
Capacity for this trek is 2 groups per session with 7 participants and 1 guide in each group (14
total participants + 2 guides). The groups camp and travel separately, but may have some time
for interaction during the day on the trail.
Lamar Backpacking
Are you looking for one of the best wildlife hikes ever? Do you want to see a Grizzly Bear or a
Wolf? This might be the trek for you. Spend four days and three nights hiking along the Lamar
River in Eastern Yellowstone. Capacity for this trek is 2 groups per session with 11 participants
and 1 guide in each group (22 total participants + 2 guides). The groups camp and travel
separately, but may have some time for interaction during the day on the trail.
Shoshone Lake Expedition
See the backcountry of Yellowstone National Park as you canoe from Lewis Lake to Shoshone
Lake. Spend 4 days and 3 nights fishing, hiking, and canoeing in the heart of Yellowstone.
Capacity for this trek is 2 groups/session with 7 participants and 1 guide per group (14 total
participants + 2 guides). The groups camp and travel separately, but may have some time for
interaction during the day on the trail.
General Information
Swimmer Test
If your group will be canoeing, this required
test must be done before coming to camp.
The Snake River has strong currents and
ranges from 40 - 60 degrees. The swimmer
test demonstrates the minimum level of
swimming ability required for safe deep-water
swimming. The various components of the
test evaluate the several skills essential to
this minimum level of swimming ability:
Jump feet first into water over your head in
depth. Swim 75 yards in a strong manner
using one or more of the following strokes:
sidestroke, breaststroke, trudgen, or crawl;
then swim 25 yards using an easy, resting
backstroke. The 100 yards must be swum
continuously and include at least one sharp
turn. After completing the swim, rest by
floating. Must be done prior to coming to
camp.
The test administrator must objectively
evaluate the individual performance of the
test, and in so doing should keep in mind the
purpose of each test element.
Canoeing Skill Level
Our canoe trips are for experienced
canoeists. Moving water creates dangers not
inherent with still water activities. Participants
must have basic knowledge and skills in
canoe handling. They can display this
knowledge by having earned the canoeing
merit badge or equivalent prior to camp and
demonstrating to their leader.
Housing
We have two kinds of housing at the base:
bunkhouses that hold 12 people and 4-person
Spring bar tents. We cannot guarantee a
specific form of housing. Based upon the size
of all the groups arriving and who fits where,
we will make housing assignments and have
them ready for you upon arrival.
Please leave no trace during your
stay. Individuals or groups will be held
accountable for the repair or replacement of
property willfully or intentionally damaged.
Property includes all housing and program
equipment.
Trading Post
We do have a trading post at camp with
clothing, swimsuits, sunscreen, snacks, etc.
Bring some extra cash for things you forgot or
want to buy and take home. We also accept
checks and Visa/MasterCard/Amex/Discover.
Food
Meals are prepared and served in the dining
hall. Breakfast is at 8:00 am. Lunch is at 1:00
pm. Dinner is at 6:00 pm. If you have guests
coming just for meals the cost is $5.00 per
meal. Please let us know at check in if you
are planning on guests. Our menu is
approved by a registered dietician and is
designed specifically for teenage youth
involved in our rigorous outdoor activities. If
you have special dietary needs please
contact us in advance so we can provide a
copy of our menu so you will know what
supplemental items to bring. know so we can
try to accommodate you. Groups are
assigned to a meal for “KP” to help with basic
cleaning in the dining hall following each
meal.
Fishing
There are great fishing opportunities along
the Snake River near the base for native
cutthroat trout. Fishing licenses can be
purchased at the Hoback Store (one mile
from camp). Non-resident licenses are
currently $14 per day. For current Wyoming
fishing regulations, check their proclamation.
If you are going into Yellowstone National
Park you can pick up your fishing permits
when we take you to the park at the start of
your trip. The park uses its own fishing permit:
currently a $15 three-day permit for ages 16
and older.
Weather
Summer weather in Jackson Hole includes
frozen grass at sunrise, snow squalls in July,
sun burning afternoon heat, and strong
canyon winds. Luckily most of the time, it is
absolutely gorgeous! Evenings are cool,
especially in June. If you are coming in early
summer, you should bring warm clothing.
Dressing in layers is always best. Activities
cancelled due to weather are not refundable.
Evening Activities
Life at the base offers a variety of activities in
the evening. Your unit can enjoy volleyball,
basketball, fishing, horseshoes, football,
ultimate Frisbee, soccer, or a rousing game of
GaGa ball. Many groups take an evening and
drive into historic Jackson, Wyoming – 13
miles from the base. You may also hold your
own “fireside” in our amphitheater. Reserved on a
first come first serve basis.
Fire Policy
Due to the dry conditions of the council
properties and surrounding USFS, private and
BLM lands, all properties owned and operated
by the Great Salt Lake Council, BSA, have
adopted the following policy:
Open flame fires are prohibited.
Commercially manufactured cooking stoves
supervised by an adult 21 years of age or
older may be used for cooking only. Charcoal
briquettes are prohibited. Activities or use of
products with the potential of causing a fire
are also prohibited.
This is the standing policy of the Great Salt
Lake Council. Please check the camping desk
at the council service center for the latest
conditions. Units camping on Forest Service,
BLM, National Parks or other governmentcontrolled properties must abide by that
agency’s fire restrictions and/or guidelines.
Units camping on private land must abide by
local and state mandated fire restrictions. In
the event there are no restrictions, units are to
adhere to the above stated Great Salt Lake
Council’s fire policy on these properties as
well.
Lost & Found
All lost and found items will be collected at the
camp office. Items not claimed will be at the
Council Service Center until August 31. After
that, all remaining items will be donated to
charity.
Pistol Shooting
Our Pistol Shooting option is allowed in the
Guide to Safe Scouting only for youth
registered with the BSA as a Venturer in a
Venturing Crew (ages 14 – 20). Varsity
Scouts wanting to participate in pistol
shooting need to also be registered as a
Venturer. There is no fee for this additional
registration if they are already currently
registered in Scouting.
Risk Standards
Please review with your adults and youth the
pages in the guide titled Health & Medical
Standards. High adventure activities have
height and weight guidelines. The Great Salt
Lake Council has determined that anyone
who exceeds this limit is at an extreme risk for
health problems and will be ineligible to
participate in certain programs. Those who
exceed these limits may be able to participate
in rafting and/or other activities that are within
the ability of the camp to provide.
Forms, Forms, and Forms
As mentioned previously, you will need to submit several forms. Here is a brief description
of the forms you need for camp. A copy of these forms can be found in this Leader’s Guide.
At check-in please combine all like forms together; all medical forms together, consent
forms together, etc.
TOUR PLAN – We strongly recommend that you use the online Tour &
Activity Plan tool to prepare for camp
MEDICAL FORM – Each youth and adult attending camp must have a
completed medical form (sections A, B, & C) signed by a doctor. The
physical exam must have occurred within 12 months of your attendance
and any updated information noted on the exam form.
VERIFICATION OF ACCIDENT INSURANCE – Each unit must provide its own
accident insurance. In most cases, this will be a secondary policy to that of the youth’s own
family. Groups who do not have accident insurance may choose to purchase the BSA
Accident Insurance. (Contact your council office for information.)
Groups sponsored by the LDS Church do NOT need to submit this form as
blanket policy on file.
we have a
WHITEWATER PERMISSION SLIPS – For insurance reasons, permission
is required from parents or guardians for those going whitewater rafting with
our partner company, Teton Whitewater, LLC.
SWIM CHECK VERIFICATION & CAMP ROSTER – Each group must
provide a roster listing each participant’s name, address, birth date, and zip
code. If your group will be canoeing, this required BSA Swimmer test must
be done before coming to camp.
Teton High Adventure Base
Swim Check Verification & Camp Roster
Unit #
District
Camp Date
Leader
Name
Council
Phone
Address
Zip
Birth Date
Date Completed
Swim Check
I certify the individuals listed above have completed the BSA Swim Check, the test was conducted on the
dates listed and were conducted by (print name of person conducting the tests)
_____________________________________________________________________
Attested to by: __________________________________ (signature of the Unit Leader)
Teton Whitewater Participation Agreement
In consideration of the services of Teton Whitewater, LLC, their officers, agents, employees, and all
other persons or entities associated with those businesses (hereinafter collectively referred to as “TW”), I
agree as follows:
Although TW has taken reasonable steps to provide you with appropriate equipment and skilled
guides so you can enjoy an activity for which you may not be skilled, we wish to remind you this activity is not
without risk. Certain risks cannot be eliminated without destroying the unique character of this activity. The
same elements that contribute to the unique character of this activity can be causes of loss or damage to your
equipment, accidental injury or illness, or, in extreme cases, permanent trauma or death. We do not want to
frighten you or reduce your enthusiasm for this activity, but we do think it is important for you to know in
advance what to expect and to be informed of the inherent risks. The following describes some, but not all, of
those risks:
Whitewater rapids will be encountered. I can be jolted, jarred, bounced, thrown to and fro, and
shaken about during rides through some of these rapids. It is possible that I could be injured if I come in
contact with food boxes, other storage containers, or other fixed equipment necessary to the operation of the
expedition and the outfitting of the raft. Rafts could be “washed” overboard. Accidents can occur getting on
and off the raft. Rafts are slippery when wet. Exposure to the natural elements can be uncomfortable and/or
harmful. I am aware that this exposure could cause sunburn, dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and
heat cramps. Also, prolonged exposure to cold water can result in hypothermia, and in extreme cases, death
and accidental drowning is also a possibility. Furthermore, TW guides have difficult jobs to perform. They
seek safety, but they are not infallible. They might be unaware of a participant’s fitness or abilities. They might
misjudge the weather, the element, or the terrain. They may give inadequate or warning instructions, and the
equipment being used might malfunction.
I am aware that this activity entails risk of injury or death to myself. I understand that the description
of these risks is not complete, and that other unknown or unanticipated risks may result in injury or death. I
agree to assume responsibility for the risks identified herein and those risks not specifically identified. My
participation in this activity is purely voluntary; no one is forcing me to participate, and I elect to participate in
spite of these risks.
I certify that I am completely capable of participating in this activity. Therefore, I assume full
responsibility for myself, including minor children, for bodily injury, death, and loss of personal property and
expenses thereof as a result of those inherent risks and dangers and of my negligence in participating in this
activity. I have read, understood, and accepted the terms and conditions stated herein and acknowledge that
this agreement shall be effective and binding upon myself, my heirs, assigns, personal representative, estate,
and for all members of my family, including any minors accompanying me. I acknowledge I may not rely on
oral, written, or visual representations or statements made by TW including those made in its brochures or
other promotional material, to include me to participate in this activity.
Each client/participant of the age of 18 or older, please respond below:
Adults 18 & Up
Print Name & Age
Youth and parents sign on reverse side.
Signature
Date
Parents/guardians please print the full name(s) and age(s) of your minor (under 18)
children and any non-related minor(s) traveling in your care or custody, and sign
below.
Youth Under 18 & Guardian
Print Name & Age
Signature of minor
child
Signature of parent or
adult leader they are
traveling with
Verification of Accident Insurance
This certifies that Troop/Team/Crew # ____________ is currently covered by accident
insurance through ____________________________________________________.
(sponsoring organization, i.e. church, club, etc.)
Insurance Company
_________________________________
Policy #
_________________________________
This insurance is effective from ____________________ to ____________________.
Signed
_____________________________
Date ___________________
(religious leader, club president, or group leader)
Position
_____________________________
CAMP HEALTH & ACCIDENT INSURANCE POLICY
Many church organizations that sponsor Scouting have accident policies that cover their
pack/troop/team/crew/post activities year-round.
It is the responsibility of every youth, adult, and unit attending a Great Salt Lake Council
Cub Scout/Boy Scout/Varsity Scout long-term camp or the Teton High Adventure Base to
provide, at their own expense, health and accident medical insurance.
Make sure every youth and adult attending list their personal medical insurance company
and policy number on the Personal Health and Medical Record Class 3 form (physical
form).
Groups sponsored by the LDS Church do NOT need to submit this form as we have a
blanket policy on file.
Health & Medical Risk Standards
Great Salt Lake Council – High Adventure Program
Please review this document with your group.
The Great Salt Lake Council high adventure program has an excellent health and safety
record. More than 70,000 youth and adults have safely attended our camp over the past 40
years. The high adventure program strives to minimize risks to participants and leaders by
emphasizing proper safety precautions. Most participants do not experience injuries
because they are prepared, are conscious of risks, and take safety precautions. If you
decide to attend the high adventure program, you should be physically fit, have proper
clothing and equipment, be willing to follow instructions, work as a team with your group,
and take responsibility for your own health and safety. Like other wilderness activities, the
high adventure program is not risk-free and you should be prepared to listen to safety
instructions carefully, follow directions, and take appropriate steps to safeguard yourself
and others. All participants must qualify by having a complete physical and meet the
standards listed on the following pages.
Parents, guardians and participants are advised that traveling to and from the high
adventure base, and staying at the high adventure base, can involve exposure to
accidents, illness, and/or injury associated with high elevation. This is a physically
demanding, high adventure program in a remote mountainous area. Campers may be
exposed to occasional severe weather conditions such as lightning, hail, flash floods and
heat. Other potential accidents include: injuries from tripping or falling, motor vehicle
accidents, asthma and diabetes-related incidents, heart attacks, heat exhaustion, and falls
from horses.
The staff of the high adventure base is trained in first aid, CPR and accident prevention,
and is prepared to assist in recognizing, reacting, and responding to accidents, injuries and
illness. Each group is also required to have at least one member trained in first aid, CPR,
Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat. Response times can be affected by location,
weather and/or other emergencies and could be delayed for three hours or more.
Great Salt Lake Council – High Adventure Program
Weight Guidelines
Each participant in a Great Salt Lake Council high adventure program trip must meet the
guidelines in the height and weight chart shown below. Those who fall within these
guidelines will be able to have an enjoyable trip and avoid incurring certain potential health
risks.
The right hand column shows the maximum acceptable weight to participate in a high
adventure program trip. Anyone who exceeds this limit is an extreme risk for health
problems and will be ineligible to participate in certain programs. Those who exceed these
limits may be able to participate in rafting and/or other activities that are within the
ability of the camp to provide.
HEIGHT
RECOMMENDED
WEIGHT (lbs)
MAXIMUM
ACCEPTABLE
5'0”
97-138
166
5'1”
101-143
172
5'2”
104-148
178
5'3”
107-152
183
5'4”
111-157
189
5'5”
114-162
195
5'6”
118-167
201
5'7”
121-172
207
5'8”
125-178
214
5'9”
129-185
220
5'10”
132-188
226
5'11”
136-194
233
6'0”
140-199
239
6'1”
144-205
246
6'2”
148-210
252
6'3”
152-216
260
6'4”
156-222
267
6'5”
160-228
274
6'6”
164-234
281
This table is based on the revised Dietary Guidelines for Americans from the U.S.
Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human Services.
RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING CHRONIC ILLNESSES
The Great Salt Lake Council high adventure program requires that this information be shared with the
parent(s) or guardian(s) and examining physicians of every participant. The high adventure base does not
have facilities for extended care or treatment. Therefore, participants who cannot meet these requirements
will be sent home at their expense or placed in programs of a limited nature within the ability of the camp to
provide.
Cardiac or Cardiovascular Disease
Adults or youth who have had any of the following should undergo a thorough evaluation by a physician
before considering participation in the Great Salt Lake Council high adventure program.
1. Angina (chest pain caused by heart or coronary artery disease)
2. Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
3. Surgery or angioplasty for coronary artery disease; surgery to treat congenital heart disease; other
heart surgery
4. Stroke or Transient ischemic attacks
5. Claudication (leg pain with exercise caused by hardening of the arteries)
6. Family history of heart disease under age 50
7. Weight in excess of recommended guidelines
8. Smoking and/or Excessive Weight
The altitude at the high adventure base and the physical exertion involved may precipitate either a heart
attack or stroke in susceptible persons. Participants with a history of any of the 8 conditions listed above
should have a physician-supervised stress test. A thallium stress test is recommended for participants who
have coronary heart disease. Even if the stress test is normal, the results of testing done at lower elevations
and without the stress of the high adventure program do not guarantee safety. If the test results are abnormal,
the individual is advised to not participate.
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
The combination of stress and altitude appears to cause significant increase in blood pressure in some
individuals attending the high adventure program. Occasionally, hypertension reaches such a level that it is
no longer safe to engage in strenuous activity. Hypertension can increase the risk of having a stroke,
developing altitude sickness, or angina. Persons coming to the high adventure base should have a normal
blood pressure (less 135/85). Persons with significant hypertension (greater than 150/95) should be treated
before coming to the high adventure base, and should continue on medications while at the base. The goal of
treatment should be to lower the blood pressure to normal. Persons with mild hypertension (greater than
135/85 but less than 150/95) probably require treatment as well. It is the experience of the high adventure
program medical staff that such individuals often develop significant hypertension when they arrive at the high
adventure base. Participants already on antihypertensive therapy with normal blood pressures should
continue on medications. Diuretic therapy to control hypertension is not recommended because of the risks of
dehydration which exist with strenuous activity at high altitude and low humidity.
Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus
Exercise and the type of food eaten affect insulin requirements. Any individual with insulin-dependent
diabetes mellitus should be able to monitor personal blood glucose and to know how to adjust insulin doses
based on these factors. The diabetic person also should know how to give a self-injection. Both the diabetic
person and one other person in the group should be able to recognize indications of excessively high blood
sugar (hyperglycemia or diabetic ketoacidosis) and to recognize indications of excessively low blood sugar
(hypoglycemia). The diabetic person and one other individual should know the appropriate initial responses
for these conditions. It is recommended that the diabetic person and one other individual carry insulin on the
trip (in case of accident).
A diabetic person who has had frequent hospitalizations for diabetic ketoacidosis or who has had frequent
problems with hypoglycemia should not participate in the high adventure program until better control of the
diabetes has been achieved.
Excessive Body Weight
Any youth or adult who exceeds the maximum weight limits on the high adventure program weight chart is at
risk for health problems and may not be allowed to participate in canoeing and possibly other programs.
Seizures (epilepsy)
A seizure disorder or epilepsy does not exclude an individual from participating in the high adventure
program. However, the seizure disorder should be well controlled by medications. A minimum one-year
seizure-free period is considered to be adequate control. Exceptions to this guideline must be considered by
your physician and be based on the specific type of seizure and the likely risks to the individual and to other
members of the crew. Your physician may place some restrictions on activities (rock climbing, horse riding,
etc.) for those individuals who are approved for participation but whose seizures are incompletely controlled.
Asthma
Individuals must consult with their physician in order to establish “good” control of their asthma. The asthma
should be controlled to essentially normal lung function with the use of oral and/or aerosol bronchodilator. The
patient should bring ample supplies of medication to the high adventure base. Individuals undergoing allergic
desensitization therapy, who require injections while at the high adventure base, should bring and store them
in the camp office on arrival.
Asthmatic individuals whose exercise-induced asthma cannot be prevented with bronchodilator
premedication, individuals requiring systemic corticosteroid therapy and/or who have required multiple
hospitalizations for asthma, should not attempt to participate in the strenuous activities encountered in the
high adventure program. At least one other crew member should know how to recognize an asthma attack,
how to recognize worsening of an attack, and how to administer bronchodilator therapy. Any person who has
required medical treatment for asthma within the past six years must carry a full size prescribed inhaler if that
person is approved to go on a trip. If an inhaler is not brought, it must be purchased while at the high
adventure base.
Recent Orthopedic Surgery
Every High Adventure Program participant will put a great deal of strain on their body, including but not limited
to feet, ankles, and knees. Experience has demonstrated that participants who have had orthopedic surgery
including arthroscopic or other musculoskeletal injuries within the past six months find it difficult or impossible
to negotiate the high adventure program. These problems must be reviewed by your physician to determine if
participation in a trip will be permitted. A person with a cast on any extremity may participate only if approved
by a high adventure program staff member.
Psychological and Emotional Difficulties
A mental disorder does not necessarily exclude an individual from participation. Parents and advisors should
be aware that a high adventure base trip is not designed to assist participants to overcome psychological or
emotional problems. Experience demonstrates that these problems frequently become magnified, not
lessened, when a participant is subjected physically and mentally to a challenging trip at high elevations. Any
condition should be well controlled without the services of a mental health practitioner. Under no circumstance
should medication be stopped immediately prior to a high adventure base trip. Participants requiring
medication must bring an appropriate supply. The nearest mental health support is up to three (3) hours
away.
Medications
Each participant in the high adventure program who has a condition requiring medication should bring an
appropriate supply. The base is not equipped with a pharmacy. In certain circumstances, duplicate or even
triplicate supplies of vital medications are appropriate. People with an allergy to bee, wasp, or hornet stings
must bring an EpiPen or equivalent with them to the high adventure base.