Scouting Grand Slam-Grand Slam!
We know that in baseball terms a grand slam is a home run hit with all three bases occupied by base runners (bases loaded), thereby scoring four runs - the most in one play. In Scouting terms a grand slam is when a scout participates in at least one qualifying adventure at each of our High Adventure Bases, Philmont, Florida Sea Base, Northern Tier and The Summit Bechtel Reserve.
The Charles L. Sommer's Alumni Association in conjunction with the Boy Scouts of
America have authorized the issuance of a special patch to honor those who have
participated in at least one qualifying high adventure program at all four of the BSA’s National High Adventure Bases.
Recipients of the award
receive one Grand Slam (3.5-inch) award patch. Both the Grand Slam of National
High Adventure Award and Triple Crown of National High Adventure optional large
(6-inch) patches are available for purchase. There is no limit on the
variations and quantities that may be ordered of the large patch.
The Greater Alabama Council is proud to announce that we had four scouts from the same troop all earn the Grand Slam, so it is a Grand Slam, Grand Slam!
Here is the story as told by Troop 23 of the Vulcan District:
On June 28, 2017, Dylan Calvin, Jonathan Dinkel, Nick
Loukotka, and Christian Pegouske, four Boy Scouts from Troop 23, Hoover
Alabama, returned from a nine day, 100 plus mile canoe trek through the upper waters
and marsh lands of Manitoba, Canada.
With the completion of the Northern Tier High Adventure trek in Canada, these
four Scouts have earned the Grand Slam of High Adventure Award.
To earn this award, a Scout must fulfill specific requirements
at all four of the Boy Scouts of America High Adventure camps. In July of 2014,
at the age of 13, these Scouts attended the Paul R. Christian High Adventure
Base at the Summit, located near Beckley, West Virginia, where they
participated in the River Trek on the New River.
The following year, in June, 2015, they traveled west to Cimarron,
New Mexico to attend the Philmont Scout Ranch.
Their 11 day, 80 plus mile trek (with 60 pound back packs) took them to
the breath-taking 12,441 foot summit of Baldy Mountain and to the top of the
famous Tooth of Time Mountain.
In June of 2016, these same Scouts traveled south to the
Florida Keys to attend the Florida Sea Base Brinton Environmental Center High
Adventure camp located on Summerland Key, Florida. The week long adventure included mastering
the teamwork required to sail a 45 foot sailing vessel, deep sea fishing, and snorkeling
coral reefs during the day and at night, as well spending one day and night
camping on Big Munson Island, a primitive mangrove island.
On June 16, 2017, these Scouts headed north on their fourth
and final High Adventure trek. A float
plane air lifted them from their base camp in Bissett, Canada to Scout Lake
where they were dropped off. With maps
and compass in hand, supplies and equipment packed into 65 pound backpacks, they
climbed into their canoes and took off for a 10 day, 100 plus mile adventure.
They paddled, rode rapids, portaged through woods and swamps, carried canoes
and gear over 20 foot granite rocks and even beaver dams. Fortunately, they had time to relax a bit,
catching fresh fish for dinner on a few occasions. On their 10th day, they arrived
back at Scout Lake in time for the float plane to pick them up for their return
to civilization.
Approximately 15,000 Scouts attend BSA High Adventure camps
annually. Of these, approximately 200
will complete the requirements for the Grand Slam of High Adventure Award. These four boys are the first members of
Troop 23 and the first in the Vulcan District to have reported earning this
award. It goes without saying that the
parents of these Scouts and all of Troop 23 are very proud of what they have
achieved.
Congratulations to all of you!
Thanks to Troop 23 for sharing this story with the Greater Alabama Council and thanks to all of the parents and leaders who help make Scouting happen in Troop 23!
For more information on planning your trip to one of the BSA High Adventure bases, visit the websites below:
For more information on planning your trip to one of the BSA High Adventure bases, visit the websites below:
For more information on the BSA Grand Slam and Triple Crown Awards:
