Hanging Out at C.O.P.E

Longs Peak Council

 
Take The Elkhorn Challenge! Leaders Guide
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Free Rappel - Weaver's Thumb

Elkhorn High Adventure Base

Bringing Hands on Adventure to the Colorado Wilderness.

Anyone can put on a backpack and head off on the trail. But it takes a trained staff and dedicated leadership to make a quality program.

At Elkhorn we offer:

  • Basic and Advanced Climbing- NO walls or towers
  • Rappelling - Ever done a 100ft FREE Rappel?
  • COPE- We have 2 High and Low courses to choose from
  • Cowboy Camp- From Black Powder to Hawk Throwing
  • Mountain Climbing
  • Campfire Programs
  • A Hike ranger to guide you through your adventure
All in the beautiful Colorado Mountains

2009 Registration

Important 2009 Camp Registration Information

Online Camp Registration and Online Payments

Registration Notes:

  • Your Registration Deposit ($50 per person) is non-refundable. The deposit is collected for every person you register. If you qualify for "free leaders", their deposit will be applied toward your total balance due.
  • If you register online, you must pay the registration deposit online, using your credit card or a PayPal account.
  • If you don't want to pay the deposit online, you must use the "paper method". Print the form, fill it out, and send it with your deposit payment to the Greeley Office, in person, by mail, or by fax.
  • Please see the Payment Schedule and Refund Policy.
  • Leaders can call Cindy Batt for information, but we will not take phone reservations.
  • For information, call:
       Cindy Batt
       970 584-2202 or 800-800-4052 Option 1

2009 CAMPING DATES AND FEES

Week 1June 7-13$280
Week 2June 14-20$280
Week 3June 21-27 $280
Week 4June 28 - July 4$280
Week 5July 5-11$280
Week 6July 12-18$280
Week 7July 19-25$280
Week 8July 26 - Aug 1$280
Fee Per Adult$280

Trek availability:

WeekCrew Openings
June 7 to 13
June 14 to 20
June 21 to 27
June 28 to July 4
July 5 to 113
July 12 to 182
July 19 to 251
July 26 to Aug 13
Updated 6/29/2009 10:01

CAMP UPDATES

BDSR/EHAB
Camp Nicol
Warm to hot days, occasional thundershowers, cool nights - be prepared.
Forecast

Current
(updated 7/9/2008 21:09)

LEADERS GUIDE

This page is intended to give you basic information about the Elkhorn High Adventure Base.

The downloadable EHAB Leader's Guide contains detailed program and preparation information.


THE BASE

The Elkhorn High Adventure Base is one of four camps located on the Ben Delatour Scout Ranch.  The program has been put together to take advantage of the magnificent location high in the Rocky Mountains of northern Colorado.  Located just north of Rocky Mountain National Park, the Elkhorn High Adventure Base offers a unique experience for older Scouts to hike, camp, and climb in the Rocky Mountains.

At over 7,000 feet in elevation and encompassing more than 3,400 acres, BDSR serves as a perfect base camp for the Elkhorn High Adventure program.  Each crew will spend five full days of high adventure activities such as backpacking, rappelling, rock climbing, black powder, C.O.P.E and tomahawk throwing.


MISSION / GOALS

The purpose of the Elkhorn High Adventure Base is to provide a unique High Adventure opportunity to members of the Scouting Program. Through this experience, develop a love of the outdoors and respect for nature.

The goals of the Elkhorn High Adventure Base are to provide Scouts, Scouters, Venturers a chance to graduate from the traditional Scout Camp experience. We offer a chance to put to use the years of training and experience they have received, in a physically and mentally challenging rugged winderness setting. Finally, we hope to offer the opportunity for all of those involved in the program to gain a life-long love and respect for the natural environment.


PROGRAM ACTIVITIES

  • Backpacking
  • C.O.P.E. (Both High and Low Rope Courses)
  • Rock Climbing (some of the best in Northern Colorado)
  • Rappelling (including 100 ft free rappel)
  • Cowboy Camp (Dutch Oven Cooking and fun around the campfire)
  • Black Powder
  • Tomahawk Throwing
  • Archery
  • Wildlife Watching
  • Opening and Closing Campfire

    And much more!

   On Top of South Bald Mountain
On Top of South Bald Mountain

THE ASCENT PROGRAM

Elkhorn is now the base camp for the Ascent Program. This is a one week Climbing adventure. Scouts must be at least 13 and have the climbing merit badge. Participants will climb at many of the premier locations on our 3700 acre camp. Participants will backpack between remote locations, perfecting bouldering and climbing skills. This is a climbers dream. We have some of the best granite in the Rocky Mountains. This is the only program where Scouts are allowed to climb many of the intermediate and advanced climbs on camp.

This is a provisional program. A scout does not have to attend with his troop. We provide the leadership.

Ascent Program Patch

THE TREKS

Trek A - Program High Adventure
This trek combines a week-long backpacking trip in the lower elevations with daily program opportunities listed above. Great a Troop or Crew's first trek and for those wanting to do more than hike the trail.

Trek B - Program Alpine Adventure
This trek includes the first half of the week at lower elevations to assist with altitude aclimatization and to provide significant program involvement from the program list above. The second half of the week is backpacking in the beautiful Colorado wilderness at altitudes of 7,000 to 12,000 feet.

Trek C - Sub Alpine Trek
This trek includes up to 50 miles of backpacking in the Colorado wilderness, with vistas above timberline. This trek will only operate during the second half of the season and is subject to alternate routes based on high-altitude snow depths.

Trek D - Ask about this one You also need to have been on an Elkhorn Trek in a previous season before we let you tackle this big one.


REQUIREMENTS

Membership & Certification
All participants in Elkhorn High Adventure Base must currently be registered with the Boy Scouts of America.  At least one adult crew member must be certified in first aid and CPR.
 
Health
All participants are expected to be in good physical and mental health.  Elevations in this region of the Rockies range from 7,00 to 13,000 feet and the ruggedness of the trails should not be underestimated.  All treks include strenuous hiking and backpacking.  Individuals in poor health will not be allowed to participate.

NEW Camp Medical Form (December 12, 2007)
All participants, both youth and adult, are required to present a Colorado Boy Scout Camps Medical Form signed by a physician within the past 24 months (within the past 12 months for those 40 years or older). This is the only form that will be accepted due to State of Colorado Child Care Standards.

 
Age
All participants in the Elkhorn High Adventure Base must be at least 13 by January 1 of the participation year. These are Longs Peak Council rules for our program and we do not make exceptions to this rule.
 
Adult Advisors
Each crew must have two adult leaders with them at all times.  One adult leader must be 21 years of age or older by the time the crew leaves home. The other adult leader must be 18 years of age or older by the the time the crew leaves home.  Based on BSA regulations, both adult leaders for Venture Crews are required to be 21 or older. Coed crews must follow BSA regulations for coed outings.
 
Crew Size
Crew size is strictly limited by wilderness permits and Leave No Trace practices.  Full crews have a maximum of eleven participants (youth and adults).  Minimum crew size is seven participants. At least two participants must be adults.

No pets (dogs, cats or otherwise) are allowed in any of the Longs Peak Council Camps.


EQUIPMENT

The Northern Rockies offer some challenging hiking terrain and it is essential that your personal and group equipment be up to the test.  Snow sleet, and freezing temperatures are not unusual at higher elevations, and groupsnot properly outfitted will be restricted in their participation.   Some group gear is issued to the crew on arrival.  Personal gear is the responsibility of each individual.  Complete gear recommendations and rental information are available in the Elkhorn Guide Book.


ELKHORN HIKE RANGER

During your trek you will be accompanied by an Elkhorn Hike Ranger.  All Hike Rangers are over 18 years of age, and have been extensively trained in No Trace camping skills and wilderness emergency skills.  All of them have extensive backpacking experince and knowledge of the routes your crew will be taking.  Additionally, Hike Rangers have been specifically trained in the local and natural history of the Northern Rockies in order to help your crew have a first rate experience.


FOOD

All food needed for your trek is supplied by the Elkhorn High Adventure Base.  We concentrate on giving you a balanced, nutritional menu which is both lightweight and tasty.  Trail meals are distributed in groups of two.

While off the trail, meals are prepared for the crew by the Scout Ranch Food Services. Friday night at the Base is a Western Cookout steak fry!


RESERVATIONS

All reservations are on a first-come-first-served basis. There is a limit of eight crews on the trail per week.


PAST COMMENTS

Here's what some of our crews had to say about their experience at Elkhorn.

"The organization of the adventure led us up to and beyond our expectations." "This experience will help us institute "Leave No Trace" ethics into our everyday lives." "The staff obviously loves what they are doing and their enthusiasm is infectious."
"Elkhorn is a place I will never forget and its experiences will last me forever." "Arrive mentally and physically prepared. Read and use the Leaders Guide to get ready for this adventure."

MORE INFORMATION

See the Leader's Guide section above.

If you do not have web access, or cannot download and print the page, please call or write and we will gladly mail you a copy.

For More Information, please contact:

Longs Peak Council
Boy Scouts of America
P.O. Box 1166
Greeley, CO 80632
970 584-2202 or 800-800-4052 Option 1
FAX 970-330-7961
Email

Last Updated Saturday, 02-May-2009 11:05:21 MDT