Explore Troop 154's epic Northern Tier canoeing journey

Cross River/Pound Ridge – 08/27/25 – Scouting America, the nation's premier youth development organization, invites parents to discover a transformative experience for their children: the High Adventure program. Designed to challenge and inspire young people through unparalleled outdoor exploration, this program offers a unique opportunity for youth to build resilience, leadership, and a deep connection with the natural world.

A recent expedition by Troop 154 and scouts from across Greater Hudson Valley perfectly exemplifies the spirit of High Adventure. Their journey took them to the remote Northern Tier base in Atikokan, Canada, an elite outpost that launches just two crews every other day into the vast Canadian wilderness of Crownlands and Quetico.

The scouts began their adventure in Thunder Bay, Canada, with a visit to the Fort William Historic Park. Here, they stepped back in time to learn about the history of the Voyageurs, the intrepid traders who built North America's largest fur trading fort. The hands-on experience, including the chance to fire replica cannons and muskets, offered a powerful lesson in history and resilience before they even set foot on the water.

After a day of expert training in gear outfitting, portaging, and route planning, the crews paddled into the wild. For nine days, 2 separate crews - led by Troop 154 Life Scouts Alejandro T. and Jacques D., navigated the challenging terrain, covering impressive distances of 129 miles (25 portages) and 109 miles (36 portages), respectively.

More than just a physical challenge, the expedition was a journey of self-discovery. The scouts learned to thrive in the wilderness, catching and filleting fish, cooking over open fires, and working together to overcome obstacles. These shared experiences forged a deep sense of camaraderie and teamwork that will last a lifetime.

Next Up?

Troop 154 is planning a pack rafting high adventure to the Montana High Adventure base for summer 2026. Promising a week of backpacking coupled with rafting, this will be an epic conclusion for graduating seniors and the start of new adventures for younger scouts.

Interested in learning more?

Parents interested in providing their children with transformative outdoor experiences in leadership and service are invited to follow our Cub Scout Pack 154 and Scout Goldens Bridge Troop 154 (for boys) and Lewisboro/Katonah Troop 301 (for girls) programs - or call/text 914-440-3567.