Swamp Base 2021

High Adventure
Written By Brad D.

“Paddle faster… I hear accordions!??!”

Now that Jamboree has been postponed for 2021, that will leave a gap for some of our Scouts who were looking forward to a wonderful experience in the summer.  Fear not! For those brave enough to test their mettle, Troop 70 is putting together its very first Swamp Base high adventure trek! 

Swamp Base.png

Located deep within the swamps of South Louisiana, Swamp Base offers a high adventure canoe paddling trek through the vast and mysterious Atchafalaya Swamp.  The trek includes 61 miles of canoeing, an Air-Boat tour, and you sleep in cabins on the water with one-night roughing it in jungle hammocks.  Throughout it all you will learn about this unique ecosystem, its inhabitants, and the role it plays as a watershed for the country.  For the adventurous and the prepared, the swamp offers challenges to conquer and wonders to behold!

What’s for dinner you ask? Cajun food, of course! Each night, you will be treated to such Cajun delicacies as Fried Shrimp Po-Boy sandwiches, Jambalaya, Gumbo, and Crawfish Etouffee.  What else would you eat after such an epic experience in one of the coolest ecosystems in the world?

What about Gators? There’s a decent chance you’ll see one—BUT, there’s little chance one will hurt you. Most alligators, if left alone, will move on.

Who can go to Swamp Base?  You must be 13 years of age at time of arrival, have passed the BSA swim test, and have a current BSA Physical parts AB&C.

We will be sending out more information to gauge interest levels for this trek soon.  The trek will likely be the last week of June, 2021—more info to come.  In the meantime, check out a couple of links to articles about the experience (including embedded videos that are a must see) and about Cajun culture: 

BOYS’ LIFE:  https://boyslife.org/video-audio/141507/scouts-spend-an-unforgettable-week-at-louisianas-swamp-base/

SCOUTING MAGAZINE: https://scoutingmagazine.org/2015/04/go-inside-louisianas-popular-swamp-base/

Atchafalaya Swamp/Cajun People: https://youtu.be/3YPf3MRefOs

Sample of Cajun Music: https://youtu.be/7XsxdQW1s8E

Sample of Zydeco Music: https://youtu.be/bOgoM-eBQjc

Brad D.

Brad is a corporate attorney in the telecom industry. He previously served as the Cubmaster and Den Leader for Pack 71 (HPISD at Bradfield Elementary) for four years where his son, Byron, earned his Arrow of Light in May 2017. Byron and Brad joined Troop 70 in May of 2017. Brad grew up in Scouting at Pack 312 and Troop 312, in LaPlace, Louisiana, as part of the New Orleans Area Council. In the Park Cities, Brad led the effort to charter Pack 414 at Christ the King Catholic Church in 2014, earning the William D. Boyce New-Unit Organizer Award. He is a member of the Order of the Arrow. Brad has also been awarded the District Award of Merit, Training Award, Scoutmaster’s Key Award, and Unit Leader Award of Merit. In addition to becoming a Troop 70 Assistant Scoutmaster, Brad also serves on the West Park District Committee and as an Assistant District Commissioner, mentoring Cub Scout Packs in the Park Cities. He is currently serving as the West Park District Friends of Scouting Family Giving Chair. Brad received his Wood Badge Training at Philmont Scout Ranch and received his beads in 2019 (WB #126). He is in charge of membership and recruiting for the troop and has attend summer camp for the last 3 years. Brad is married to Sandy and is the proud father of a Troop 70 Scout and a daughter.

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