Scout Activities: Real Adventures in the Real World
From local hiking trails to national jamborees, Great Valley District Scouts experience hands-on adventures that build character, leadership, and memories that last a lifetime.
Adventure at Every Level
Great Valley District offers a rich calendar of events at multiple levels—troop, district, council, and national. This creates countless opportunities for scouts to explore, learn, and grow throughout the year, ensuring there's always an adventure waiting just around the corner.
Troop Adventures
Weekly adventures close to home
Weekend Camping
Local and state parks, learning outdoor skills
Hiking Expeditions
Blue Ridge trails, Appalachian adventures
Outdoor Skills
Fire building, navigation, survival techniques
Community Service
Real projects helping real communities
District Events
Compete and learn with other troops
Camporees
Multi-troop camping competitions at BRSR
Summer Camp at Powhatan
Week-long resident camp with merit badges
Klondike Derby
Winter skills challenge and sled competition
Merit Badge Workshops
Specialized skills from certified counselors
National Events
Once-in-a-lifetime adventures
National Jamboree
40,000 Scouts from across America
World Scout Jamboree
International scouting on a global stage
Philmont Scout Ranch
High adventure backpacking in New Mexico
High Adventure Bases
Sea Base, Northern Tier, Summit Bechtel
Why Real-World Events Matter
In an increasingly digital world, Scouting offers something rare and essential: authentic experiences in the real world. Our events aren't simulations or screen time—they're genuine challenges that build genuine character.
Real Leadership
Scouts plan and lead their own adventures, building confidence through actual responsibility
Real Skills
From fire-starting to first aid, scouts master practical skills they'll use for life
Real Challenges
No virtual adventures—scouts face actual weather, terrain, and physical challenges
Real Impact
Community service projects that create lasting change in the real world
A Unique Opportunity in Your Backyard
Great Valley District scouts have access to something extraordinary: the Blue Ridge Scout Reservation. Just a short drive away, BRSR offers 16,000 acres of pristine wilderness and world-class programs that most scouts travel across the country to experience.
Blue Ridge Scout Reservation
Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains • 16,000 Acres • World-Class Programs
Untamed Wilderness
Real mountains, forests, and trails
Claytor Lake
Swimming, boating, and waterfront
Five Unique Camps
From traditional to high adventure
Camp Powhatan
Traditional summer camp with merit badges
High Knoll Trail
Backpacking on mountain trails
New River Adventure
Whitewater, climbing, COPE course
Blue Ridge Mountaineer
Living history & primitive skills
Voyageur Trek
Historic river canoeing expedition
For the Truly Adventurous
Scouting doesn't stop at the local level. For those seeking the ultimate challenges, Scouting America offers world-class high adventure programs that push scouts to their limits and create memories that last a lifetime. These aren't just trips—they're transformative experiences.
Philmont Scout Ranch
New Mexico • High Adventure Backpacking
Trek through 140,000 acres of rugged backcountry in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. 12 days of authentic wilderness backpacking with peaks over 12,000 feet. The pinnacle of Scout high adventure.
National Jamboree
West Virginia • Summit Bechtel Reserve
Join 40,000 scouts from across America for 10 days of adventure, including BMX, skateboarding, zip lines, climbing, shooting sports, and more. A massive celebration of Scouting.
World Jamboree 2026
Poland • International Scouting
Experience Scouting on the global stage with 40,000+ scouts from over 170 countries. Cultural exchange, international friendships, and adventures you can't find anywhere else.
Florida Sea Base
Florida Keys • Aquatic Adventure
Sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, and fishing in the crystal waters of the Florida Keys and Bahamas. Marine biology meets high adventure in paradise.
Northern Tier
Minnesota/Canada • Canoe Wilderness
Paddle through pristine boundary waters on multi-day canoe expeditions. Portage your gear, camp on remote islands, and experience true wilderness like the voyageurs of old.
Summit Bechtel Reserve
West Virginia • Action Sports Hub
World-class BMX, mountain biking, skateboarding, climbing, zip lines, and shooting sports at Scouting's premier high-adventure facility. Year-round programs available.
Ready for Real Adventures?
Great Valley District offers countless events at every level—from weekly troop meetings to international jamborees. Events are numerous, meaningful, locally special, and the highest quality adventures available anywhere.