Troop 5 Maplewood NJ Adventure since 1920

High Adventure

High Adventure

Pushing Limits, Building Leaders, Exploring the Wild

At Troop 5, high adventure is not a special occasion โ€” it is a core tradition. Our scouts trek through wilderness, paddle remote lakes, scale mountain peaks, and take on challenges that push them well beyond their comfort zones.


Troop 5 high adventure

White water rafting in Colorado 2025

Why High Adventure?

High-adventure trips are the ultimate test of endurance, skill, and teamwork. They are also where some of the most lasting growth happens โ€” in confidence, leadership, and character.

๐Ÿ’ช Physical & Mental Challenge

Scouts learn perseverance by navigating tough trails, battling the elements, and working as a team to overcome real obstacles.

๐Ÿงญ Leadership Development

Each trek requires scouts to take responsibility, make decisions, and lead their peers through real-world challenges.

๐ŸŒฒ Wilderness Skills

Scouts hone backcountry navigation, camp cooking, first aid, and Leave No Trace principles in real wilderness conditions.

๐Ÿค Friendships for Life

Sharing the highs and lows of a hard trek builds bonds between scouts that last well beyond their time in the troop.


Recent Expeditions

Philmont Scout Ranch โ€” New Mexico

A 12-day backpacking expedition through the rugged mountains of New Mexico, covering over 70 miles at high altitude. Scouts face challenging terrain, unpredictable weather, and full self-sufficiency demands โ€” all while developing leadership, resilience, and backcountry survival skills. Philmont is widely considered the premier high-adventure experience in all of Scouting.

Philmont backpacking

Troop 5 Crew A Philomont 2025

Philmont mountains

Troop 5 Crew B Philmont 2025

Adirondack Treks โ€” New York

Multi-day canoeing and backpacking adventures deep in the Adirondack wilderness. Scouts navigate pristine lakes, trek remote mountain trails, and experience true backcountry camping โ€” reinforcing navigation, teamwork, and outdoor survival abilities in one of the most beautiful wilderness areas in the northeast.

Canoeing in the Adirondacks

TableTop 2024

Adirondack backpacking

High Peaks 2025

U.S. Virgin Islands Adventure โ€” 2024

A one-of-a-kind Caribbean high-adventure experience. Scouts explored the crystal-clear waters of the Virgin Islands through snorkeling, scuba diving, and paddleboarding, while also learning about marine ecosystems, island conservation, and local history. This trip combined genuine adventure with environmental education โ€” and made for an unforgettable experience.

Virgin Islands snorkeling

USVI 2024

Virgin Islands adventure

Ahoy Matey


A Scout-Led High-Adventure Program

High-adventure treks in Troop 5 are planned and led by scouts. Senior scouts mentor younger members, passing down skills and experience from one generation to the next. Every trip builds confidence, responsibility, and teamwork โ€” and preparedness and safety are always the top priority.

From first-year scouts building toward their first trek to seasoned veterans tackling Philmont, high adventure in Troop 5 is accessible and achievable for every scout at every stage of their journey.

Looking Ahead

Troop 5 is always seeking new challenges and exciting destinations. Whether it’s a desert trek in the Southwest, a long-distance cycling trip, or a backpacking journey through a national park โ€” we are always preparing for the next great adventure.


Are You Ready for the Challenge?

High adventure is at the heart of what makes Troop 5 great. Whether you are a new scout looking for your first trek or an experienced adventurer preparing for the next big challenge, our program will push you, teach you, and inspire you.