BSA Swamp Base

CONQUER the country’s most intimidating wilderness—the Louisiana swamps! Swamp Base offers Scouting’s premier high adventure canoe treks through the Atchafalaya Swamp.

At 1.4 million acres—an area bigger than the Florida Everglades—the Atchafalaya (pronounced uh-CHA-fuh-LIE-uh) is the nation’s largest swamp. Shrouded in mystery, for the adventurous and the prepared this vast and ever-changing environment offers challenges to face and wonders to behold.

The Atchafalaya is as diverse as it is large. Comprised of three distinct swamp environments—long twisting bayous, iconic cypress-tupelo swamps, and large freshwater lakes—the Atchafalaya’s size and diversity make it “the most dynamic paddling environment in the country.”

In truth, no mere description captures the experience of the swamp. You have to paddle its waters, spot its wildlife, and sleep amongst its ancient trees in order to truly understand the adventure.

Are you prepared for the challenge of Louisiana’s swamps? Swamp Base offers two high adventure programs, Trek 1 and Trek 2. Each trek is unique in that it caters to different Scouts’ abilities and interests.

TREK 1
An all-around Louisiana experience! This trek includes challenging tests of endurance with lessons about the environments, cultures, food, and communities of the swamp and Louisiana.
• 61.6-miles of Paddling!
• Before the trek, introduce yourself to
Louisiana’s unique cultures at Vermilionville.
• Come to understand the importance of our nation’s largest wetland ecosystem while staying on board the Swamp Base houseboats.
• Survive a night in the swamp at primitive Rougarou Island.
• Experience the fun of living in the swamp with exciting fishing, stand-up paddleboards, and blowgun programs during a layover day at Island Outpost.
• Fly through the swamp on an airboat!

TREK 2
Forget what you know about high adventure treks.... TREK 2 is Scouting’s most challenging adventure! This trek isn’t for the unprepared or easily intimidated, this is for those looking to push themselves to their limits!
• 75.0-miles of Paddling!
• Escape civilization and venture deep into the heart of the swamp wilderness.
• Face the elements, and test your willingness to live off the land while primitive camping in jungle hammocks.
• Witness thousands of native birds and other swamp wildlife in their natural habitats.
• Experience the incredible diversity of the various swamp ecosystems.
• Paddle amongst giant remnant cypress tree stumps!