high adventure treks
Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan High Adventure Base has been offering Northwoods adventures since 1976.
Take in stunning vistas on foot on one of four backpacking destinations, paddle cool waters via kayak or canoe, or relax on sailboats in Lake Superior. No matter how you like to adventure, we have a trek for you, and we typically announce new treks each summer. If you don’t see a trek that you like, contact our High Adventure Team about a custom itinerary. Use the map to see where our treks can take you, and use the links below to jump to more information about each trek.
Are you looking for an introduction to the High Adventure program that still includes the traditional resident camp experience? Coureur des Bois is our in-camp High Adventure program that gives the Scouts the choice of which High Adventure activities they do for the week!
We also offer day trips for units staying in camp, including whitewater rafting on the Wolf River and mountain biking at nearby state trails. Plus, there’s plenty of high adventure fun to be had at our climbing wall, cycling base, and the Triangle M Ranch. Click here for more information on day treks and in-camp high adventure.
GENERAL trek INFORMATION
CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS, AS PER NATIONAL POLICY: ALL high adventure treks must have at least one adult with current Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and CPR certifications. The troop or crew must fulfill this requirement for sailing and kayaking treks. For all other treks, Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan Scout Reservation provides guides with these certifications.
ANNUAL HEALTH AND MEDICAL RECORD – All trek participants must bring at least 2 copies of the completed Health Form (A, B, and C) that is current throughout the trek. IMPORTANT: The State of WI requires we retain all health forms so you will be charged a “per copy” fee if we need to make copies of any form for you (the price could be $2-$5 per copy).
TREK AGE REQUIREMENTS: All youth must be at least 13 years old, or at least 12 years old AND completed grade 7. See below (*) for important exceptions. Anyone 18 years old before the trek's conclusion must register as an adult.
REGISTERED MEMBER OF SCOUTING AMERICA – All participants must be registered with Scouting America. All adults must be current in Youth Protection Training (YPT). Please plan on providing two 21+ adults on each trek, one of whom must be Wilderness First Aid & CPR trained. NEIC hosts several trainings each year, check the calendar for the next available training!
TREK AGE REQUIREMENTS: All youth must be at least 13 years old, or at least 12 years old AND completed grade 7. Anyone 18 years old before the trek's conclusion must register as an adult.
MINIMUM NUBMER OF PARTICIPANTS– All high adventure treks must have at least 6 participants, with at least 2 of them being adults. Contact our Trek Staff if you have any questions.
MSR Arrival Dates for Two of the Treks –Boundary Waters Canoeing and Isle Royale Backpacking Treks are offered during Weeks 2, 4, and 6. Arrive at Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan to prepare for your trek on Saturday: June 28, July 12, or July 26 for the 2025 season.
MSR Arrival Dates for the rest of the Treks – The arrival date for the rest of the treks is on a Sunday: June 22, June 29, July 6, July 13, July 20, or July 27 for the 2025 season.
Included with Each Trek: Qualified guide (except where noted), all permits, all group gear, and all meals while on trail and in base camp
Plan your Trek today! Check out the 2025 Trek Planning Guide (available soon!)
Once you’re ready to start the reservation process, Complete the Reservation Request Form (available soon) and follow the directions to submit it!
trek Destinations
Already know which trek you want? Contact the High Adventure staff to see if it is available during your preferred week.
For more information on each trek, use the links below.