The Expedition Crew

Crew Size & Leadership

A maximum of 11 participants and one Guide per crew (for a total of 12) is allowed.  No exceptions can be made on crew size because of Forest regulations regarding use of natural areas.  However, most crews function better with eight to twelve members.

All participants (youth and leaders) must be appropriately registered members of the Boy Scouts of America!

Oyo High Adventure participants must be a Venturer, Varsity Scout or a Boy Scout who is at least First Class Scouts, 13 years of age and older as of January 1 of year attending (this is a national standard and is not debatable) or have completed the seventh grade, and have the approval of their Scoutmaster. All participants are expected to be in good physical and mental health.  A Class 3 Oyo High Adventure Medical Examination form must be completed prior to participation in Oyo High Adventure Programs and we reserve the right to refuse access based on medical concerns. Participants will be participating in various strenuous physical activities - Be Prepared!

All Oyo High Adventures adhere to the Boy Scouts of America’s two-deep leadership policy for the safety and protection of both youth and adult participants.  Each crew must have at least one leader who is 21 years of age or older.  The Guide provided by the camp may function as the second leader to meet two-deep leadership requirements.

Also, at least one member of the crew must be able to show proof of current CPR certification, and first-aid certification.

The Guide’s role

All Oyo High Adventure Guides are over the age of 18 and have extensive experience in backpacking, low-impact camping, wilderness emergency situations, and a variety of other program specialties like climbing, canoeing, caving, etc.  The Guide’s responsibility is to teach the crew leader and the crew the skills necessary to have a successful trip. Scouts will do their own cooking, packing, hiking, service, cleaning, and thinking.  The Guide will conduct an equipment shakedown in base camp, teach basic first aid skills needed on the trip, and help build the crew leader’s leadership skills.  A Guide will spend the entire week with the crew and should be utilized as a resource to help the crew have a first-rate experience.

Crew Leader’s Role

Each crew usually selects a youth participant to fill the role of crew leader.  The crew leader is responsible for organizing the crew, assigning duties, and making decisions on the trip.  The Oyo High Adventure Guide will assist the crew leader in helping promote teamwork, communication and problem solving.  The Guide will hold this function if the crew does not select a leader.

Adult Leader’s Role The role of the adult advisor is to counsel the crew leader and crew.  With the guide, the adult advisors are responsible for ensuring the safety and well being of each crew member.  As much as possible, the adult advisors should allow the crew leader to lead the crew.  The more capable the crew leader, the more the adult advisors should remain in the background, giving support only when needed.  Do your best to relax, enjoy the experience, and marvel in the leadership ability of the young adults in the crew.