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TREK 1 ITINERARY

Unlike other BSA High-Adventure camps, Swamp Base is not self-paced. In order to complete the trek, crews must paddle the scheduled daily distances. Distances, programs and trail alignments are subject to change based on environmental impacts or for the safety of participants. 

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ARRIVAL DAY

- LAFAYETTE, LOUISIANA -

  • Crews are to arrive in Lafayette, LA at 2:00pm to begin the program

  • Program - Meeting your trek guide (who will stay with you for the remainder of your trek), health checks, trek orientation, gear shakedown

  • Arrival Night, Night 1 – Spent in Lafayette, LA at the Wingate by Wyndham hotel, located at 702 E. Kaliste Saloom

  • Dinner - Po-boys from Olde Tyme Grocery

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TREK DAY 2

- PADDLE 10.4 MILES -

  • After breakfast, Scouts will leave the Turtles, and paddle 1.5 miles to McGee’s Swamp Tours, where they’ll board a swamp tour boat for a 90-minute tour and get a chance to see large alligators up close and personal!

  • Following the tour, Scouts will complete their first portage of the trek over the 25’ high levee into Bayou Berard, a wide waterway that leads to the small fishing community of Catahoula, LA. Note: This portage, though only 900 feet long, is not easy. It takes place in the mid-morning when temperatures are 85 to 90 degrees. Physical conditioning prior to arriving is highly recommended.

  • Night 3 – Spent on Rougarou Island, sleeping amongst the trees in Hennessy hammocks. It is thought that a Rougarou, or Cajun werewolf, prowls the surrounding swamps. Be on the lookout!

  • Dinner - Jambalaya

TREK DAY 1

- PADDLE 19.4 MILES -

  • Board the shuttle bus at 6:00 AM to travel 45 minutes to the trailhead at Bayou Courtableau

  • The first day of paddling takes Scouts through the 28,500 acre Indian Bayou Area, which includes challenging and winding bayous. A mix of large hardwood trees and shrubs line the narrow bayou providing paddlers with ample shade during the day. The day concludes paddling through the most recognized portion of the Atchafalaya, the Henderson Swamp. This 7,000 acre swamp/lake is known less for its cypress trees, but more for its cypress stumps, remnants left by the logging industry over 100 years ago.

  • Night 2 – Spent on the "Turtles" aka Floating Campsites in the dense cypress forest of the Henderson Swamp

  • Dinner - Red beans and rice

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TREK DAY 3

- PADDLE 14.6 MILES -

  • Day 3’s paddle is the most diverse of the trek, as the swamp landscape is constantly changing. Between the large live oaks that surround Rougarou Island, the cypress swamps of Bayou Grand Gueule, and the open waters of Lake Dauterive, Scouts will continuously be challenged by the various paddling environments.

  • During the paddle, Scouts will arrive at Forgotten Cove, one of the highlights of the trek. This ancient swamp and forest will provide Scouts with an insight into the swamp's past.

  • In the mid-afternoon, Scouts arrive at Camp Atchafalaya in Lake Fausse Pointe. Scouts will get some much needed rest as well as participate in a few programs to welcome them to the new location.

  • Night 4 – At Camp Atchafalaya in Lake Fausse Pointe State Park in cots

  • Dinner - Gumbo or crawfish étouffée

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TREK DAY 4

- PADDLE 0.0 MILES -

  • Day 4 of the trek is a day of rest from paddling.

  • Scouts and leaders may participate in numerous programs throughout the day, including: wood working, "Grow with the Flow" stream table, baby alligator handling, playing Cajun instruments, and outdoor games such as 9 Square in the Air.

  • After dinner, each evening will be dedicated to a “Zydeco Social." Like a cracker barrel, but with better music and food (boudin!), trekkers will learn to Cajun and Zydeco dance making for an evening of laughs.

  • Night 5 – At Camp Atchafalaya in Lake Fausse Pointe State Park in cots

  • Dinner - Gumbo or crawfish étouffée (alternate to Day 3)

TREK DAY 5

- PADDLE 17.2 MILES -

  • The day begins in the wee hours of the morning, as crews aim to get on the water by 4:00 AM, with the goal of watching the sunrise over Sandy Cove.

  • Includes paddling through the grand old cypress trees of Lake Fausse Pointe, some over 1,000 years old

  • After paddling amongst giants, the crew will portage over the levee at the “Swamp Stomp,” a challenging 800’ portage. Remember, "A Scout is Clean," but not afraid to get muddy! Note: The Swamp Stomp trail can be extremely muddy with difficult footing. Physical conditioning prior to arriving is recommended, and laced boots are required.

  • The trek concludes 61.6 miles later at the trail end, Charenton Beach Landing!

  • Departure Night, Night 6 – Spent in Lafayette, LA at the Wingate by Wyndham hotel, located at 702 E. Kaliste Saloom

  • Departure Ceremony/Dinner - Swamp Base Trek Award patch ceremony and po-boys at Olde Tyme Grocery

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DEPARTURE DAY

LAFAYETTE, LOUISIANA

  • Depart from Wingate by Wyndham hotel to head home or further explore Louisiana.

  • Check-out by 10:00 AM

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