Activities + Events
WHAT MAKES SCOUTING COME ALIVE.
Whether it’s a weekend camporee, a service project with the Order of the Arrow or repelling of a rock face, Scouting has the Activity for you. Want to learn how to pitch a tent, shoot a bow and arrow, catch a fish, or simply make new friends? You can find all these things and more in Scouting. We Own Adventure.
COPE/CLIMBING
The COPE and climbing programs offer two compatible yet different programs for your youth. COPE focuses on teamwork, leadership development and planning while climbing offers your youth a chance to climb and rappel.
COPE
Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience is a challenge course or ropes course activity operated for adults and youth comprised of group initiatives, team building, problem solving, and physical challenge. Although COPE uses some of the skills, techniques and tools of rock climbing, it is not a climbing course. Rather, it uses climbing situations as one of several means to achieve its goals, including the development of trust, communication, self-esteem, leadership, problem-solving, decision-making and teamwork.
WHAT TO BRING COPE/CLIMBING
- Long pants and long sleeve shirt
- Bandana
- Bug Spray
- Bag lunch with a drink
- Positive attitude and a smile
- Sturdy foot gear. No open shoes or sandals. Socks must be worn.
- Baseball type hat recommended
- Please no jewelry, watches or necklaces – This includes body pairings. Please remove them or cover them with a band aid.
- Rain gear
*No Cameras during Program
*Releases and Medical forms are all SIGNED and completed
The challenge course is located in a beautiful camp. Please don’t litter and respect the property.
The above gear will make your experience the best that it can be, so please take the time to prepare properly.
For more information on upcoming Cope and Climbing Events please visit the Council Calendar.
HIGH ADVENTURE
Participating in a National BSA High Adventure trip can be the pinnacle of a Scout’s journey. Life changing adventure awaits at each of the BSA’s four National High Adventure Bases.
If you have a group of between 7 and 12 Scouts and Adults interested in attending one of the bases, contact our Council High Adventure Committee will work with you to coordinate a trip (form is at the bottom of this page). Crew reservations must be made by September at least two years prior to desired attendance.
PHILMONT SCOUT RANCH
Philmont Scout Ranch is the BSA’s premier high adventure base serving over 25,000 Scouts annually. Located outside of Cimarron, NM, Philmont Scout Ranch offers miles of backpacking, rock climbing, mule treks, and much, much, much more.
LHC coordinated trips include two days of touring to get used to the elevation before arriving at Philmont for the adventure of a lifetime. Click the link below to learn more about Philmont!
FLORIDA SEA BASE
The Florida Sea Base is the BSA’s tropical home based in the Florida Keys. Program offerings include island camping, kayaking, sailing, scuba diving, fishing, and much, much more.
NORTHERN TIER HIGH ADVENTURE PROGRAM
Norther Tier High Adventure Program is the BSA’s crown jewel of the North and is made up of three separate bases. Headquartered in Ely, MN programs include canoeing the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness of the US and Canada and winter camping.
THE SUMMIT: BECHTEL FAMILY NATIONAL SCOUTING RESERVE
The Summit: Bechtel Family National Scouting Reserve, located in the mountains of Southern West Virginia, is the BSA’s fourth high adventure base. Construction of The Summit marks the largest project the BSA has ever undertaken. As of 2013, The Summit serves as the permanent home of the National Scout Jamboree and will host the World Scout Jamboree in 2019. The High Adventure base opened in 2014 with programs that include climbing, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, shooting and much, much more.
HISTORIC FLAG CEREMONIES
For more than 200 years, the American flag has been the symbol of our nation’s strength and unity. It’s been a source of pride and inspiration for millions of citizens. And the American Flag has been a prominent icon in our national history.
Laurel Highlands Council has the finest program facility for dramatically portraying “Duty to Country,” and presenting a truly inspirational, educational, and highlighting experience in the life of the members of your unit as they participate in a Historic Flag Ceremony.
With its five stately flag poles towering to 80 feet, Flag Plaza, is an extraordinary sight. Here fly twenty-four hours a day, the 50-star American Flag, the banner of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the crest of the City of Pittsburgh, the ensign of the Scouting America, and one of the historic forerunners of Old Glory.
We invite your pack, troop or crew to participate in a Historic Flag Ceremony.
DURING YOUR VISIT TO FLAG PLAZA YOU WILL:
- Raise one of the 12×18 foot flags
- Climb the beautiful Eagle Trail Staircase
- View the original works of flag art depicting one of the forerunners of Old Glory.
- See the “You Are The Flag” mural created by noted cartoonist, Milton Caniff.
- Hear the story of our national banner in the “You Are The Flag” video.
- See 13 original works of art, in addition to the inspiring painting, “One Hundred Years Ago,” from our Nation’s Centennial celebration.
Visit the Milton Caniff Gallery containing a collection of his original personal comments in pen and brush, plus July 4, 1976 salutes of great American cartoonists.
SHOOTING SPORTS
LHC adheres to the Scouting America’s longstanding policy of teaching its youth and adult members the safe, responsible, intelligent handling, care, and use of firearms, air rifles, BB guns, and archery equipment in planned, carefully managed, and supervised programs.
From Cub Scouting to Venturing, all program divisions use responsible outdoor activities to promote character development and values-based leadership training. Shooting sports have the ability to attract and retain youth in the movement. Millions of young people participate in one or more of the sports annually — archery, rifle shooting, shotgun activities, etc. — guided by adult volunteers who have the skills and knowledge to provide quality programs in a safe and effective way.
