Bayern High Adventure Camp
Period of Operation
197x? - 1993 (1979-93 as High Adventure Camp)
Location
Bayern High Adventure Camp was located outside the town of Garmisch. Ten acres of forest land was utilized for troop camping. The site includes an open meadow with a magnificant view of the Bavarian Alps and the Zugspitze. Numerous hiking trails surrounded the camp. Originally operated as a short term camp site in the Garmisch, Germany area. To some it was known as Keane Lodge. In 1980 it grew to be known as the Bayern High Adventure Camp (BHAC). BHAC was the High Adventure Base for the Transatlantic Council for 14 years closing in 1993.
FacilitiesSpace was available for 14 troops per week. Camp Bayern utilized the patrol cooking method. Propane stoves, as well as, propane was available for the cooking method since open fires are not permitted. Campistes were equiped with two-man wall tents with floors, cots, dining flys, picnic tables, patrol chuck boxes, fire buckets, and a fire extinguisher. Field toilets were located near the campistes, plus at the camp office. Hot showers were available for leaders and Scouts. Camp Bayern had a fully stocked trading post full of supplies.
ProgramA complete summer camp merit badge program was offered on a flexible basis, so troops could combine
High Adventure Programs with a traditional summer camp program (25 merit badge were normally offered).
First year Scouter Camper Program was once offered.
High Adventure Programs, conducted by AFRC and Camp Bayern include Kayaking, White-water Rafting, Canoeing,
Mile Swim, Rowing, Lifesaving, Rafting, Swimming, Mounteering, Rapeling, BSA Lifeguard and Mountain
Hikes. Kayaking and canoeing took place on the Lake Eibsee, located at the very foot of the Zugspitze,
Germany's highest mountain. White-water rafting was done on the Inn river in Austria. Mounteering and
rappeling was done below the Osterfeldkopt, near the Zugspitze. The Staff also led two mountain hikes.
The first explored the Hollental gorge, and went through waterfalls, up ravines, and down steep mountain
trails. The second climb went across the top of Kramer. High Adventure Fees were paid 30 days prior to arrival
to insure availability of spaces. Refunds were not given for no shows or cancellations in the High
Adventure Programs, althrough fees were transferable within the same program.
Tuesday and Thursday nights were reserved for swimming, which was done in Garmisch's Olympic swimming
pool. Scouts must have passed the swim test to participate in the aquatics programs. There was a
minimum age on most of the High Adventure Programs. Sign-up was on a first-served basis.
