Calling All Adventurers! Join us on Ultimate Canoe Expedition! Brazos River Canoe Trek!

Gear up for the adventure of a lifetime with the Brazos River Canoe Trek (BRCT)! Are you ready to dive into an unforgettable journey filled with thrilling challenges and breathtaking scenery? Look no further than the BRCT. For the first time, we are offering both a 50 and 70 mile itinerary! Please note that weeks one and three will be the traditional 50 trek while week two is the 70 miler. Just like John Graves in "Goodbye to a River," you'll experience the awe-inspiring scenery and rich heritage of this legendary waterway.

50 Mile Intinerary Destription:

Your 5-day, 47-mile canoe trip will begin just below Possum Kingdom Lake, where the Brazos River will lead you into quiet water bordered by steep cliffs and hidden coves. As you paddle, Scouts will practice the skills needed for the Canoeing Merit Badge, learning to navigate currents, steer through bends and travel safely as a team.

Throughout the journey, Scouts will work on the Fishing and Fly-Fishing Merit Badges, casting from gravel bars and rocky banks, identifying fish species of the Brazos, and tying flies and knots. Some of the fish they catch will become dinner, grilled over glowing charcoal as the evening settles in around camp.

Each night, the open skies will create the perfect classroom for the Astronomy Merit Badge. Constellations will stretch overhead, planets will shine, and Scouts will track celestial movement far from the lights of any town.

During the trip, you will also take time to learn about the history of the land and the people who came before you. You will discuss the early Native peoples who lived along the Brazos, the settlers and ranchers who later shaped the region, and the ways the river will have influenced travel, survival and culture for generations. As you move through the canyon walls, wide plains and oak-filled valleys, the landscape itself will tell part of the story.

By the time you reach the island near Oaks Crossing, you will have traveled 47 miles—gaining skills, knowledge, and a deeper appreciation for the land and its history.

To complete your 50-miler award, you will hike from the island up the trail to the top of Kyle Mountain, where sweeping views of the river will show the path you’ve conquered. After taking in the view, you will hike back down to camp, completing the final miles on foot.

When the adventure comes to an end, Scouts will have earned merit badge progress, new skills, and a richer understanding of the people and stories connected to the Brazos River - making the trip more meaningful than miles alone ever could.

70 mile Itinerary Description:

Your 5-day, 70-mile canoe trip will begin just below Possum Kingdom, where the Brazos River will slide out from under the dam and will lead you into miles of rugged, scenic water. As you paddle south, high cliffs, quiet bends, and long open stretches will shape the rhythm of your days.

Throughout the journey, Scouts will work on the Canoeing Merit Badge, using the long mileage to practice strokes, refine technique, and build real skill on moving water. Each day will strengthen teamwork and confidence as you travel deeper into the river canyon.

Scouts will also complete requirements for the Fishing and Fly-Fishing Merit Badges. Casting from gravel bars, rocky banks, and slow eddies, they will identify native fish species, tie knots and flies, and learn proper angling methods. Some evenings, fresh-caught fish will be grilled over hot charcoal, filling camp with the smell of woodsmoke and sizzling fillets. Other meals will come from MREs - simple, dependable, and ready after long hours of paddling.

When night settles over the Brazos, the wide-open sky will provide perfect conditions for the Astronomy Merit Badge. Constellations will stand out brightly, the Milky Way will arch overhead, and planets will track their slow paths as Scouts make the required observations in some of the darkest skies they will see all year.

Along the way, you will learn about the deep history of the land and the people who came before - Native peoples who lived along the Brazos, early settlers and ranchers, and how the river will have shaped their lives and movement. The canyon walls, the floodplains, and the wide oak-lined valleys will help tell these stories as you travel.

All of your drinking water will be filtered straight from the river. At campsites and rest stops, Scouts will pump, filter, or treat water from the Brazos, learning self-reliance and proper backcountry water purification along the way. Cold, freshly filtered river water will become one of the most refreshing parts of the trip.

The final stretch will carry you into the quieter lower river, where smooth miles will guide you steadily toward your destination.

On the fifth day, as the Highway 281 bridge comes into sight, you will know you have paddled the full 70 miles - powered by teamwork, skill, fresh-caught meals, filtered river water, and the steady flow of the Brazos.

By the end, Scouts will have earned progress toward multiple merit badges, strengthened their outdoor abilities, and created memories that will stay with them long after the river has faded behind them.

Please note that while the minimum age requirement for this program is 13 years old, you may consider sending older Scouts on this longer itinerary

What to Expect:

Hiking Expeditions: Explore the hidden gems of Kyle Mountain with 4 miles of invigorating hikes. Discover nature's wonders and embrace the spirit wild and strange as you trek through the wilderness.

Earn BSA's 50 Miler Award: Challenge yourself and achieve greatness by completing this incredible 50-mile journey! Earn recognition for your dedication and determination in conquering the river and wilderness. Bothe itineraries are eligible for this award!

Who Can Join:

Calling all Troops, Teams, Crews, and Posts! Whether you're a seasoned Scout or new to the adventure scene, BRCT welcomes you with open arms. It's the perfect opportunity to bond with your fellow Scouts, forge lifelong friendships, and create unforgettable memories.

Skills Review and Safety:

Safety first! Before embarking on this thrilling expedition, all participants must pass a BSA swimmer's test and undergo a comprehensive skills review. Your safety is our top priority, ensuring you're fully prepared to tackle every challenge that comes your way.

Age Requirement: Participants must be at least 13 years old or have completed the seventh grade.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to embark on the adventure of a lifetime! Sign up now and join us for an unforgettable Brazos River Canoe Trek!