The Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve

What The Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve does

The Summit Bechtel Reserve is a 10,000+ acre non-profit outdoor adventure facility in Glen Jean, West Virginia, operated by Scouting America (formerly the Boy Scouts of America). Established in 2014 as the permanent home of the National Scout Jamboree and the Paul R. Christen National High Adventure Base, it is Scouting America's fourth National High Adventure Base alongside Philmont Scout Ranch, Northern Tier, and Florida Sea Base. Its property borders 13+ miles of the New River Gorge National River, providing access to over 70,000 acres of additional managed wilderness. The Summit's core offering is a portfolio of five high-adventure experiences — Summit Experience ($1,275/person), New River Experience ($10,000/boat), Polaris ATV Experience ($19,500/group of 10), Pack and Paddle Experience ($10,000/trek), and Marksman Experience ($1,400/person) — complemented by the week-long James C. Justice National Scout Camp offering 70+ merit badges at $480/person. The physical infrastructure includes a 3,300-foot zipline (Alexander's Eagle Flight), the Joe Crafton Sportsman's Complex with digital hunter education simulations, the Polaris OHV Center for Excellence, the energy-positive Sustainability Treehouse, climbing facilities, skate parks, BMX tracks, Goodrich Lake aquatics center, and extensive lodging inventory.

The Summit operates a diversified revenue model spanning participant program fees, lodging and activity sales to the general public via Family Adventure Camp, event venue rentals for corporate and wedding clients (summiteventswv.com), merchandise (Summit Store), and philanthropic donations including camperships. Pricing is set 12-24 months in advance and follows a per-person or per-group unit structure with a $250 non-refundable deposit standard across programs. Its go-to-market is community-led and event-driven, leveraging the Scouting America national network and the central reservations.scouting.org platform, with the National Jamboree serving as a flagship awareness and demand-generation event. Customers include Scouts BSA troops and Venturing crews (primary), Scouting America councils, general-public families, and corporate/event groups.

Operational support comes from a deep bench of major donors — Stephen D. Bechtel Jr. (namesake), Paul and Muffy Christen, J.W. and Hazel Ruby McQuain Trust, Charles M. Pigott, T. Michael and Gillian Goodrich, Joe Crafton, the American Electric Power Foundation, Jack Link, Ernie L. Thrasher, and Gov. James C. Justice II — and corporate partners including Polaris (ATV Experience title sponsor) and AT&T (stadium sponsor). The Summit recruits 275+ seasonal staff and offers 200+ paid positions annually through a Workbright ATS. Hunter education certification is delivered in partnership with the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and recognized across 50 US states plus Mexico, Canada, and the UK.

Name

The Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve

Legal name

The Summit Bechtel Reserve

Website

https://summitbsa.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2014

Operating status

Operating

Short description

The Summit Bechtel Reserve is a 10,000+ acre non-profit outdoor adventure facility in West Virginia operated by Scouting America, hosting the National Scout Jamboree and offering high-adventure programs, Scout Camp, family vacations, and corporate events.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Outdoor Adventure Recreation Services

NAICS

RV (Recreational Vehicle) Parks and Campgrounds (721211), Recreational and Vacation Camps (except Campgrounds) (721214)

SIC

Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps & Other Lodging Places (7000)

akta.pro primary industry

Group Camping & Scout Camps (THAGAOAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Rock Climbing, Mountaineering & Via Ferrata Guides (THAAADAC), Via Ferrata & Adventure Climbing Parks (THAAACAE), National/State Park Campgrounds & Public Campgrounds (THAMAJAI), Mountain & Alpine Lodges (THAGAIAE)

Keywords

• Outdoor adventure programs
• Scouting youth camps
• High adventure experiences
• Whitewater rafting excursions
• Summer camp reservations

Headquarters

HQ city

Glen Jean

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Scout Camp Fees: Week-long resident camp sessions at James C. Justice National Scout Camp priced at $480 per person (2027 season) for youth and adult leaders. Includes camping, meals, program equipment, and merit badge instruction.
2. High Adventure Experience Fees: Multiple high adventure programs with per-person or per-crew pricing: Summit Experience at $1,275/person, Marksman at $1,400/person, New River at $10,000/boat (8 participants), Pack and Paddle at $10,000/trek (up to 8 participants), ATV Experience at $19,500/group of 10. These are multi-day expeditions with all equipment and logistics included.
3. Family Adventure Camp: Family vacation packages with lodging (Eco-Tents from $127/night, Bunkhouses from $77/night, tent camping from $10/person/night), activity bundles (Adventure Passes at $49-$99/person), and meal plans ($40/day for all three meals). Open to non-Scouts.
4. Weekend Adventure Programs: Customizable weekend Scout unit programs with per-person pricing (Fall ATV Adventure at $289/person) and à la carte activities ranging from $10-$70/person including ziplines, climbing, archery, and challenge courses.
5. Donations and Camperships: The Summit accepts charitable donations through Scouting America's donation portal, including the Summit Campership Fund to support Scouts with financial need, and planned giving programs for legacy donations.
6. Event Venue Rental: Corporate events, weddings, conferences, and elopements hosted at the Summit's event venues with onsite lodging, catering, and meeting space managed through summiteventswv.com.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve is a 10,000+ acre outdoor adventure facility in the New River Gorge of West Virginia that serves as the permanent home of Scouting America's National Jamboree and operates the Paul R. Christen National High Adventure Base. It delivers week-long Scout Camp sessions and a suite of high-adventure programs (whitewater rafting, ATV riding, ziplines, climbing, shooting sports) to Scout troops and crews, and it extends select programs (e.g., Family Adventure Camp, Weekend Adventures) to the general public and event clients.

Product overview

The Summit Bechtel Reserve is a Scouting adventure facility offering multiple high-adventure programs and traditional camp experiences. The portfolio centers on the James C. Justice National Scout Camp for week-long merit badge programs, and the Paul R. Christen National High Adventure Base with five distinct high-adventure treks: the Summit Experience (introductory multi-activity program), New River Experience (whitewater paddling), Polaris ATV Experience (off-highway vehicle adventure), Pack and Paddle Experience (hiking and rafting), and Marksman Experience (shooting sports). Supporting offerings include training conferences, family vacation programs, and weekend adventures. The 10,000-acre property in West Virginia also hosts the National Scout Jamboree and offers various outdoor activities including whitewater rafting, rock climbing, mountain biking, ziplining, and skateboarding.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• James C. Justice National Scout Camp: Week-long resident camp sessions for Scout troops and Venturing crews offering merit badges and Scouting traditions
• Paul R. Christen National High Adventure Base
• Family Adventure Camp
• Summit Bechtel Reserve Seasonal Staff

Products and services

• James C. Justice National Scout Camp Week-long summer camp session for Boy Scout troops and other Scouting units, providing advancement, merit badge, and outdoor program rotations on-site at the 10,000+ acre Reserve.
• Summit Experience (Zip Line / Canopy Tours) Guided zip line and aerial canopy tour experience delivered on the Reserve's purpose-built course, available to participating Scout units and public guests.
• New River Experience (Whitewater Rafting) Guided whitewater rafting program on the New River, operated out of the Reserve's access to the New River Gorge and offered to Scout units and public guests.
• Polaris ATV Experience Guided ATV riding program delivered on the Reserve's ATV trail system using Polaris vehicles, available to participating Scouts and the public.
• Pack and Paddle Experience Combined backpacking and paddling/canoeing high-adventure program offered as a multi-day experience for Scouts and public guests.
• Marksman Experience (Shooting Sports) On-site shooting sports program covering rifle, shotgun, and archery disciplines, delivered under trained supervision for Scouts and public guests.
• Family Adventure Camp Multi-day family-focused outdoor adventure program open to the general public, bundling high-adventure activities and lodging for parents and children.
• Weekend Adventures Short-format weekend adventure packages open to the general public, packaging activities, lodging, and meals at the Reserve.
• Training Programs Scouting leader and youth training courses (such as digital hunter education and other certifications) delivered on-site at the Reserve.
• Event and Venue Rentals Facility and program rental for corporate conferences, retreats, weddings, and group events, leveraging the Reserve's lodging, meeting space, and on-site activity options.
• Summit Store (Retail) On-site retail outlet selling Scouting-branded merchandise, outdoor apparel, and adventure gear to guests and Scout units.

Quantifiable outcome

• The Summit has served as the permanent home of the National Scout Jamboree and the Paul R. Christen National High Adventure Base, which complements Philmont, Northern Tier, and Florida Sea Base.
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Polaris (Polaris ATV Experience)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPolaris is the title sponsor of the ATV Experience at the Summit Bechtel Reserve, providing Polaris OHV vehicles for what is described as Scouting America's longest multi-day ATV adventure. The Polaris OHV Center for Excellence at the Summit is branded in partnership with Polaris, and the program is officially named the 'Polaris ATV Experience.'
• AT&TminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAT&T sponsors the AT&T Summit Stadium at the Summit Bechtel Reserve. AT&T cell towers are present on the Summit site, providing cell coverage for guests.
• West Virginia Division of Natural ResourcescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for the Hunter Education Certification Program at the Summit. Hunters must register through the WV DNR Hunter's Education website, and the certification is valid in all 50 US states, Mexico, Canada, and the UK.
• New River Gorge National Park and PreservecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Summit's property borders more than 13 miles of the New River Gorge National River, giving Scouts access to over 70,000 acres of managed wilderness. Whitewater rafting for the New River Experience takes place within the park boundaries.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Northern Tier National High Adventure Base: Scouting America's northernmost high adventure base in Minnesota, focused on wilderness canoeing and cold-weather activities. Direct peer as one of the four National High Adventure Bases, serving the same Scout customer base with comparable multi-day expedition pricing and reservation infrastructure.
• Outward Bound USA: National outdoor education nonprofit offering multi-day wilderness expeditions including rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and backpacking. Comparable as a non-profit experiential education provider serving youth and adults with multi-day adventure programming at premium pricing.
• NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School): Premier non-profit outdoor education provider offering wilderness courses in hiking, climbing, paddling, and backpacking. Comparable to The Summit's high-adventure experiences in multi-day expedition format, instruction-led programming, and youth/adult participant segments.
• YMCA of the Rockies: Non-profit family resort and conference center in Colorado offering lodging, outdoor programming, and youth/family camps. Comparable in business model combining family vacation packages, group retreats, summer camps, and outdoor adventure activities on a large dedicated property.
• Florida Sea Base: Scouting America's fourth National High Adventure Base located in the Florida Keys, offering sailing, scuba diving, and tropical marine adventures. Direct peer sharing the Scouting America reservation platform, pricing tiers, and youth-development mission.
• Philmont Scout Ranch: One of four National High Adventure Bases operated by Scouting America, Philmont in New Mexico offers backpacking treks across 140,000 acres. It is the closest direct comparable to The Summit, sharing Scouting America's national distribution network, membership pricing structure, and seasonal programming model.

Broad incumbents

• KOA (Kampgrounds of America): Largest private network of campgrounds and RV parks in North America with 500+ locations. Broad incumbent in outdoor lodging and family camping, offering glamping and recreation programming comparable to Summit's Family Adventure Camp, though operating a franchise network rather than a single destination.
• REI Adventures: Guided multi-day adventure travel company operated by REI Co-op. Comparable in offering high-adventure trip packages (climbing, paddling, hiking) to consumers, though at smaller per-trip scale and without a dedicated fixed-base camp infrastructure.
• Boy Scouts of America - Local Council Camps: Network of hundreds of local Scouting America council camps offering week-long summer programs, merit badges, and outdoor skills. Comparable in mission and customer base, though operating at much smaller scale than The Summit's 10,000-acre regional destination model.

Emerging players

• Camp Cedar (Great Wolf Lodge Outdoor): Premium outdoor resort near Great Wolf Lodge in Mason, OH offering glamping, adventure activities, and family experiences. Emerging competitor in the family outdoor adventure camp segment that The Summit's Family Adventure Camp targets, though at smaller scale.

Market position

Strengths1 record

Weaknesses1 record

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/TheSummitBechtelReserve
• Facebookfacebook.com/BechtelSummit
• Instagraminstagram.com/bechtelsummit
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/bechtelsummit

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve