Adventure Base 100 (2)

BSA Adventure Base 100 strikes camp in Las Vegas, NV on January 16, 2010 and arrives in Sacramento at Cal Expo State Fairgrounds on Thursday, January 21, 2010 as an integral part of the International Sportsmen's Expo.

For 4 days (January 21- 24, 2010), Cal Expo serves as base camp for AB100, the 10,000-square-foot traveling Scout exhibit launched by the Boy Scouts of America on January 1, 2010. The Sacramento stop for Adventure Base 100 is the fourth leg of a 40 city tour for the traveling lodge.

"Adventure Base 100 is a chance to give visitors a view of the history and the future of the Boy Scouts of America," said John Gottschalk, National President of BSA in a December press release.

Local troops from Stockton and Lodi will join the general public and other Scouts from all over Northern California for a cool, hands-on, multi-sensory, interactive experience showcasing 100 years of Boy Scout history and high adventure fun.

Ken Everitt, Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 291 and 2nd Assistant of the National Jamboree Gray Troop from the Greater Yosemite Council offered, "Adventure Base 100 will give the Scouts and me a peek into the adventures that await us at the Jamboree this coming summer. This is a great way for Scouts to see where Scouting is headed and where it came from."

Scouting's five core principles are the focus of AB100 exhibits: character, leadership, achievement, outdoor adventure and service. BSA endeavors to capture the spirit of Scouting through the unique exhibits and aims to bring the story of Scouting to life historically, and through a contemporary lens. Here are some of the cool features awaiting visitors of AB100 in Sacramento on January 21- 24, 2010:

High adventure ropes course

Different challenge levels on the ropes course await thrill-seekers taller than 48" and less than 200 pounds.

"We wanted to incorporate a fun, outdoor challenge that would be attractive to a wide variety of audiences- young and old," commented Vanessa Smith, a Fleishman-Hillard spokesperson for the Boy Scouts of America, "the ropes course fits the bill" .

Go Scouting! Dome

Scouting has quite a story to tell. The Go Scouting! Dome is a fantastic, multi-sensory IMAX-like experience that incorporates spectacular sights, sound and smell to share the centennial story. The Go Scouting! Dome cleverly illustrates why 113 million people have participated in Scouting in its 100 year history. It's a story of high adventure, outdoor environmental stewardship, goodness, personal growth, youth development and community service.

BSA National Traveling Museum

Featuring artifacts from the National Scouting Museum in Irving, TX, BSA brings its rich history to the doorsteps of millions during the national tour. Collectibles such as a baseball autographed by Yogi Berra are among the many Scout items.

100th Anniversary Time Capsule

An interesting component of the museum is the introduction of a 100th Anniversary Time Capsule. Local councils throughout the country were invited to submit items that could best memorialize their local story. Sacramento's Golden Empire Council donated a historic pin and neckerchief. Other Northern California donations include a patch from the Bay Area Council and a Council History Book from the Santa Clara County Council.

Once the Adventure Base 100 national tour strikes camp for the last time in November 2010, all of the items submitted to the time capsule will become memorialized in shoebox-sized Plexiglas display boxes and placed on permanent display at the National Scouting Museum in Irving, Texas.

Volunteers Needed

Hundreds of volunteers are needed to staff AB100's attractions for the four days it will reside in Sacramento. Organizers are looking for willing Scouts, Scouters and parent volunteers to staff attractions in 4 hour shifts. From greeters at the main entrance and museum entrance, to managing the crowds at the Go Dome, Ropes Course and Green Screen, there's plenty of opportunity for community service.

Event Address:

Cal Expo, State Fairgrounds

1600 Exposition Blvd.

Sacramento, Ca. 95815

The Hours:

Thursday January 21- 11:00 am to 8:00 pm

Friday January 22- 11:00 am to 8:00 pm

Saturday January 23- 10:00 am to 7:00 pm

Sunday January 24- 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Admission is free for children under the age of 15. For 15 and over the cost is $15.00 per person. Parking at Cal Expo is $10.00.

This is Part 3 in a series titled, "BSA keeps its cool in the 21st century". The series takes a look at 'the cool factor' of Scouting, unveiling innovative strategies and programs BSA plans to use to swell membership ranks this year.