Outback FAQ
Questions about Outback, from fitness and health forms to payments. Don’t see yours? Email camp.alexander@scouting.org or call 719-219-2916.
No questions match that. Try a different word, or ask us directly.
Who can go on Outback?
Outback is for Scouts 13 and older, and adult leaders are welcome to join them. Every day is built around a physically demanding activity, so everyone should arrive in strong physical shape.
Does my Scout’s troop have to be at Camp Alexander too?
No. Many units send their older Scouts to Outback while the rest of the troop attends summer camp, but it isn’t required. Outback crews camp separately from their units, even when the troop is at Camp Alexander the same week.
How fit do participants need to be?
Very. Summit day starts at the Crags Trailhead near 10,000 feet, climbs through Devil’s Playground to 14,115 feet, and covers about 14 miles round trip with 4,300 feet of elevation gain on a Class 2 trail (route details on 14ers.com). It’s one of five full days of program. Monday is an acclimatization day of hiking around camp and up Blue Mountain, but participants should train for months before they arrive, not just the week before. See what summit day takes. Talk with your health care provider about the hike and the altitude at the physical.
What health forms do Outback participants need?
The same forms as summer camp: the BSA Annual Health and Medical Record Parts A, B, and C, plus the Colorado forms for youth. Everything is uploaded to CampDoc at least 14 days before your week. See the Outback health forms guide.
Are there extra waivers for the outfitters?
Yes, some outfitters, like the rafting and climbing guides, may require their own waivers. The specific forms for 2027 haven’t been set yet. We will share them at leader meetings and email them to registered units.
What should we bring for downtime?
Evenings are relaxed so everyone can recharge for the next day. Bring a good book, a favorite campsite game, a mountain bike for the local trails, or fishing gear. Anyone 16 or older who fishes needs a Colorado fishing license.
Bring some spending money, too. The Pikes Peak summit is famous for its doughnuts.
When are Outback payments due?
Half of your total is due January 29, 2027, and the full balance is due April 22, 2027. Money paid can move between campers in the same unit until April 22. After that, refunds are generally not issued except for documented medical reasons, military deployment, or a death in the family, and they carry at least a $100 cancellation fee. See the full payment and refund policy.
Do Outback participants need to bring a tent?
No. Tents and cots are provided for every Outback participant, youth and adults. Outback lodging is set up differently from summer camp, where adults bring their own tents.
Can adult leaders join Outback?
Yes. Adult leaders are welcome on Outback alongside their Scouts. Every day is physically demanding, including the Pikes Peak hike, so adults should arrive in strong physical shape too. Adults need the same health forms, including Part C.
What if the weather turns, or a Scout can’t make the summit?
Staff decide on the trail, based on the weather and the whole group’s safety. If storms are building, the group can’t keep a safe pace, or someone shows signs of altitude sickness, they’ll turn around, even close to the top. Lightning is a real danger above tree line, and the hike from the summit back along the ridge to tree line is long and exposed. Altitude sickness can affect anyone, even fit, well-prepared hikers, so training helps but can’t guarantee a summit. Every trip runs with an emergency action plan. Turning back is the right call when conditions demand it, not a failure.
Is there Wi-Fi or cell service at camp?
Plan for no cell signal. There’s very little to no mobile coverage at camp. A few spots, like the Overlook and the end of RATA Valley, get a signal for some carriers, but don’t count on it. Camp has limited Wi-Fi in some main buildings for adult unit leaders only. It’s shared with the Camp Office, Health Lodge, and program areas, and speeds are capped so camp keeps running. There’s no guarantee of speed or quality.
Before you lose signal, download or print the Camp Guide. Your Scoutmaster and SPL also get a printed Hip Pocket Handbook with the week’s schedule at check-in. See the full internet policy.
Can Scouts use the camp Wi-Fi?
No. Camp Wi-Fi is for adult unit leaders only, and leaders may not share the password with Scouts. If Scouts are found on camp Wi-Fi, we change the password, and every leader in camp has to get the new one from the Camp Office. See the internet policy.
I have to work during camp week. Can I use the Wi-Fi for calls and video meetings?
Yes, if you truly need to work. Calls and video meetings are fine, but keep them to what you need. Your first job at camp is being present with your Scouts. The connection is capped and shared with camp operations, so there’s no guarantee of quality. Have a backup plan for anything that can’t drop, like a meeting you could join by phone. See the internet policy.
Why is the camp Wi-Fi so slow?
On purpose. Camp operations come first, so speeds are capped to keep the Camp Office, Health Lodge, and program areas running. The Wi-Fi is meant for messages, email, and necessary work calls, not streaming, gaming, or social media. Heavy use can get a device blocked. See the internet policy.
Can I bring my own satellite internet, like Starlink?
Yes, but coordinate with the Camp IT Committee before camp. We may ask you to set it up away from camp network equipment. Unauthorized network equipment, or anything that interferes with the camp network, isn’t allowed. See the internet policy.
We already have a CampDoc account from another camp. Do we start over?
No. Before your unit registers, give your unit leader the email you already use in CampDoc so the invitation goes to that account. Then log in at app.campdoc.com and accept the new invitation there. Don’t create a second account. Review every section for this year and upload this year’s signed forms. See our CampDoc setup page.
Who can sign Part C of the health form?
An MD, DO, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. Colorado doesn’t accept signatures from chiropractors or podiatrists. The physical also has to be within 12 months of your Scout’s arrival at camp.
Can my Scout carry an inhaler or EpiPen?
Yes, with a signed Colorado Contract to Carry. The Scout, a parent or guardian, the unit leader, and the health care provider all sign it before camp, and camp health staff sign it at check-in. Rescue inhalers, EpiPens, and anaphylaxis kits are the only medications a Scout keeps with them. See the health forms guide.
