Hands Across the Border
Hands Across the Border 2025
September 19-21, 2025
Location/Dates/Times:
The Northwest District of Montana Council, Scouting America invites you to the 2025 HATB (Investing in Tomorrow, Today). This will take place from Friday, September 19th, 2:00PM MST (MST - Mountain Standard Time)- Sunday, September 21st 10:00AM MST 2025. Our location is along Lake Koocanusa at Rexford Bench Campground in Rexford, Montana; approximately 20 kilometers south of Roosville.
Location: 48.899954° N 115.15964° W (Map is attached with invitation).
Costs/Deadlines: $5USD per youth. There is no fee for adults/volunteers.
Opening and Closing Ceremonies:
Opening Ceremonies will be on Saturday at 9:00AM MST. Please wear uniforms and bring Copies of O CANADA and the STAR-SPANGLED BANNER which are attached with your package when you check in with registration. Please take the time to teach them to your Unit or Troop prior to camp as well.
Closing ceremonies are on Sunday at 9:00AM MST. Please wear any swag items that were purchased or uniforms for group photos!
Activity Info: Our colour groups will be co-ed and categorised by age group. Our groups will learn about the Kootenay Tribe and David Thompson’s exploration of the Kootenay River Valley. They will have timed fire starting competitions, Skits and Song rehearsals for the Campfire, and fun arts and crafts. They will also have a short hike (1 km round trip hike down to the lake front for groups photos for the scouts 14 and under / 3 km hike along the Pacific Northwest Trail for Scouts 15 and older). All stations are within 100 meters of the headquarters camps. There may be wildlife in the area, particularly bears. All food must be contained at each campsite and stored in vehicles when not in use. Leaders, it is your responsibility to monitor your youth and know where they are always. No one is to leave the Camp Ground without permission once registered.
Activities: Friday night and Saturday morning prior to 9:00 AM, is the Leader's responsibility to have something planned for your youth/ monitor them. Saturday night and Sunday morning prior to 9:00 AM, is the Leader's responsibility to have something planned for your youth/ monitor them. No one is allowed to enter the Lake. Saturday, at the beginning of evening campfire, there will be story telling, relating to native Kootenay Tribal Lore.
ADULT REGISTRATION:
Each Unit/Troop must supply a minimum of THREE adults 21 years of age or older to attend. Adults must be prepared to participate as active leaders of events to include a 1 km hike down to the Lake Shore, and back up or a 3 km hike along the Pacific Northwest Trail. If this is not possible, then it is your responsibility to bring extra adults.
ADULTS 18-20 may fill additional adult positions beyond the three required, but we encourage them to participate in the programs available for them and fill out the 18+ group.
If there are more than 15 trekkers in your Unit/Troop, you must bring 1 additional adult to work a station.
Adult Positions:
2 - Station Leaders: must be prepared to run the stations during the day and participate with the hike (approximately 9:30 am to 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm until 6:00 pm 7 hours). Extra Adults can switch out as necessary. Station Leaders must be able to walk the entire trail (1k or 3k) or have a plan to rotate out with another adult.
1 – Security Person: must walk stations, paired with another adult, check in with station leaders and headquarters and escort sick, hurt, or misbehaving trekkers from the stations. All stations will be within 100 meters of the headquarters except hike routes (1k and 3k).
Scouts from organizations other than Scouting America:
Please contact Timmothy Garrison for registration and payment information
Timmothy Garrison Attn: Hands across the Border
1331 Phillips Street, Missoula Montana, 59802
