About Us

The Charles L. Sommers Alumni Association (SAA) is a non-profit charitable Minnesota Corporation [501(c)(3)], whose purpose is to provide a continuing interest in and support for the mission and programs of the Charles L. Sommers National High Adventure Base and the Northern Tier National High Adventure program of the Boy Scouts of America.

Our objectives include:

• preserving and promoting the wilderness camping, high adventure, and training opportunities of the Northern Tier National High Adventure program,
• bringing relevant needs and suggested programs to the attention of the Northern Tier National High Adventure Committee,
• offering the time, talents, and assets of the corporation's membership to the Charles L. Sommers National High Adventure Base and the Northern Tier National High Adventure program, and to local Councils of the Boy Scouts of America, and to spread the spirit of "The Far Northland" throughout scouting.

What has the SAA done for the Northern Tier programs?

• Construction and maintenance projects including restoration of the historic Lodge building.
• Provides assistance with staff training.
• Published A Diamond in the North: A History of Scout Adventure in the North Country by Gene Felton.
• Together with the Northern Tier Advisory Committee, the SAA has awarded $204,000 in scholarships to seasonal staff since 1998.
• Provide incentives for seasonal staff retention:
  • Gift certificate to Northern Tier trading post to buy equipment to do their jobs better to first-year staff.
  • Custom XY-brand paddle to second-year staff.
  • Custom embroidered Kondos-brand guide pack to third-year staff.
  • Variety of artwork to fourth-year or greater staff.