Blue Sky Adventures was founded in 2002 by Mike Pardue and today is owned by his son Rob Pardue. The entire family is passionate about Scouting’s High Adventure and has a shared goal to deliver a top quality experience to all those who entrust us with this important part of their trip.
Mike was a 30 year Scouter, former Scoutmaster of a 75 boy Troop, and recipient of many scouting awards including the Silver Beaver. Mike completed three Philmont treks, attended the National Jamboree twice and completely understood the Scouting program and how to make a high adventure trip successful.
Rob is an Eagle Scout, three time Philmont trekker, and former Philmont ranger. Rob graduated from Boston College, obtained an MBA from Duke University, and joined the company in 2005 after a successful career in the financial industry.
Phyllis Pardue is the glue that holds the whole thing together! Phyllis and Mike have five children, all of whom are involved in the business. Oldest daughter Michelle Aucamp runs the Sea Base tours in Florida, and Wendy assists Phyllis in New Mexico. It really is a family tradition!
What sets Blue Sky Adventures apart?
- Problem solving — things go wrong when you travel with Scouts and we are there to help fix the problem.
- Advice on your High Adventure trip — we’ve been there, worked there, and can provide insight and tips to make your trek better.
- Scouting knowledge — we’ve been in your shoes before and understand the scouting program and what it takes to make sure kids are safe and have fun.
- Reliability — we won’t let you down and are committed to making sure you and your Scouts are happy.
- Quality experience — you want the trip to High Adventure trip to be special and that is what we do—make the trip special.
So what do you get with Blue Sky Adventures?
- Stay someplace you know is nice, safe and in a good area of town.
- Treat yourself and make your overnight stay something special, each of our local lodging partners offer a fantastic place to stay! There are plenty of scout friendly activities no matter where you stay with Blue Sky Adventures!
- Meet scouts from all over the country on their way to your High Adventure Base
- Be with the leader in scout travel, Blue Sky Adventures, and have confidence that all reservations will be as promised. We are dependable, reliable and very experienced. We are also there to support you when problems occur like lost luggage and participants who need medical attention while traveling.
- Your group will be accompanied by a professional Blue Sky Adventures tour guide who will make the trip fun and smooth.
- Your Blue Sky vehicle will leave the airport on time and your entire group will be on it together and we will have you on your way quickly.
- Our program is all inclusive—your fee to us includes all transportation, taxes, gratuities, meals and accommodations as specified. You only deal with us to confirm your trip and have no worries and no surprises.
- Our volume frequently allows us to upgrade your group from a van or mini bus to a full size coach equipped with bathroom and DVD player for the long ride to and from Philmont.
- We work exclusively with the largest transportation companies in Colorado and New Mexico. We have vehicles in and out of Philmont daily and have back up vehicles available when mechanical breakdowns and other events occur so you know you will get to your destination when you are supposed to be there.
- Our meals offer good food and lots of it and all are served in a Scout friendly environment. Our hot breakfast buffets are awesome!
- Most importantly your group will have a terrific experience on the way to your High Adventure Base!
Why use Blue Sky Adventures to do what you could try to do yourself?
- Because you will have a better time with us and a problem free trip!!
- Many Scouters think they can set up a safe trip, but the trip to Philmont is more difficult than you think. Remember, just because you know first aid doesn’t mean you’re a doctor!