Backpacking Trips -- Sept 27-29

Backpacking Trips, September 27–29

(emphasis on TRIPS, see below)

Troop: our first campout, by popular demand, will be backpacking trips. Trips, as in more than one, as in there are very few places that would support our being able to go as a troop. (The campground we used on the trip shown above isn't available, sorry)

Therefore, we will have to divide up into Scout groups of 6–8, with 2–3 adults joining each Scout group. Each group will have a different itinerary, to be determined, but likely various routes along the Appalachian Trail.

Please sign up if you are interested. NOTE that priority goes to Life Scouts who have started either Cooking or Camping merit badges (both Eagle required) and who need a backpacking trip as a requirement for those merit badges. Next priority goes to Scouts who have backpacked before. Final priority for newbies.

Once we have 2–3 adults who can backpack, and an adult who can drop off and pick up (if the hiking route doesn't allow for weekend parking), the first 8 Scouts can attend. Another 8 can attend when we have 2–3 more adults who can backpack + one who can shuttle. Without adult support we will only be able to send a limited number of Scouts.

Here is the backpacking gear list. A mandatory pack shakedown will happen the Monday meeting prior to the trips.

Also mandatory:

• backpack must be an actual backpacking backpack, with padded belt
• hiking boots are mandatory. Anyone wearing sneakers will be sent home
• invest in a sleeping bag that packs down small. Like this one.
• your loaded pack weight, including 2 pounds for tent parts and 4 pounds for 2 liters of water, must be less than 25% of your body weight. We will check at the shakedown. If you won't make this weight restriction, don't sign up.

Cost is TBD but will likely be little to nothing. 

Sign up here!

NOTE: WHEN SIGNING UP, Scouts, DON'T answer any ADULT ONLY questions! Adults, sign up SEPARATELY from your Scout!

See who's signed up here!