The backpacking shakedown is intended as an introduction to backpacking for new scouts and a review / shakedown for other scouts that are participating in the high adventure program this summer.
The shake down will be departing Saint Helena on Friday, June 3rd, 2011.
We will be taking two vehicles:
One vehicle will be *only* for those that are participating in the High Adventure program - we need to ensure that the roof rack and trunk can hold all the gear we require for our trip.
Traveling in the HA vehicle (Mr. Fasching's Van) will be:
Jared F.
Lance M.
Henry W.
and the three adults that are attending the HA program.
The second vehicle with have the other participants for the weekend, including:
Jared W.
Anton W.
Ethan C.
and any adults that will be traveling with them.
Our weekend program will be at Afton State Park. We will spend our first night at Group Campsite 2. We will have a large fire ring and plan on having a huge bonfire on Friday night.
Saturday morning will consist of backpacking instruction. Scouts that wish to work on their backpacking merit badge can use their merit badge workbooks (attached) to follow along and fill out. By the end of the weekend, a scout should have all portions of the back pack merit badge complete *except* their three 15 mile trips and their one 30 mile trip. Saturday morning will also consist of a complete review of the all equipment that is being brought on the trek. Scouts (and adults) will learn what items they can do without on a back packing trip. Following morning instruction, we will break camp, finish packing our packs, put items we don't need back into the vehicles, don our packs and head to our next campsite. Saturday night's site is a pack in only site. We have two sites very close to each other. Depending on the size of the tent pads, we may designate one site the "kitchen" and one site for sleeping. We will determine that once we get to our sites. Once reaching our site, the younger scouts can drop their packs and we will continue on our way, to cover a five mile hike (this will complete requirements for rank advancement for scouts that are not yet first class), practice our compass skills and have an overall good time. Sunday morning will see us backpacking back to our vehicles and returning to St. Helena around noon (we are hoping sooner).
The equipment list may seem a bit intimidating at first. Some equipment notes:
Both are waterproof - but I have never seen the "Hi-Tec" brand in action. Vasque is a good name brand. DO NOT buy hiking boots online. Go to the store and try them on. The most important think is "heel lock" - you want the heels to "lock" into the boots. You want some room in the toe area, for both growth and so that your scout is not jamming his toes when going downhill. Wear the socks that your scout will be hiking. The scout store sells uniform style socks designed for trekking. Or, you can look at merino wool socks or other synthetic material. NO cotton socks. I recommend three pairs (per the equipment list) - if cost is an option, a scout can probably get by with two pairs for the weekend. Your socks can either make or break a trek.
Backpack - if you do NOT have a backpack - that fits, please let me know ASAP so that I can get them rented from REI. Your school backpack will not cut it on this trip. Rentals from REI are around four dollars for the weekend for youth. They are good, internal frame packs as well.
Please read over the equipment list and let me know if you have *ANY* questions.
I anticipate we will cover (in part) the following requirements for rank advancement for younger scouts:
Tenderfoot:
- Present yourself to your leader, properly dressed, before going on an overnight camping trip. Show the camping gear you will use. Show the right way to pack and carry it.
- Spend at least one night on a patrol or troop campout. Sleep in a tent you have helped pitch.
- On the campout, assist in preparing and cooking one of your patrol's meals. Tell why it is important for each patrol member to share in meal preparation and cleanup, and explain the importance of eating together.
5. Explain the rules of safe hiking, both on the highway and cross-country, during the day and at night. Explain what to do if you are lost.
12. a. Demonstrate how to care for someone who is choking.- b. Show first aid for the following:
- Simple cuts and scrapes
- Blisters on the hand and foot
- Minor (thermal/heat) burns or scalds (superficial, or first degree)
- Bites and stings of insects and ticks
- Venomous snakebite
- Nosebleed
- Frostbite and sunburn
We might be able to cover the physical requirements for number 10 - if enough time has passed since scouts have tested. We may have enough committee members attending for a board of review as well.
Second Class:
- a. Demonstrate how a compass works and how to orient a map. Explain what map symbols mean.
- b. Using a compass and a map together, take a five-mile hike (or 10 miles by bike) approved by your adult leader and your parent or guardian.*
- Discuss the principles of Leave No Trace.
Attached are a few documents:
Packing List
Permission slips
Merit Badge Workbook
