Incorporating Backpacking Into Your Unit Program John Udall, Steve Campbell, Bill Miller

Credit Where Credit is Due: This workshop is based on “Planning your First Backcountry Trip” by John Udall & Larry Blumberg, University of Scouting 2008

Introductions John Udall Steve Campbell Bill Miller

Incorporating Backpacking Into Your Unit Program Overview Preparation Planning Meeting ideas Where to go How far to go Where to camp Logistics Emergency Preparedness What to Bring Time Management Group Dynamics Summary Resources

Proper Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance Preparation – 6 ‘P’s Proper Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance

Planning Basic Questions: Who What Where When Why How Who is going ? (adults, youth, & drivers, Any requirements? age, rank, physical fitness, schedule availability) What are we doing? (Backpacking, or other backcountry trip) Where are we going? When? (Schedule date. Event conflicts?) Why? How? (What do we have to do to make this trip happen? How are we going to do it?)

Backpacking Troop Programs Use troop meetings leading up to activity to plan & prepare (1 month = 3 – 4 meetings) Different topic each meeting – tune to the skill-level, interest & needs of scouts. Hands-on activities. Keep it fun! “How-To” preparations. Be Prepared! Use troop meetings for planning. Plan Ahead! Some Troop Meeting Ideas Packing Demo (show & tell) Pack weight Pack shakedown Pack fitting (internal & external frame packs) Backpacking food & food preparation Stoves – how-to First Aid for blisters, hot-spots & sprains Footwear for backpacking (boots & socks) Boot Care (cleaning & waterproofing) Navigation (Map & Compass)

Where To Go? Some Ideas: Finger Lakes Trail Adirondacks Catskills fltconference.org Adirondacks Catskills Allegany National Forest See also: “Where to go hiking & backpacking” (Period 2 – Larry Blumberg) Get the appropriate Maps & Guidebook Google where you’re going. Some Questions: Do you need permits? Group size limits?

How Far to Go? (part 1) Depends on age/experience/fitness 5 (beginner), 10 (intermediate)or 12 (advanced)miles per day Consider distance and altitude gain Start out with 5, 6 or 7 miles Tie to 5-mile hike (2nd Class Requirement)

How Far to Go? (part 2) Calculating how far how fast 20 minutes = 1 mile :: No pack, flat trail or road, walking briskly 30 minutes = 1 mile :: Light pack, flat trail 60 minutes = 1 mile :: Rough Trail, lots of up and down, heavy pack or group moving slowly. (Typical for first backpacking trip)

How Far to Go (part 3) Other Considerations: How far to hike in Friday night? How far to hike out Sunday morning? Loop vs. end-to-end?

Build-up Gradually Day-hike 5 miles Backpacking 1-night overnight (Sat. night) Start Sat. AM, backpack 5 miles, camp Sat. night. Backpacking 1-night overnight (Fri. night) Hike in short distance, camp Fri. night. Break-camp Sat. AM, backpack 5 miles to pickup Sat. PM. Backpacking 2-nights (Fri. PM – Sun. AM) Hike in short distance, camp Fri. night. Break-camp Sat. AM, backpack 5-7 miles. Camp Sat. night. Sun. AM hike short distance to pickup.

Where To Camp? State Land – Wilderness “Leave No Trace (LNT)” campsite Established campsite – fire-ring, impacted site. Lean-to / camping area Location of Water Sources? Is the water running? Water source may be dry in Summer.

Logistics Car Placement: Pick-up meeting time (end of trip) Drivers (meet at pickup location vs. drivers hike with group. Ferrying cars (for end- to-end hike) takes LOTS of time. Emergency Preparedness: Take out points (along the way) Cell phone coverage? Leave copy of itinerary with contact person (not on trip)

Campout Plan Form Handout

What to Bring? Gear (personal & group) Food Water (2- 4 litres per person per day) Stoves Minimize weight Re-package food in advance (before the trip)

Time Management Time is a constant issue when backpacking. Breaking camp in the AM Quick meals and cleanup Working efficiently on camp tasks Moving efficiently as a group Getting to destination early enough to setup camp. Arriving on-time at pickup meeting point (end of trip)

Group Dynamics Keeping the group together How fast to hike? Point & Sweep roles Water breaks / bio breaks Hiking with diverse groups (age, size, fitness, maturity, experience, etc.)

Summary Themes: Build it into your Troop Meeting Program Planning / Preparation – “Be Prepared” Efficiency Time Weight (reducing gear weight)

Resources The Boy Scout Fieldbook “The Complete Walker IV” – Colin Fletcher & Chip Rawlins (2002) “Mountaineering: Freedom of the Hills” – The Mountaineers. 6th edition (1997) The Internet / Google