Unit Backpacking

Description

UNIT BACKPACK (training) WEEKEND for Scouts and Explorers is a training program designed for youth so they can learn basic backpacking and trail camping, under their own adult leadership. Unit equipment and backpacks are provided by the Council. This program is especially applicable to those units with little or no backpacking experience or equipment. The MSR "T" Patch will be awarded to all participants, youth and adult, who successfully complete this training.

This weekend Backpack Training starts at 8:00 Saturday morning. Backpacks, lighweight mountain cook kits, propane fuel stoves and tube tents are issued at this time. A six-mile loop trail is backpack-hiked, ending at a trail camp in MSR. High Sierra Trek-experienced instructors from the H.A.T. provide guidance, instruction and help along the trail and in camp.

Particulars

Schedule

Additional Information

SIGN-UP

Reserve early! Registration must be paid to the Scout Service Center at least three (3) weeks in advance to retain spaces reserved! Otherwise, you will be placed on a waiting list. Fees are refundable ONLY if requested at least three weeks in advance of the Saturday scheduled, or if the H.A.T. cancels the training session. NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS POLICY.

CO-ED GROUPS

Co-ed Explorer Posts should call the coordinator well ahead of time to set date, as Troops and Posts are not usually assigned the same weekend.

CANCELLATION BY INSTRUCTOR

If less than fifteen (15) persons are signed up by Friday, three weeks preceeding the scheduled weekend, the session may be cancelled at the option of the instructor. Units signed up when/if a session is cancelled will be notified not later than the following Wednesday.

TRASH

To replicate a real backpack and reduce the trash/garbage impact at MSR, trek leaders should plan to bring all of their group's trash home with them. If you carry it in and don't eat it, carry it out.

MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE

The maximum number of youth and adults that can be accommodated is 36. This usually includes more than one unit. Additional units may be accepted if equipment is available. Participants are encouraged to bring their own equipment so more can be accomodated.
"Provisional" youth are not accepted; all youth must be under their own adult leadership.

EQUIPMENT

COUNCIL PROVIDES:	UNIT OR INDIVIDUAL PROVIDES:
One Sierra-type backpack per person One tube tent for each two persons (individuals and units should bring their own packs, tents, stoves, etc., if they have them) For each crew of four: Mountain cook kit Spoon, ladle and spatula, if desired Propane backpacker's stove and fuel canister	1 Gal. plastic water container - empty Group first-aid kit (including mole-skin) Dishwashing soap & scrubber Food for four-man crews (do not bring oversized packages - repack into "crew" sized packages): One-pot meal for Saturday dinner Hot Sunday breakfast

*** Do not bring any glass containers, axes, tin cans, or sheath knives!! ***

INDIVIDUAL ALSO PROVIDES:

• Quart plastic water bottle (full)
• Cold trail lunch for Saturday
• Trail snacks
• Stainless steel Sierra cup or plastic cup (to eat and drink from)
• Tablespoon (knife and fork optional)
• Folding Scout knife (with Totin' Chip)
• Sunglasses
• Sleeping bag (plan on 30ºF at night)
• Hiking boots/shoes ("tennies" OK depending upon weather conditions)
• Uniform or other loose fitting clothes (leave your tight jeans behind. Bring wool in the winter))
• Wide-brimmed Hat or visor cap
• Wool cap in winter
• Clean undershirt
• Clean wool socks (two pair, one light, one heavy)
• Windbreaker (parka-type recommended)
• Wool sweater and/or shirt (both in winter)
• Sunblock (SPF 15 or higher)
• Rain suit (lightweight plastic)
• Pack rain-cover (large trash bags will work)
• Matches
• Flashlight, small (using AA batteries recommended)
• Small plastic trowel (for digging personal latrine)

KEEP IT LIGHT - YOU HAVE TO CARRY IT!