Backpacking on the Horseshoe Trail and Camping at Warwick County Park
Nov 9-10, 2024
Depart from St. John's on Saturday Nov 9th at 8AM
Return to St. John's on Sunday Nov 10th at Noon
Backpackers: we're taking the trail in the opposite direction this time!
We will arrive at Warwick County Park and set up camp, then immediately compete in an orienteering meet (See below for what an orienteering meet is). After that, backpackers will set off on the Horseshoe Trail, hiking all the way to Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site (next to French Creek State Park). On the way we'll hike through the cool town of St. Peters (which has an Arcade of antique games; check them out HERE and bring some spending money!). We'll be driven back to the campsite late in the day. Total backpacking distance
Non-backpackers will hike up to St. Peters, then hike back to the campsite.
See pictures from this trip HERE and HERE.
Drivers pickup Sunday at 10:45AM at Warwick County Park. The park is about 50 minutes away from Blue Bell. Directions to campsite here: WARWICK DIRECTIONS.
If we backpack on Sunday we may ask drivers to pick us up at this ALTERNATE PICKUP LOCATION.
BACKPACKING Option
If you want to go backpacking and need to borrow a backpack let us know on the RSVP form or email the Scoutmaster.
You should only backpack if you have the appropriate gear. If you're not sure, please discuss with a Scout leader at any Friday meeting. You should also come to the shakedown meeting on Friday 8th November.
Planning and Packing:
Wear hiking boots or solid athletic shoes. Wear two pairs of socks, ideally thin polypropylene (wicking) socks or cotton socks against your foot, and a pair of thicker socks (ideally wool or wool blend) outside of them. This reduces the likelihood of blisters.
You must carefully plan what you are carrying. MINIMIZE WEIGHT
Pack your smellables separately in something you can easily take out and put in the bear bag.
Don't forget eating gear (but not an entire mess kit). MINIMIZE WEIGHT
Take time to attach things to your pack (such as your sleeping bag or a tent) with compression straps or rope.
You should bring your fully packed backpack to the Troop meeting on Friday November 8th for a "shakedown" where an experienced backpacker Scout checks you out.
Drink a lot of water before leaving and you must carry at least one quart of water (in a durable water bottle).
Philmont Scouts: we may add a Friday night campout at St. John's to this trip, as soon as we have approval from St. John's.
What to do on Saturday morning:
Check the weather forecast and make sure you're prepared.
Eat breakfast. Drink a lot of water.
Bring a bag lunch. MINIMIZE WEIGHT
Make/bring your own trail mix.
Bring a few dollars for the shops and arcade at St. Peters.
Put on sunscreen and bring a ballcap or visor.
BRING YOUR PERMISSION SLIP.
Crew/Patrol Gear (discuss at the Troop Meeting):
Tents/shelter
Crew food (Sat dinner; Sun breakfast)
Cooking/food prep/serving gear
Cleaning gear
Bear bag and rope
First Aid kit
Insect repellent
Compass (2)
No need for water purification gear
No need for firestarting materials
CAMPING Option
Campers depart at the same time from St. John's: 8AM on Saturday 9 November.
Arrive at campsite at Warwick County Park (off Route 23, Knauertown, PA) about 9:00AM.
Set up camp, then compete in Orienteering meet.
Hike about 2.0 miles on the Horseshoe Trail to the River of Rocks and village of St. Peters LINK1 • LINK2; it's FUN and they have an antique arcade (bring money!).
Return hike to the campground and work on campout advancement if you need it. We may also do a service project for the park.
Evening campfire and a possible "Night-O" (orienteering at night).
Planning and Packing:
Cooking and tenting by patrol. We'll discuss this at the Troop Meeting.
There is a pavilion at Warwick Park with picnic tables and a fireplace. We're not sure if we'll be allowed to have fires, though.
Patrol Gear (discuss with your Patrol Leader or Troop Guide)
Drivers pickup Sunday at 10:45AM at Warwick County Park. The park is about 50 minutes away from Blue Bell.
Directions here: DIRECTIONS.
What is an Orienteering meet?
It's a timed hide-and-seek contest in the woods using a map and compass. Here's a decent description ==> OMEET2. But the most important thing to know is that it's a really fun sport, that's easy to participate in, and there are meets held all over the world. If you've never done this, don't worry. It's pretty easy to learn and there will be time for instruction before you start competing.
Why you should go orienteering:
It's fun
It's challenging
It gets you in shape
It gets you credit for advancement (most of First Class Requirement #4a and Second Class Requirement #3a)
It gets you credit for part of Orienteering Merit Badge
You get to compete against other Scouts from Troop 98
You get to represent Troop 98 against Scouts competing from other troops.