Wow, what a weekend to go backpacking! Our trip started off normal enough leaving the Old Church around 6:30pm and arriving at Findley State Park at 7:30pm. We were able to set up camp and most everyone turned in early. Shortly after getting into our tents the rain and winds came. Halfway through the night it started to snow. That's right, who would have thought it would snow in April? After a restless night we awoke the next morning to significantly colder temperatures and snow on the ground. We gathered up our gear, but left our tents pitched when normally we would have taken them with us. As the intensity of the snow fall increased members of the crew donned their packs for a short hike to breakfast under the nature activity shelter.

After breakfast we decided that with all the training and planning we did it would be a shame not to give our original plans a try. One of our crew had to drop out because his feet were so cold and wet that he was having trouble walking. He stayed back and warmed up in one of the cars with one of the leaders. The snow kept coming and when we reached the trailhead things were not looking any better. The trail was wet, muddy, and slow going. Our crew pushed on and things did not improve so after about 30 minutes we headed back on a loop trail. Nearly back we ran into a creek that had become much wider and deeper with all the runoff from the wet snow. We built a quick bridge to cross it and finally made it back to the cars. At the cars we took a vote to decide if we should stay or head home. The vote was 8-3 in favor of heading home.

The adventure wasn't over yet because we still had to go get our tents. Off we went to the campsite to find that many were starting to collaspe from the weight of 5+ inches of heavy wet snow. We worked quickly to drop the tents and stow them for the ride home. Then back to the cars for the trip home in a warm car. This is definitely a trip we won't soon forget. The bold and brave crew members of this expedition were Alex, DJ, Jacob, Joey, Matthew, Matt S., Philip, Steven, Mr. Dzurnak, Mr. Makowski, and Mr. Mayher.

Backpacking Finley State Park Photo Album

Trip Plan for Findley State Park

Date and Time of Departure: Friday, April 1st, 6:00pm - Old Church

Purpose: To learn the basic skills of backpacking by taking a simple trip. This trip is meant for those without much experience. Consider it a warm up to a more challenging trip planned for later this year. Scouts that do not have backpacking gear can attend this outing. They would do other activities such as work on advancement or take a hike on one of the many trails in the state park.

Location: Findley State Park, Organized Group Camp Area

Directions:

1. Take I-77 North to I-480
2. I-480 West to S.R. 10 West
3. S.R. 10 West to U.S. Rt. 20 West
4. U.S. Rt. 20 West to S.R. 58
5. South on S.R. 58 for ten miles. Park is 2.5 miles south of Wellington on east side of road.

Cost: $15.00 per scout (due at shakedown meeting on March 29th)

Estimated Time of Return: Sunday, April 3rd, 10:00am - Behind Old Church

Items to Bring (Backpacking):

• Backpacking Gear (try to get as close to this list as possible)

Items to Bring (Not Backpacking):

• Scout Outdoor Essentials (see handbook)
• Camping Gear and Extra Clothing (see handbook)