Backpacking Guidelines
PRE-CAMP WARD PACK CHECKS
Schedule pre-camp ward pack checks with a Stake Camp Leader.
Reminder that gear is YOUR responsibility. We do not provide tents, stoves, filters, etc.
Find a buddy to share gear and reduce weight. Buddies also share meals.
Bring hiking boots with ankle support that are for YOUR feet. Blisters are no fun.
Put all items in your pack before you leave home. Distribute weight properly.
Less weight=more fun!
Bring supplies for your period - it often happens unexpectedly.
BRUSH UP ON YOUR BACKCOUNTRY SKILLS
Hang a bear bag - We don't use bear canisters. Bears are becoming smart enough to open these canisters. Hanging food using a stuff sack and rope is the preferred method of the Forest Service.
Properly arrange your pack - As a group, we will assemble the YW in the pavilion and cooperatively assemble our packs together. We will review best practices and customize packs to bodies.
HYGIENE ON THE TRAIL
You should clean dishes, sleep and pee/poop 200 ft from water. How far is 200 feet?
As leaders, it is helpful for you to bring extra pads and tampons for the girls.
PURIFYING WATER
There are several techniques for purifying the water you find along the trail. You can learn about the different options here and here.
When backpacking with a large group with significant water needs, a large capacity gravity filter (like this or this) can reduce the time it takes to process enough water for the group. You can hang the filter in a tree and let gravity do the work. It makes filling bottles and jet boils easier, allows for carrying more water from the water source and can be a convenient hand washing station. Be sure you know how to back flow the gravity filter to remove particles from a clogged filter.
THE SEVEN LEAVE NO TRACE PRINCIPLES
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Dispose of Waste Properly
- Leave What You Find
- Minimize Campfire Impacts
- Respect Wildlife
- Be Considerate of Other Visitors
The stake will provide all the food for camp including backpacking food. The list below is for your information.
GEAR RECOMMENDATIONS
There are many gear options out there. Choosing gear is a matter of personal preference, backpacking frequency and cost. Taking a group of youth outdoors presents it's own set of challenges. While we ask that all the YW bring their own gear, we anticipate that not everyone will have access to equipment and the leaders will need to share their supplies.
Gravity fed water filters:
There are many ways to purify water in the back country. Filtering water tends to be easiest in a large group. High capacity filters are preferred, primarily to reduce the amount of time it takes to get enough water for the group.
A gravity filter is recommended because it is easiest for a large group. But not everyone has access to them. There are several ways to purify water (tablets, iodine, light sticks, filters). Filters are suggested because the water can be murky - lights, tablets, iodine don’t screen for that stuff. We don’t want the YW avoiding drinking water because it has gross stuff in it. There are several types of filters on the market. Pump filters are fine, it just requires more time and attention from the YW/leaders.
Backpacking Stove:
The backcountry menu is primarily dehydrated food, which requires quick and efficient ways to boil water.
Tents - Are they required?
Many YW ask if a tent is required - Can't they sleep under the stars? Tents are an exception in the gear list, though we do not advise not having one. There are often surprise showers in the back country since we are at such high elevation or lots of mosquitos. At each of the pre-camp meetings we remind the YW that using a tent can protect from the elements. Sleeping under the stars is fine. We mostly have the policy of “Bring ALL these things” even through many of the YW won’t/can’t bring all of them. It’s just not possible to enforce/support every last item for every single YW. We hope that there can be some sharing between the groups to cover all the bases.
Can they wear jeans?
In camp is fine, on the trail, jeans can be frustrating and create problems. Denim is slow to dry, really heavy and can create chaffing with extended activity. We ask the YW to bring pants that are synthetic, dry quickly and are lightweight. We are aiming for a positive experience!
What about Converse/Vans - the YW says that is their favorite/best/only shoes?
The terrain on the trail can often be unsteady and slippery. Finding a shoe with traction is key. Since they are carrying a lot of weight, their balance can be off kilter. A boot or high top shoe can provide support and prevent a twisted ankle.
Group Management Techniques on the Trail:
Keep a steady pace: It can be tough to moderate a diverse group of YW with varied athletic abilities and hiking experience. Studies and personal experience point to an unlikely solution of putting the slower paced people in the front. It reduces the amount of time spent at each stop, because there is less recovery time needed to get started after a break. It helps keep the moral positive and a more cohesive feeling as a group.
Front and Back leaders: Have a leader near the lead and as a sweep (caboose). It is important that an adult leader can help the group stay on pace, on the trail and mindful of others in the group. Use the radio to keep tabs on the rear of the group to gauge the need for stops, etc.
Solo time! Find a time for the YW to have solo time. Either out on the trail or in camp. On the trail, find a section that is clearly safe but allows for some private moments with nature. Have an adult leader hike ahead (5/10 min or so) and station themselves at a stopping point that can accommodate the group. In camp, designate an area for each YW and a time that you will return. You can give them prompts/suggestions that might guide their thoughts during this time.
Coming home: It is a camp tradition to have pizza lunch when the YW return to camp. Please plan your trip home to arrive around 1pm. If you do not anticipate that you will be back at that time, please call the director and hiking specialist when you hit a moment of cell service. It is spotty in the valleys, but you can often get a signal near the peaks.