Backpacking and Camping at Hawk Mountain Scout Reservation 2016

March 12-13, 2016
 

Who says Scouts don't go backpacking or camping in the Winter? Let's do both, on Saturday to Sunday March 12th to 13th!  This is the first backpacking prep trip for Philmont.

We'll camp overnight in tents or cabins at Hawk Mountain Scout Reservation (MAP - DIRECTIONS).  Backpackers will set out from there and connect to the Appalachian Trail, hike part of the day and loop back to the cabin in the afternoon OR we'll drive over to The Pinnacle and hike up to it. Campers will stay at the Scout Reservation, explore the area, work on advancement, cooking and games.

At some point on Saturday or Sunday we'll take a field trip to the Cabela's store in Hamburg.

Leave: Saturday at 8AM from St. Johns (arrive by 7:45 please)
Return: Sunday at 1PM to St. Johns.


BACKPACKING PREPS

You should only backpack if you have good hiking boots/trail shoes.  If you're not sure, please come to this Friday's meeting with your boots so we can check you out!

Wear hiking boots or solid trail shoes that are waterproof.  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.

For Philmont Scouts, pack your backpack as if you were going on a two night backpacking trip.
  1. You must carefully plan what you are carrying.  MINIMIZE WEIGHT
  2. Pack your smellables separately in something you can easily take out and put in the bear bag.
  3. Don't forget eating gear (but not an entire mess kit).  MINIMIZE WEIGHT
  4. Take time to attach things to your pack (such as your sleeping bag) with compression straps or rope.
  5. Your pack and gear will be checked out before you start hiking. 
  6. You should drink a lot of water before leaving and you must carry at least one quart of water (in a durable water bottle).
  7. Scout uniform required (for the trip to Cabela's).
Crew Gear (to be assigned by Acting Crew Leaders for this trip; let us know on the RSVP if you want to be Acting Crew Leader):
  1. Water purification
  2. Crew food (Sat lunch, dinner; Sun breakfast)
  3. Cooking/food prep/serving gear
  4. Cleaning gear
  5. Bear bag and rope
  6. First Aid kit
  7. Compass (2)

    No need for firestarting materials
CAMPING PREPS

Planning and Packing:
  1. Cooking by patrol.  Please RSVP asap so your patrol leader or his delegate can make meal plans.
  2. There will be tables and cooking equipment in the cabin and/or campsite, and we'll also bring our own stoves.  Patrol Gear (discuss with your Patrol Leader or Troop Guide). 
  3. You may be sleeping on a bunk in a heated cabin but we've never stayed here so we don't know how warm it will be.  Prepare as if it will be cold!
  4. Wear hiking boots or solid athletic shoes for hiking (see #1 on the left side of this page).
  5. Wear multiple layers to regulate your body warmth.
  6. Check the weather forecast before you leave; plan accordingly (like rain gear).
  7. Bring eating gear and a water bottle.
  8. Scout uniform required (for the trip to Cabela's).
At The Pinnacle on the A-T