BACKPACKING You should only backpack if you have the appropriate gear (as we've been discussing at Troop Meetings). If you're not sure, please discuss with a Scout leader on Friday. You should also come to the shakedown meeting on Friday 15th April. Backpackers meet at St. John's at 7:45AM on Saturday April 16th
- Arrive hiking start point at 9:00 (Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site - upper parking lot; directions below)
- Hike about 7.5 miles on the Horseshoe Trail (HSTRAIL) with stops on the way (notably, the River of Rocks and village of SAINT_PETERS; it's FUN!)
- Arrive at campsite in the afternoon (Warwick County Park, off Route 23, Knauertown, PA)
- Sunday backpack out 2.5 miles and pick up at French Creek Elementary School
Drivers pickup Sunday at 10:45AM at Warwick County Park. The park is about 50 minutes away from Blue Bell. Directions here: SATURDAY_DIRECTIONS SUNDAY_DIRECTIONS.
If you need to borrow a backpack let us know on the RSVP form or email the Scoutmaster
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.
- You should drink a lot of water before leaving and you must carry at least one quart of water (in a durable water bottle).
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 at St. Peters.
- Put on sunscreen and bring a ballcap or visor.
- BRING YOUR PERMISSION SLIP.
Crew Gear (discuss with your Patrol Leader/Crew Leader 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 Campers meet at St. John's at 8:45AM on Saturday April 16th - Arrive at campsite at Warwick County Park (off Route 23, Knauertown, PA) about 10:00AM.
- Set up camp (work on campout advancement if you need it).
- Hike about 2.0 miles on the Horseshoe Trail to the River of Rocks and village of SAINT_PETERS; it's FUN!
Return to St. John's at Noon on Sunday April 17th
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)
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