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Backpacking & Hiking at the Pinnacle +
Who says Scouts don't go backpacking or camping in the Winter? Let's do both, on the Appalachian Trail and Hawk Mountain Scout Reservation! This is the first backpacking prep trip for Philmont.
Leave: Friday night "sleep-in" campout at St. John's. Arrive at 7:30PM.
OR arrive at St. John's on Saturday no later than 8AM for 8:30 departure
Return: Sunday at 2PM to St. Johns.
Pack your Scout uniform on this trip (you will need to wear it on Sunday for the trip to Cabela's).
Friday night at St. John's: We will meet at 7:30PM and then camp inside/downstairs (on the floor; bring a good sleeping pad). Our meeting will divide two ways:
Backpacking skills for Philmont Scouts (and anyone else who wants to learn): portable stoves, water purification, bear bags, bear safety, PLUS beginning itinerary selection.
Non-Philmont Scouts can work on rank advancement, if they need it.
We will have snacks and may show a short movie before lights out at 10:30PM.
Saturday, we begin with a simple breakfast at St. John's (provided by the Troop), assemble bag lunches at St. John's, and leave for the mountains.
BACKPACKERS AND HIKERS: We will drive directly to the Hamburg Reservoir (DIRECTIONS), park, and start hiking toward the Pinnacle; the longest hike could be 8.7 miles (LINK). Philmont backpackers should bring a semi-loaded backpack.
Bring a bag lunch, water, and snacks for Saturday's hike. You can keep the lunch in the St. John's fridge on Friday night. Make sure you're prepared for hiking with good hiking boots or shoes, layers of clothing (WEATHER FORECAST), and the Hiking 10 Essentials (in a comfy day pack; don't worry about bringing a pocketknife if you don't have one yet or haven't earned the Totin' Chip).
When we're done with our hike we will drive to Hawk Mountain Scout Reservation and catch up with the campers.
CAMPERS: We will drive directly to Hawk Mountain Scout Reservation (MAP - DIRECTIONS) where we will stay in a heated building with bunks and tables. Campers can work on advancement, take a hike up to the A-T, maybe archery, and orienteering.
PHOTOS (from the last time we stayed here)
Sunday, we will cook breakfast (by patrols), hike around camp (and maybe up to the Appalachian Trail), then pack up to go home. On the way home we will stop at Cabela's outdoor store, and stop for lunch at Yocco's, returning to St. John's at 2PM.
BACKPACKING/HIKING 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.
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) with compression straps or rope. Your pack and gear will be checked out before you start hiking.
You should drink a lot of water before leaving and you must carry at least one quart of water (in a durable water bottle.
You may be assigned to carry some Crew Gear:
Water purification
Crew food
Cooking/food prep/serving gear
Cleaning gear
Bear bag and rope
First Aid kit
Compass (2)
Pack your Scout uniform (for the trip to Cabela's).
CAMPING PREPS:
Planning and Packing:
Saturday dinner and Sunday breakfast meals are by patrol. We will contact Patrol Leaders or alternates so they can arrange for food buying.
There will be tables and cooking equipment in the cabin and we'll also bring our own stoves.
You may be sleeping on a bunk in a heated cabin, but heaters can be finicky. Prepare as if it will be cold!
Wear hiking boots or solid athletic shoes for hiking (see #1 on the left side of this page).
Wear multiple layers to regulate your body warmth.
Check the weather forecast before you leave; plan accordingly (like rain gear).
Bring eating gear (plate/cup/spork) and a water bottle.
Pack your Scout uniform (for the trip to Cabela's).
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