Scouts and Backpacking

Our Scouts enthusiastically take on the challenge of preparing, launching and completing a backpacking trip. As a Scoutmaster I appreciate the Patrol and skill building opportunities but the real reason we go backpacking is the sheer joy (often achieved through great effort and discomfort) of the experience.

Backpacking requires an expanded set of skills and attention to detail. Here are some resources that help us prepare for successful trips:

Naismith's Rule
Scotsman W.W. Naismith designed to predict the duration of a hike based on distance, terrain and other variables.

Ten Essentials (yes, yet again) With a Quiz
With all the "excitement" that the wilderness can throw at you (weather, critters, rough terrain, accidents), it seems to be only common sense that the hiker should be ready to meet it with at least the bare minimum of equipment. This minimum is usually referred to in hiking guides as the Ten Essentials.

Choosing a Backpacking Route

Leading a good backpacking trip begins with tailoring the route to the ability of the group. Mileage for mileage's sake usually turns a good trip into an ordeal of endurance that Scouts may not want to repeat. Better to have the Scouts eager to challenge a longer hike or a tougher trail than feel reluctant to try again.

Some Sources of Backpacking Hints, Tips and Wisdom
 Backpacking requires choosing, packing and using gear  selected for its lightest weight and greatest utility; a subject for lengthy conjecture, experimentation and development. I imagine that the ratio of actual trail time is several times less than the endless study of gear and technique - something a real backpacker may enjoy as much as actual backpacking.

Trail Information
Great web resources for trail information

Freezer Bag Cooking - Worth a Look
Freezer bag cooking is easy, inexpensive and an especially great way for Scouts (or anyone for that matter) to prepare food on backpacking trips.

Comments

[Idoy]

Hey, what if nobody knows among your group about the trail or route?

Do you think it would be better to hire someone as a guide?

[Yeriel]

The right gear is so very important. It can allow for a pleasant trip or a nightmare, or at least an aggrivation. Of course, mapping the route is essential. One other essential, which may have to be learned is the discipline of selection; knowing what to take as well as knowinig what to leave at home. Young hikers may think they "need" to take things that they really should leave at home. We arrived at camp once quite a distance out in the wilderness to discover one of our hikers had hauled mostly video games and candy!
Yeri

[Larry Geiger]

Inspections.

All Scouts bring their fully packed pack to a troop meeting where it is thoroughly inspected by the troop's senior leadership. Of course, we then have "mommies" adding things right before we leave. One hike will usually solve that problem for the Scout.