Benefits of backpacking Getting ready for backpacking Rules to observe during the trip Overview of Outdoor Code and the seven Principles of Leave No Trace What to bring and what not to bring Scout experiences Overview of Hoegees Camp FAQ Q&A May 1 st, 2016

“Are you ready to become an expert hiker and camper, to explore the natural world, and to meet challenges with good judgment and skill?” 1 st question in the Boy Scout Handbook – page 13

Self-esteem Peer relationships Independence Adventure and exploration Leadership Environmental awareness Friendship skills Values and decisions Social comfort

Prepare both physically and mentally: exercise daily Prepare backpacking equipment: Ten essentials Backpack Sleeping bag Hiking shoes/boots

Follow each patrol, single file, keep pace "Make Trail" - move to the uphill side to let another group pass. Help each other Watch out for each other Practice leave no trace principal. Practice scout oath, scout law such as be helpful. Stay with the troop, no wondering into the woods. Follow buddy system. Bring out trash. What to do when you get lost: STOP: Stay, Think, Observe, Plan.

As an American, I will do my best to be: Clean in my outdoor manners, Careful with fire, Considerate in the outdoors, Conservation minded.

1. Plan ahead and prepare 2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces 3. Dispose of waste properly 4. Leave what you find 5. Minimize campfire impacts 6. Respect wildlife 7. Be considerate of other visitors

Personal Gear (should weigh less than 15 pounds) 1. Backpack and rain cover (garbage bag OK) 2. Sleeping bag in a waterproof stuff sack 3. Sleeping pad (pillow optional) 4. Ten essentials 5. Two water bottles – minimum 2 liters total 6. Small flashlight 7. Toilet paper 8. Mess kit (bowl, cup, utensils) 9. Light towel and/or bandanna 10. Personal and hygiene (soap, sun glasses, contact solution, medicines, whistle, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.) Clothing – including what you wear (Should weigh less than eight pounds): 1. Sturdy hiking shoes/boots (broken in) 2. Water shoes/camp shoes 3. Two pairs of non-cotton socks 4. Hiking shorts or pants (one pair of long pants and something for swimming) pair underwear 6. Class A and Class B uniforms 7. Rain gear or poncho 8. Warm heavy shirt, sweater, sweatshirt or jacket (no cotton) 9. Fleece pants or long underwear bottoms 10. Gloves or glove liners and warm hat

Pack weight no more than 25 to 30 percent of scout’s body weight 120 lbs, 25% = 30 lbs, 30% = 36 lbs Pack weight includes: Backpack (5 lbs) Personal Gear (15 lbs) Clothing (8 lbs) Shared items: tents, food, cooking gear Water (1 L = 1 kg = ~2 lbs)

No Electronics No Just In Case Stuffs If you’re not sure about a piece of gear, ask one of the leaders. Famous campfire quotes from any Scout, when discussing what he would do differently on the next trip, was: “I won’t let my mother pack my backpack next time, she put too much stuff in it !”

June Hoegee’s Campground in the Los Angeles National Forest 2.25 miles from the trailhead at Chantry Flats in San Gabriel Mountain Facilities: Tables, Fire rings, Pit toilet, Creek

What if my son is packing his backpack before the trip, but there’s not enough room and he can’t get everything in? Are you able to get in touch with the Forest Service, rangers or emergency services by radio or cell phone when you are on backpacks? How will we know where you’ll be? How would you handle an emergency on the trail? What do we do if you’re late? When should we begin to worry? Well, seriously, what if you did get lost? Do you carry GPS devices to aid in navigation?

Happy trails