Backpacking & Camping for Women Crystal Rich - Pack 4556 & Erin Powell - REI

Objective Discuss issues specifically relating to women when backpacking or camping with Scouts of all ages. Provide resources to help you feel confident in your adventures.

What level are you? What shape are you in? What is your previous experience? Do you need special training? What level is your scout? –Cub Scout –Boy Scout –Varsity Scout –Venture Scout

Topics Gear Packing Comfort & Staying Warm Safety, Modesty & Co-Ed Issues Hygiene & Biologicals Wildlife High Adventure Leave No Trace Front Country Back Country A Guide to Safe Scouting

Gear & Packing  Gear List (dependant on type of activity)  Costs & Where to Shop!  Durability & Longevity  Personal vs. Shared  Weight Distribution  Accessibility

Principles of Backpacking 1.Take enough gear to be safe, comfortable & confident. 2.Know the weight of each item & how important it is to #1. 3.Whenever possible, use multi-purpose items. 4.Spend the most (effort, quality, cost) on the heaviest items. ~ Tent, backpack, sleeping bag & pad, food, cooking gear, water. 5.Use the smallest, most durable/useful items that will fit your needs.

A Woman’s Ten-Essentials With BSA in mind of course!  Waterproof Matches  Nylon Cord  Knife  Compass  Signaling Mirror  Red Bandana  Hygiene Kit  Microfiber Towel or Sarong  Sunscreen & Sunglasses  Insect Repellant  First Aid Kit  Whistle  Flashlight/Headlamp  Glow stick  Bathroom Shovel, TP & Hand Sanitizer  Ziplocks  Chap Stick  Emergency Food (non- perishable high energy snacks)  Water  Hat  Duct Tape  Small pad of paper/sharpie  Emergency Blanket  Emergency Poncho or Leaf- Garbage Bag  Dental Floss  Tampons & Pads  Biodegradable Bathing Towels

Dealing with Fears Respect the fear you have – acknowledge them Distinguish between danger of bodily harm versus fear of simply looking bad Don’t allow yourself to be pressured into uncomfortable situations Be realistic Evaluate the risks – is it worth is & why Find practical solutions Overcome it with education, practice and trust your judgment!

Comfort & Staying Warm  Clothing  Fabrics  Layering  Gear  Fit  What to do when it isn’t working out  Heat Loss, Hypothermia, When to get Help

Safety, Modesty & Co-Ed Issues  Buddy System – ALWAYS  Changing Clothes, Bathing (Private vs. Not-Private)  Respectful Boundaries  Co-Ed Safety Regulations – A Guide to Safe Scouting  Latrines  Sleeping  Privacy

Hygiene & Biologicals  Smellables!  Biodegradable Soaps  Washing Up  Irritations/Chaffing  Dealing with “that time”  Safe Clothing Practices  Wildlife (Bears)  Modesty

Peeing in the Woods  Cat holes  Blue Bags  Water Sources  Wildlife  TP or No TP?  Tidal Areas  Desserts  River Corridors  Arctic/Fragile Soils

Wildlife  Bears  Cougars/Bobcats  Raccoons  Squirrels

High Adventure  Philmont - New Mexico  Sea Base - Florida  Northern Tier & Okpik– Minnesota  Rules are the same for Leaders and Venture Scouts

Leave No Trace  Front Country  Back Country

A Guide to Safe Scouting  Follow the guidelines to create valuable experiences and memories for you and your scout  Policies allow you to enjoy the experience rather than focusing on gender issues  Be a resource rather than a drain on the group  Most importantly – Be Prepared!

Final Points of Wisdom  If you are really new to backpacking and camping, try finding someone experienced to show you the ropes.  Train, Practice, Get Comfortable with your gear before you go.  Don’t worry about keeping up, doing it the way “men” may approach things – just enjoy the experience. Men may generally be stronger, but women are generally better at stamina. Listen to your body so you can adjust as needed.