Come for just the day, for a single night, or both nights. But, be sure to RSVP so we can Be Prepared! 

Dates (weather dependent): Friday, March 19, 2021 - Sunday, March 21, 2021

Cost for Hiking Friday and/or Saturday: Free

Cost for Optional Camping: $10 per person per night

Required Forms: Activity Consent Form (youth) and Annual Health and Medical Record (youth and adults). A new health form is not required if you have provided it to the troop within the past year and have no changes.

Forms and Payment Due: Thursday, March 18

Please provide your own meals and transportation.

Two face masks

Two water bottles (32 oz / 1L each)

Comfortable hiking shoes (water-resistant hiking boots strongly encouraged)

Water shoes or sandals (for crossing streams)

Extra socks and hand towel

Backpack (no string bags)

Hand sanitizer

Large, comfortable backpacking pack capable of holding a tent, sleeping bag, and personal gear

Meals and snacks (dehydrated meals strongly encouraged and can be obtained from Dick's Sporting Goods)

Deodorant and other personal care items (travel sized items strongly encouraged)

Standard camping gear (consult the backpacking checklist)

We will meet at the HCS Playground on Saturday, March 13 at 10:30am to provide Troop gear for you to pack, including a tent and campfire pot for your hot water needs. Please bring your backpack and sleeping bag so that we can check that the gear fits.

Water and latrines are available near the campsites and at points along the trail. As a true backpacking activity, Troop gear such as patrol boxes, stoves, cookware, and utensils will NOT be provided unless you obtain it for your backpack on Saturday.

Be sure to pack any gear needed to eat, sleep, clean up, and stay warm. However, space is limited in your backpack and you will carry every ounce of weight for several miles on the trail, so plan your gear carefully. Split gear between family members (e.g., one person carries the tent, the other carries the food), and reuse items whenever possible (e.g., stuff your jacket in your sleeping bag sack as a pillow) to lighten your load. Outer layers of clothes can often be worn multiple days, but base layers like socks should be changed daily. Extra gear can be left in your car to keep your load light but have it in case of emergency. It is a 30 minute roundtrip walk from the campsites to the trailhead where we will park.

It will be muddy so plan on getting dirty. As the trip approaches, we may adjust dates if weather conditions are too cold or wet at Forest Glen. We will make that decision on Monday morning.

Lookout Tower Here We Come!

Please RSVP using THIS SIGNUP LINK.

Please download and print the permission slip linked HERE.

Update 3/27/19

1. Water Bottle (2)
2. Extra clothing (extra socks for day hike)
3. Sun Protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
4. First Aid Kit
5. Rain Gear (lightweight rain coat and rain pants)
6. Flashlight and/or headlamp
7. Trail Food
8. Map and Compas
9. Matches and fire starters
10. Pocketknife

Layer Up For Comfort
Layering is a good idea in all weather conditions.  For hiking, a good layer system includes:

Clothing:

• Base Layer: Synthetic undergarments: compression shorts and shirt (underarmor type)
• This layer helps wick moisture away from the skin AND helps prevent chafing on long hikes
• Mid Layer: long sleeve t-shirt or button up shirt, jeans or Scout pants
• NOTE: shorts are OK as long as proper footwear and socks are worn - see below
• Insulating layer: fleece pullover or hoodie, fleece pants
• Optional for cool to cold weather
• Outer Layer: Rain coat or jacket, rain pants
• Lightweight and easy to carry

Footwear:

• Socks Base Layer: synthetic athletic socks
• Socks Outer Layer: thick long synthetic or wool hiking socks
• Shoes / Boots: comfortable shoes or hiking boots that lace up snug and can get dirty and wet (preferably water resistant)