Dont forget to sign up for the Franconia Notch Hiking Trip on May 20th-22nd. We will be camping at the Apple Hill Campground Friday through Sunday with day hikes up to Kinsman Peak on the 21st. This is a great introduction to hiking in mountainous terrain and will cover basic hiking and map reading skills as well as the 13 essentials items all hikers should carry.
As a scout led troop, taking on the role of Senior Patrol Leader is a very big undertaking and making the decision to run for SPL should not be taken lightly. As part of the process to run for SPL please complete the Troop Leadership Application (link below) and submit it to Andrew Chalbeck with a copy to Mr. Schwoerer. This is your opportunity to say why you want the job, how you will perform the job, and why your fellow scouts should choose you for the position. You will have an opportunity to present this to the troop before the election May 7th. This is also your pledge that you understand the requirements of the position and will perform them to the best of your ability.
For our May outing, the scouts have chosen a 'backpacking' campout.
It will be May 18, 19, and 20.
The venue will be decided upon this week and will likely be either Mt. Cardigan or the back country Griswold Scout Reservation.
This is something the troop has not done in several years. Essentially, the scouts will be hiking to two different campsites over the weekend which will necessitate caring all that is needed on their backs. In other words, there will be no driving in gear such as tents, stoves, etc. to the campsite. Of course, equipment needs are much different on this type outing. The primary items are:
1. A frame backpack (either internal or external frame). The troop has several older style external frame packs that can be borrowed. Modern, internal frame packs can be rented if you do not want to purchase. 2. A lightweight sleeping back and roll up/fold up mat 3. Good hiking shoes/boots and socks 4. Lightweight, non-refrigerated food
As far as tents go, small, lightweight tents are expense. Our troop tents will hold 3 scouts and essentially have 3 parts -- tent, fly, and poles. The scouts can choose tent mates and each carry one part in their pack.
As far as weight, the general rule is 20%. i.e., the scout should have no more than 20% of his body weight on his back. So a 100 pound scout should have no more than 20 pounds on his back. (I guess that puts the dutch ovens in my backpack!)
Wanted to get the basics out there so you could make the decision whether or not your scout chooses to attend. We do need to get our numbers together so if attending, please sign up on the website by tomorrow's meeting.
FYI, we will be segregating those attending at the May 3 meeting in order to prep.
The deadline to sign up for the May troop campout is May 6th. The permission form is due May 13th and can be found here: http://goo.gl/forms/ew3YkQmiiv
