San Juan Mountains Association 2 Day Teen Backpack Trip

Transcription

1 San Juan Mountains Association 2 Day Teen Backpack Trip Certified Interpretive Guide, MK Gunn will lead a 2 day trip for teens along the First Fork Trail along the Piedra River and will include nature lessons and time for quiet self-reflection in the wild. Trip length is dependent on the abilities of the group and will be approximately 4 to 7 miles each day. This trip is designed to teach kids how to backpack and participants must be able to carry their own gear.

2 Thanks so much for you and your kid s interest in the 6 th annual backpacking trip for teens ages 13 to 17. This trip is made possible thanks to the generous donor and member support of the San Juan Mountains Association (SJMA) and our partnership with the City of Durango. Here is more info for the trip on September 29 and 30, The guides are myself (MK Gunn) and two other SJMA volunteers, TBD. I am a certified interpretive guide with San Juan Mountains Association and have lead trips since I have a background in outdoor education, guided mountain hikes, adaptive sports, and challenge course facilitation. There will be a mandatory meeting on Wednesday, Sept 26 th, 5:30-6:30pm at the Durango Recreation Center. I would like each participant and one responsible adult to be present. We will cover important info such as what kind of food and clothing to bring, who is sharing tents, etc. Kids who are borrowing equipment must pick it up then so that if will be packed and ready to go the morning of the trip. I will also give you info on how to track us via satellite. Yes, free rental equipment is available. All reservations will go through me. I can get equipment from Backcountry Experience and Pine Needle Mountaineering. Options for equipment to borrow include backpacks, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and tents. I must know if participants need equipment by Sept 25th. However, sooner is better in order to get the right equipment. Participants will need to carry most of their own provisions and gear (see equipment list). Some items such as stoves and water filters will be carried by the guides. There is more information on the attached packing list. Please note that it covers 2 pages. There are helpful tips on page 2. Also, SJMA backpacking intake form and waiver must be filled out and signed by a parent or guardian. This is mandatory! You can bring this to the meeting, snail mail it to PO Box 2261, Durango, 81302, or fax it to (970) , attention MK Gunn. IF I DON T HAVE AN INTAKE FORM AND WAIVER FOR EACH PARTICIPANT SIGNED BY A PARENT OR GUARDIAN, THEY CANNOT GO ON THE TRIP. We will hike out and back along the Piedra River via the First Fork Trail an 8 to 14 mile round trip that allows plenty of time for side hikes, ecology lessons, and self-reflection. Here is a rough itinerary: September 29: Meet at the Rec and pile into the van. Plan to leave around 8am. Arrive at the trailhead around 9. Once at the trailhead, we will hike 4 to 7 miles hike to camp, depending on the group s ability. We will get settled in and talk about camp etiquette. Extra time will be used for team building activities, journal writing and/ or drawing, nature lessons, and night time astronomy. We might even hike up a side trail. September 30: Morning stretching/yoga session, nature lessons, and exploring. Hike out with a stop for lunch and reflections on our trip. We will get back to the Rec Center around 5:00pm. If you need anything else, please contact me at MK@sjma.org or

3 San Juan Mountains Association Release and Waiver of Liability This Release and Waiver of Liability (the Release ) executed by the undersigned ( Releasor ) on the date set forth below releases San Juan Mountains Association, a nonprofit corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Colorado and each of its directors, officers, employees, and agents ( Nonprofit or SJMA ). Releasor desires to provide volunteer services for SJMA, engage in activities related to serving as a volunteer, and/or participate in an SJMA outing, docent-led hike or other outdoor activity. Releasor understands that, Releasor s relationship with Nonprofit is limited to a volunteer position and that no compensation is expected in return for services provided by Releasor; that Nonprofit will not provide any benefits traditionally associated with employment to Releasor; and that Releasor is responsible for his/her own insurance coverage in the event of personal injury or illness as a result of Releasor services to Nonprofit or participation in outings or events associated with Nonprofit. I understand that during my participation in docent-led hikes, outings, volunteer activities and events, and outdoor activities associated with SJMA (collectively, SJMA Events ), I may be exposed to a variety of hazards and risks, foreseen or unforeseen, which are inherent in each SJMA Event and cannot be eliminated without destroying the unique character of the SJMA Event. These inherent risks include, but are not limited to, the dangers of serious personal injury, property damage, and death ( Injuries and Damages ) from exposure to the hazards of travel and/or outdoor activities and that Nonprofit has not tried to contradict or minimize my understanding of these risks. I know that Injuries and Damages can occur by natural causes or activities of other persons, animals, trip members, trip leaders and assistants or third parties, either as a result of negligence or because of other reasons. I understand that risks of such Injuries and Damages are involved in SJMA Events and I appreciate that I may have to exercise extra care for my own person and for others around me in the face of such hazards. I further understand that during SJMA Events there may not be rescue or medical facilities or expertise necessary to deal with the Injuries and Damages to which I may be exposed. 1. WAIVER AND RELEASE: I, THE RELEASOR, HEREBY AGREE TO WAIVE, RELEASE FROM LIABILITY AND FOREVER DISCHARGE CLAIMS AND HOLD HARMLESS NONPROFIT AND ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS FROM ANY AND ALL LIABILITY, CLAIMS, AND DEMANDS OF WHATEVER KIND OF NATURE, EITHER IN LAW OR IN EQUITY, INCLUDING ALL INJURIES AND DAMAGES, WHICH ARISE OR MAY HEREAFTER ARISE FROM ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATED WITH NONPROFIT INCLUDING ANY SJMA EVENTS. I UNDERSTAND AND ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THIS RELEASE DISCHARGES NONPROFIT FROM ANY LIABILITY OR CLAIM THAT I MAY HAVE AGAINST NONPROFIT WITH RESPECT TO BODILY INJURY, PERSONAL INJURY, ILLNESS, DEATH, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE THAT MAY ARISE FROM OR IN CONNECTION WITH ANY SJMA EVENT, RESULT FROM ANY SERVICES I PROVIDE TO NONPROFIT OR OCCUR WHILE I AM PROVIDING VOLUNTEER SERVICES. 2. Insurance: Further I understand that Nonprofit does not assume any responsibility for or obligation to provide me with financial or other assistance, including but not limited to medical, health, or disability benefits or insurance. I expressly waive any such claim for compensation or liability on the part of Nonprofit beyond what may be offered freely by Nonprofit in the event of injury or medical expenses incurred by me. (revised: 05/2018)

4 3. Medical Treatment: I hereby release and forever discharge Nonprofit from any claim whatsoever which arises or may hereafter arise on account of any first-aid treatment or other medical services rendered in connection with an emergency during my tenure as a volunteer with Nonprofit or in connection with any SJMA Event. 4. Assumption of Risk: I understand that the services I provide to Nonprofit and my participation in SJMA Events may include activities that may be hazardous to me including, but not limited to field/outdoor activities involving inherently dangerous activities. As a volunteer and/or participant in an SJMA Event, I hereby expressly assume risk of injury or harm from these activities and release Nonprofit from all liability. 5. Transportation: I acknowledge and agree that SJMA Events do not include carpooling, transportation, or transit to and from SJMA Events, and I am personally responsible for all risks associated with such transportation. 6. Photographic Release: I grant and convey to Nonprofit all right, title, and interests in any and all photographs, images, video or audio recordings of me or my likeness or voice made by Nonprofit in connection with my providing volunteer services to Nonprofit or participating in an SJMA Event. 7. Other: I expressly agree that this Release is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by the laws of the State of Colorado and that this Release shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Colorado. I agree that in the event that any clause or provision of this Release is deemed invalid, the enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Release shall not be affected. By signing below, I express my understanding and intent to enter into this Release and Waiver of Liability willingly and voluntarily. Signature Print Name Date (Or parent/guardian if under 18) Address City State Zip Phone_( ) Emergency Contact Phone ( ) Yes, I would like a complimentary SJMA Membership ending December 31, Members receive our bi-annual newsletter, 15% off at our bookstores and invitations to SJMA events. NO, I do not want to be a member of SJMA. I am already a member of SJMA. (revised: 05/2018)

5 San Juan Mountains Association Backpacking Trips Recommended Backpacking Supply List (2 nights) THE MORE YOU PUT IN YOUR PACK, THE HEAVIER IT WILL BE! Necessities you have to carry OPTIONAL (but please read anyway) Internal frame pack liters Blister prevention/ treatment Knife* Wet wipes^ Headlamp w/ extra batteries Lightweight camp shoes (no chacos!) Sleeping bag (10 to 30 ) (crocs, flip flops, or lt. running shoes) Sleeping pad lightweight Light gloves Tent (1 for every 2-3 ppl) Rain pants Spork or spoon Dessert Bowl Coffee / tea (instant is easiest) Mug or cup Trekking poles H20 bottles or reservoir ( 1.5 liters) Camera H20 proof pack cover or liner Pack towel Light puffy coat/vest Lip balm long sleeve top Toilet paper^ light pants/ long johns Lightweight umbrella (trust me) Extra socks (1 pair) Watch Extra underwear Vitamins Sun hat & sun glasses Small paperback or magazine Warm hat or headband or buff Gaiters Rain jacket Smartphone w/ useful apps Toothbrush/paste/floss Hammock Sunscreen (2 oz) 2 dinners 2 hearty breakfasts Shared necessities guides will carry Snacks/lunch for 3 days Cloth food bag for bear hang Map(s)* Whistle Compass* Pen and paper for journal First aid kit* Bug Spray (2 oz) Stove*+ Handkerchief (infinitely useful) Cooking pot*+ Small bag for trash Fuel*+ Hand sanitizer* Measuring cup* Trowel* Rope for bear hang (40 ft 3mm cord)* Water filter* Matches or lighter* Back-up water treatment* Tarp to hang over the kitchen Hand sanitizer* * indicates a shared necessity that a guide will have and you may or may not choose to carry. + If your meal(s) require something more gourmet than adding boiling water, please bring your own stove and cook set. ^ All toilet paper must be packed out. There are many natural options that replace TP and can be left behind. Page 1 of 2

6 Helpful Hints How to dress the day of BP trip Please, no cotton! Dress like you are going hiking. Keep layers easily accessible in your pack. Major things to bear in mind: - Your footwear MUST be broken in and well fitting - If you are prone to blisters, please prevent them by: - wearing 2 pairs of THIN socks - or applying athletic or duct tape to the problem area(s) beforehand - Nobody will think you are old or weak if you use trekking poles (Some people will think you are smart!) - If you wear shorts on the hike in, please make sure you have long pants for later. Other notes: - It will probably rain. Please plan accordingly. - Organize your pack by using light bags to compartmentalize. - This trip is suitable for folks of average fitness. - This is not a contest of who can get there first. We are a group. Thanks! - If you have never used a tarp tent or haven't slept without a tent, this is NOT the time to experiment. Thanks! LIGHTEN UP! - here are some tips - Ask, Is this really necessary? - Re-package foods to reduce weight and waste - Try to pack only dehydrated and dried foods - they are lightest - Also pack foods that are calorie dense like cheese and nuts - Most food should contain > 100 calories per ounce - No canned goods! - Socks and most clothing can be worn 2 days in a row... or more - Instead or brining a ton of clothes, remember that you have a warm sleeping bag if it gets that cold - You don't need a pillow. You can make one out of other things. - Ask, Is this really necessary?!? Updated August 15, 2018 Page 2 of 2