BACKPACKING Dear Parents,

Transcription

1 BACKPACKING 2015 Dear Parents, Once again, it s time for our annual high school backpacking trip to Aneroid Lake! Here s the plan: on Thursday, July 9th, we will meet in the church parking lot at 7:00 am, load gear into the vans, and head off (please note: we will not be spending the night before the hike at Wallowa Lake as we sometimes have in recent years). We ll drive two and a half hours to the trail head and hopefully begin the 6.5 mile hike to Aneroid around 10:00 am. We will stay there for the next three nights and head back down the mountain Sunday, July 12th. We ll grab a quick lunch at Safeway and be back in Walla Walla around 3:00 pm. As for modern conveniences, at the lake we ll have an outhouse and a satellite phone (for emergencies only). All other needs must be packed in and out by your high schooler. I ve attached some backpacking preparation guidelines, including an equipment list and a recommended food list. While at the lake, we will take part in various activities including but not limited to: rock climbing, caving, swimming, traversing snow-fields, summiting small peaks over 9000 ft., boating, fishing, napping, playing night games, and other camping-related fun. All of these activities are challenge-by-choice, and students will not be required to participate. However, they will be encouraged by leaders and peers to push themselves outside of their comfort zone. We do this to build relationships and break down walls. For many students and leaders, this trip is the highlight of the year. We expect everyone to have a lot of fun and grow spiritually. Students will have daily times called solos where they find a spot in this beautiful valley to read their Bible and pray. We will also end each day discussing new truths about our Creator and His plans for us. The cost for this event is $35, plus food and gear. Students need to register at trinitywallawalla.org. Once you have completed registration, turn in your release forms (see attached) to Ally in the church office. NOTE: there will be also be a mandatory meeting for all students registered for backpacking on Sunday, June 28th, at 4:00 pm in the Youth Room. If you have any questions, please contact Mike Willard, who will be coordinating the trip. His number is (509) In Him, Thad Anderson Pastor of Student Ministries

2 PREPARING FOR BACKPACKING PHYSICAL FITNESS Students should be able to walk/run a mile under 9 minutes. If they can do that, they will be able to make it up the trail and to the lake. It s a good idea to start getting in good shape before the trip. We promise it will make the whole week better! PACKING GEAR When helping your son or daughter pack, remember two things: first, everything adds weight to the pack, and second, daily temperatures can range from 20 to 80 F. Students will absolutely need: A backpacking backpack A tent (can be split between 2-3 people; girls tents will already be up at camp) A Sleeping bag (mummy-style, rated for at least +20) A sleeping pad A stove (can be split between 2-4 people) A cook set (can be split between 2-4 people) Meals (see below) A 32-oz water bottle 1 pair of long pants (preferably non-cotton that means no jeans!) 1-2 pairs of shorts (preferably non-cotton) A clean shirt for each day Clean underclothes for each day (preferably non-cotton) 1 small towel Personal Toiletries (tooth brush, deodorant, soap, etc.) A pair of hiking boots (if new, spend lots of time breaking them in before the trip!) A pair of tennis shoes or sandals Bug spray Sunscreen Sunglasses A warm hat A knife Students may also choose to bring: A walking stick (ski poles work best) A Camelback hydration system A fishing pole (with an Oregon State fishing license) A book to read A frisbee Playing cards A camera

3 Trinity owns a decent amount of equipment to loan out. However, our supplies are limited, so please make every effort to round of up gear from friends and family first. We will hand out loaner gear at the meeting on Sunday, June 28th. If we run out of gear, you can arrange to rent equipment from Whitman College for a small fee. If you have any questions about loaning or renting gear, give Michael Willard at (509) PACKING FOOD You are responsible for all of your meals throughout the weekend. Please eat a hearty, energizing breakfast before meeting at the church Thursday morning, and bring along a small sack lunch to eat on the trail. You ll also want to bring along some money for lunch at Safeway on the way home Sunday. The rest of your meals for the weekend will have to fit in your backpack. That means each student will need to pack up: 3 breakfasts (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday morning) 2 lunches (Friday and Saturday afternoon) 3 dinners (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening) Please keep in mind that at this altitude and activity level, caloric intake should be nearly doubled. That means that everyone will need more than 3000 calories a day! Here are some suggestions of what to bring for each meal. For breakfast: Instant oatmeal (this is the best backpacking breakfast; plan on at least 2 packets daily) Breakfast bars, energy bars, or pop tarts For lunch and dinner: Mountain House or Backpacker Pantry dehydrated camping dinners Macaroni and cheese Ramen noodles Minute rice Stove-top stuffing For dessert: Candy bars Boxed jello Mountain House or Backpacker Pantry dehydrated camping desserts For drinks: Crystal Light packets Cocoa or coffee packets Please do not bring: Anything canned Lots of candy Bread Fresh food (fruit, vegetables, milk, eggs, etc.)

4 MEDICAL RELEASE FOR TRINITY BAPTIST CHURCH ACTIVITIES 2015 Remember (Skip while helping this form your if high you ve schooler already pack: when submitted comes a to copy backpacking 2015!) food, it s not about taste; it s about weight. Everything tastes good up in the mountains! Last Name First Name Contact Phone Address City/State Zip Date of Birth City/State of Birth Emergency Contacts Father/Guardian Home Work Cell Mother/Guardian Home Work Cell Family Doctor Phone Physical problems we should be aware of (allergies, disabilities, etc.) Insurance Company Group # In the event of a serious injury to the above named student, if unable to contact either of the parents/guardians, the advisor in charge has our permission to seek medical attention from the nearest physician or emergency facility. Parent/Guardian Signature Date MEDICAL RELEASE FOR TRINITY BAPTIST CHURCH ACTIVITIES 2015 (Extra copy for a friend!) Last Name First Name Contact Phone Address City/State Zip Date of Birth City/State of Birth Emergency Contacts Father/Guardian Home Work Cell Mother/Guardian Home Work Cell Family Doctor Phone Physical problems we should be aware of (allergies, disabilities, etc.) Insurance Company Group # In the event of a serious injury to the above named student, if unable to contact either of the parents/guardians, the advisor in charge has our permission to seek medical attention from the nearest physician or emergency facility. Parent/Guardian Signature Date

5 CAMP HALTON, LAKE ANEROID, OREGON Acknowledgment of Risk; Release of Liability; Hold Harmless Agreement Form In regard to all services, facilities, and/or equipment provided by 'The Halton Company at Camp Halton', I hereby release; hold harmless; and discharge 'Camp Halton' on behalf of myself, my spouse, my children, my parents, my heirs, personal representatives, and estate as follows: 1. I acknowledge that backcountry skiing and/or back country activities involve known and unanticipated risks and hazards that could cause physical or emotional injury, illness, paralysis, death, damage to property, injury or damage to third parties. The risks and hazards include, but are not limited to, environmental hazards such as: cold temperatures; wind; solar radiation, snow avalanches; trees; rocks; steep slopes; darkness; and snow or water borne bacteria. Other risks include: improper operation or malfunction of equipment or clothing; inadequate warnings or instructions; and lack of physical abilities or fitness for activities. 2. I agree, accept, and assume all of the risks existing in this activity. My participation in this activity is purely voluntary, and I choose to participate in spite of the risks. 3. I hereby voluntarily release, forever discharge, indemnify and hold harmless 'The Halton Company' from any and all claims based on my participation in this activity or my use of 'Camp Halton' equipment or facilities, including any claims which allege negligent acts of omissions on the part of 'The Halton Company' and/or 'Camp Halton'. 4. If 'The Halton Company' and/or 'Camp Halton' is required to incur attorney's fees to enforce this agreement, I agree to indemnify and hold harmless for all fees or costs. I certify that I possess adequate insurance to cover any injury or damage I may cause or suffer while participating in this activity, or else I agree to bear the costs of any injury or damage myself. I also certify that I have no medical or physical conditions that could interfere with my safety in this activity, or else I will assume and bear the costs of all risks created by any such condition. By signing this document I acknowledge that if anyone or any property is damaged during my participation in this activity, I may be found in a court of law to have waived my right to maintain a lawsuit against 'Camp Halton' for any claims from which I have released them. I have had sufficient time and opportunity to read this entire document I have read and understood it and agree to be bound by its terms. Print Name: Last Name First Name Address: Phone No: Signature: Date: Parent or Guardian's Additional Indemnification (must be completed by participants under the age of 18) In consideration of (minor s name) being permitted by 'The Halton Company and/or Camp Halton' to participate in activities or use its equipment and facilities, I agree to indemnify and hold harmless The Halton Company or Camp Halton' from all claims arising from said minor s participation. Print Name: Last Name First Name Parent or Guardian Signature: Date: