You need to complete the Health and Liability Release Form available on youthoftheforest.org

Transcription

1 Dear Backpacking Trip Participant, This letter contains very important information about the Forest Lake Youth Backpacking Trip, October Please take the time to read this document carefully. Doing so will help this backpacking trip a success for you. 1. Orientation There is a mandatory orientation meeting in the Lower Youth Center on October 17 from 6:30 to 7:30 PM. During this meeting we will discuss backpacking skills and the equipment you will need for the trip. If you are using church equipment you will receive your backpack, tent, stove. If you need fuel for your stove bring $5 cash. If you are unable to attend please call contact Pastor Mark a week prior not the day of ( ext.23). If you are absent and have failed to contact Pastor Mark you will be ineligible for the trip and your spot will be given to the next person on the waiting list. 2. Forms You need to complete the Health and Liability Release Form available on youthoftheforest.org 3. Gear/Equipment Checklist The following list is designed for basic multiday backpacking trips in temperate forest conditions (3 season). Typical temperature average in the Cohutta Wilderness in October is between 48 and 72 degrees F. There is really no guarantee. We can only watch the weather. The gear/equipment you take with you can make or break your trip. BACKPACK The church can lend you a backpack, however you are better off bringing your own or borrowing one from a friend. SLEEPING BAG Should have a comfort range of at least 20º below coldest expected temperature. A mummy bag is the best. Get a stuff sack for your sleeping bag (you can use a large garbage bag instead). SLEEPING PAD Closed cell foam sleeping pad (3/8 in.) or an inflatable air mattress. Sleeping pads cushion you from rocks or roots that may be under your tent. They also provide insulation from the cold ground. Available for pretty cheap at Wal-Mart PERSONAL CARE

2 Tooth brush, toothpaste, deodorant, comb/brush, biodegradable soap, small hand towel, lip balm, sun screen, any medicine (keep together in a small bag), toilet paper and small plastic trowel. SHOES Lightweight to midweight hiking boots are highly recommended. Boots should extend above your ankle and be leather and fabric or all leather with lug soles for traction. Boots should fit comfortably with two pairs of socks; a light liner sock and a heavy wool sock. Above all, make sure that your boots are well broken in. Non-broken in boots invariably cause chafing and blisters. Allow plenty of time to break in your boots before the trip. Begin with short walks and gradually increase the time you wear them to allow the boots to soften and adjust to your feet. Please do not hike in tennis shoes. You can find hiking boots at stores like Just for Feet and Sports Authority, however we recommend Travel Country Outdoors in Altamonte Springs. They have a good selection of quality boots with trained salespeople that can help you select the boot that is right for you. SOCKS One pair of medium-weight wool or synthetic hiking socks for each day. You may want to where them with a thin synthetic liner sock to help prevent chafing and blisters. PANTS One or two pairs of pants. Synthetic or wool pants are ideal for backpacking. SHIRTS One or two pairs of long sleeve shirts. Synthetic or wool shirts are ideal for backpacking.! NOTE: It is essential that your shirts/pants dry quickly, because if you have nothing dry to wear when the temperature drops, things can go badly. Please do not wear jeans unless you enjoy being wet and hypothermic. SWEATER One medium-weight sweater or substitute with a warm sweatshirt. UNDERWEAR One pair of underwear for each day. In addition bring one pair of synthetic long underwear. JACKET

3 Synthetic wind jacket (may be used as rain jacket if waterproof and breathable); must be large enough to allow layering underneath. Hoodies are not recommended, because they don t dry quickly and don t insulate you that well. HAT & GLOVES Synthetic or wool hat. Lightweight synthetic or wool gloves, if you have a tendency to get cold hands. RAINGEAR If your jacket is not waterproof and breathable you will need a rain poncho. FLASHLIGHT/HEADLAMP Lightweight flashlight with fresh batteries, e.g. Mini Maglite. Headlamps are highly recommended because they allow you to have to free hands to cook, etc. WATERBOTTLE/CANTEEN Two 1-quart water bottles for drinking and cooking water. WATER PURIFICATION TABLETS No matter how clear water looks, don t trust it. Waterborne microorganisms can wreak havoc on your gastrointestinal system. Travel Country sells water purification tablets that destroy microorganisms. They often make your water taste bad so mix with powdered Gatorade. When cooking always boil your water. Tablets should only cost a few dollars. If you know a friend with a water pump, share with them. POCKET KNIFE Swiss-army style. Large hunting style knives are not recommended. COOKING KIT Cup, bowl, fork, spoon, small pot and frying pan, biodegradable soap, TONS of zip-lock bags (food storage), waterproof matches, matches in waterproof container, or lighter. COOKING STOVE/FUEL If you are using church equipment you will receive one small Primus stove and two fuel canisters. These items may divided between your partner(s). Cooking by fire is not recommended. FOOD Create a menu for the weekend with your partner(s). You will need food for 8 meals (3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 3 suppers). Divide the food between partners. Try to keep the weight of your food light. No tin cans or glass bottles.

4 Transfer all your dried foods to zip-lock bags that are clearly labeled. Double bag if you are afraid something may leak FEET OF LIGHT NYLON ROPE This will serve many purposes clothes line, bear bag line, lashing for rain shelter, etc. LARGE PLASTIC TRASH BAGS Two or three large plastic trash bags can serve many purposes rain cover for backpack or stuff bag for sleeping bag. 4. Sample Menu Ideas BREAKFAST Granola Grape-Nuts Cracklin Oat Bran Powdered Milk Tang Hot Chocolate Instant Grits Instant Oatmeal Pop-Tarts Dried Fruit (prunes, apples, apricots, etc.) Pancakes Note: Consider packing cereals that won t be easily crushed. LUNCH & TRAIL FOOD Dried fruit provides bulk, fiber, and carbohydrates Granola Bars Bagels, pita bread, tortillas, English muffins travel better than soft loaf type bread Nuts and seeds provide protein and fat Peanut butter, jelly, honey String cheese GORP (mix of nuts, seeds, dried fruit, M&Ms) Energy Bars (Power Bars, etc.) Sweets chocolate, hard candies, sesame/honey sticks, caramels, jelly beans, etc. DINNER Lipton Cup-o-Soup Risotto Raman Noodles

5 Instant dry pasta meals (large variety available in grocery store) Instant macaroni and cheese Rice (Minute Rice is easier and uses less fuel than brown rice, but it s also not as nutritious) Dehydrated vegetables (peas, carrots, mixed vegetables, dried onions) Hard cheese MISCELLANEOUS Brown, white sugar Maple syrup, honey Hot chocolate Powdered milk Drink mix (lemonade, iced tea, Gatorade, fruit punch, Tang) Margarine (Squeeze Parkay) Spice kit: salt, pepper, garlic powder, etc. Vegetable oil

6 Backpacking Menu Planner (Remember Thursday Dinner) FRIDAY MEAL WHAT TO PACK UTENSILS NEEDED Breakfast Lunch Supper SATURDAY Breakfast Lunch Supper SUNDAY Breakfast

7 Forest Lake Church High School Backpacking Trip Panther Creek Falls Trail October TRAVEL DETAILS: Trip departure: Thursday Oct 26, 4:00 AM, Forest Lake Church Trip Return: Sunday Oct 29, evening, Forest Lake Church OTHER THINGS: CAN WE BRING MUSIC? Yes, however, ipods & headphones must remain in vehicles while on the trail. Note there may be a risk of thievery as we leave the vehicles at a parking area. PARTNERS: You must have partners for sleeping and cooking (2-4 people per group). FOOD: Bring food or money for breakfast and lunch on Thursday, and for lunch Sunday. Bring your own food for the trail 8 meals and tons of snacks Do not bring heavy food, e.g. glass jars, canned food, etc. WATER: Stay hydrated (bring a good water bottle or two) Keep water bottles separate from backpacks when traveling by vehicle CONDUCT: Please use common sense. Please respect people and nature. I don t want to have to leave you tied to a tree for your parents to find. This is NO TRACE CAMPING. In other words don t leave any of your trash. You leave it how you found it. FIRST AID: We will have a first aid kit with us on the trip. However you will want to bring a few extra Band-Aids, aspirin or Tylenol, mole skin for blisters, etc. EMERGENCY CONTACT: (407) until I lose reception.

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