2024 BACKPACKING TRIP ITINERARY AND PACKING LIST

Thursday - May 16th

• 7:00 - 8:00 PM – Gear Shakedown | Troop 65 Scout Hut
  • Adult leaders will be available  for anyone that would like a shakedown of their backpack. If you've talked to any older scouts about backpacking, they will tell you the value in a shakedown. It eliminates unnecessary items/weight and ensures you have what you need for the adventure. If your planning on participating, please arrive with your completely packed backpack. We will remove all items and repack during this time.

Departure from Scout Hut - Friday, May 17th

• Please arrive at Hut at 5:00 pm to drop gear, eat and load vehicles. We need to depart by 5:30 pm as it is a 2.5 to 3 hour drive
  • Scouts do NOT need to class A uniforms for backpacking departure. Please wear a Scouting shirt or a Class B shirt
  • If you are not ordering a Chick-fil-a meal through the Troop, please eat dinner before arriving or bring dinner with you. We will not be stopping for dinner on the drive

Arrival back at Scout Hut - Sunday, May 19th

• Estimated arrival back at Hut is 12:30 pm. Updates on ETA will come through Band and Text via Scoutbook. This is not when Scouts are cleared to leave.
  • Scouts need to help unload gear and clean up vehicles before being dismissed

Backpacking Location: 

• Jefferson National Forest (departing from Grayson Highlands State Park | 829 Grayson Highland Ln, Mouth of Wilson, VA 24363)
• Cell signal is spotty when backpacking, but there are some spots in camp where signal is strong enough for a call or text. Mr. Hall's cell phone is 770-601-1044 should you need to reach the Troop for emergencis

Payment:

• The cost of the trip is $20 per person (additional $10 for a Chick-fil-a meal and $10 for a backpack rental through UNC Charlotte's Venturing Program).
• We need payment before they depart on Friday. If food/gas costs end up lower, we will refund any excess to Scout accounts.

Weather

• Hi/Lo Temps: Highs: upper 60s/low 70s  to mid 50s
• Rain: There is a 30-50% chance of rain on all days of the weekend, but the weather in the mountains can change at a moment's notice so be sure to Be Prepared!

Gear:

• Backpack – needs to be an internal or external frame backpack. If you don’t have one, please let Mr. Hall know ASAP
• Rope / Paracord (50')
• Tent w/ footprint - this must be a backpacking tent. It is encouraged for Scouts to tent with a buddy to share the weight
• Ground Pad
• Sleeping Bag
• Backpacking Pillow
• Proper Clothing (weather dependent) - shorts/pants & shirts. Pack an extra pair in case of getting wet. Moisture wicking or Cotton recommended
  • Hiking Boots with hiking socks
  • Lightweight Jacket
  • Thin Gloves (probably won’t need for this trip, unless you are cold-natured)
  • Underwear
  • Socks
  • Rain Gear / Poncho (Definitely need for this trip)
  • 2 Trash Bags (1 is to line your pack, the other is for YOUR trash)
• ​Backpack Stove (if you don’t have one don’t worry, we have enough to share)
• Headlamp/Flashlight with spare batteries
• Food (Highly suggest freeze dried. Can be purchased at WalMart, Academy, REI)
• Mess Kit & Utensils (freeze dried food you can eat right out of the bag. Need Spork only)
• Hand Sanitizer
• Water Filtration - if you do not have a water filter, you should buy water sanitizing tablets. These can be purchased at Walmart (camping section), Academy, REI or Bass Pro/Cabela's
• Deodorant
• Personal Wipes
• Pocket Knife (Totin' Chip Required)
• Hand Towel
• Canteen / Nalgene (you need to have 2 Nalgene’s...no exception)
• Snacks (Trail Food such as energy bars, trail mix, or dried fruit. Leave the Cheetos at home!)
• Dry Bag (Sea to Summit makes a great one)
• Small Lightweight Tarp (optional)
• Whistle
• Map
• Compass (we will have the opportunity to work on compass skills)
• Sunscreen
• Toothbrush & Toothpaste
• Toilet Paper (1/2 roll)
• Personal First Aid Kit
• Cat Hole Shovel
• Scoutbook
• Pen / Small Notebook
• ​Backpacking Chair – needs to be lightweight