For those Scouts interested in backpacking, our Troop offers an active program.
Our Philosophy of Backpacking: We aim to help backpackers feel comfortable in the wilderness, and to teach them how to survive in an emergency. They must learn to plan carefully, anticipate problems, use good judgment, and think critically. Scouts gain confidence, humility, and self-reliance, while enjoying the exhilaration and fun of high adventure. Backpacking also stimulates teamwork and provides leadership opportunities. We strive to be gentle with the wilderness and put into practice a “leave no trace” conservation ethic in these exciting journeys that bring us close to nature.
Although backpackers are typically staunch individualists, we in scouting must emphasize teamwork and responsible leadership. Our hiking speed and ability will be determined by the skill of the weakest member of the team. We share the common load, work together in making and breaking camp, cook in teams, and regroup for every creek crossing or other potentially dangerous situation. When hiking, our patrol leaders must develop the habit of keeping account of the entire group by appointing a reliable "tail-end Charley," by regrouping at sensible intervals, and by ensuring that all scouts are aware of our plans. Each scout must pay attention to the patrol leaders' plans. We will teach the boys how to avoid getting lost, and also what to do if they do get lost. Likewise we will teach the boys how to find anyone who is lost without putting anyone else in danger. All this is why we require the boys to participate in preliminary backpack trips--this gives everyone a chance to build good outdoor skills, and to get to know each other's abilities.
Backpacking provides invaluable lessons in planning, teamwork, outdoor skills, survival techniques, and leadership. It provides a practical, attention-getting lesson in overcoming hardship to reach a goal. Backpacking teaches people to respect and appreciate the beauty and power of nature. It teaches them the value of conversation around a campfire, the camaraderie of shared hardship, and the self-respect and confidence that comes from facing and surmounting a difficult task. Backpacking also satisfies a natural yearning for adventure. These are all valuable lessons.
Last, but not least, backpacking should be fun. If a scout is not enjoying it, he should take a break from it. There's plenty of time. The most important issue in any scouting program is our boys' well-being and happiness.
Exploring near Mt. Hoffman above May Lake, Yosemite