Ramapo Mountains Backpacking Trip

What: Backpacking Trip

When: Friday, March 17th to Sunday March 19th

Where: Ramapo Mountains, NJ

Who: Scouts / Parents

Weather: It’s March.  Plan for cold weather with possibility of rain or snow!

Fee: $35.00.

Registration Page Link: http://www.troop49oakland.org/survey/index.php/243123?lang=en

Payment Page Link: Backpacking 2017 Payment Page

Details:

Troop 49 is doing a Backpacking Trip! We will be hiking from Mahwah to Pompton Lakes.  This Backpacking trip is going to help scouts with physical fitness, mental awareness, leadership and outdoor skills.  It will be an opportunity for a life changing experience!

We are planning on hiking approximately 16 miles in total.  We will be doing a 2 mile hike to Camp Yaw Paw on Friday evening where we will camp the night.  Then continue 8 miles on Saturday from Camp Yaw Paw to Camp Glen Grey.  Finally end Sunday with a 6 mile hike to Wanaque

The route has been designed to offer a backpacking experience for new as well as seasoned backpackers.  If a scout or parent feels that they are having trouble completing the entire trek or if their schedule will not permit them to do so, we added some bailout/jump-in points. The following are points where there will be access for vehicles.

• Camp Yaw Paw(Saturday AM) We will also be passing Yaw Paw again towards end of Saturday Trek
• Camp Glen Gray (Late Saturday afternoon through Sunday morning)
• Skyline Drive early Sunday morning (approx 1.7 miles into hike)
• Back Beach Park in Wanaque (Early Sunday afternoon) There are bailout points near Ramapo Lake if needed

Great opportunity for scouts to complete …

• 5 mile hike requirement
• Orienteering to help rank up.
• Conservation requirement. If scouts pick up trash.
• Backpacking meal requirement for cooking merit badge.

Camp Sites:  We have two lean-to sites.  Friday at Camp Yaw Paw and Saturday at Camp Glen Grey

What to Bring:  Keep it light! EVERYTHING HAS TO FIT IN THE BACKPACK Please refer to the packing list that was handed in the last meeting.

Gear: Positive Attitude, Adaptability

• Packing
  • Tent – We have lean-to sites, and will likely not need to use tents. If you need one, borrow one.
  • Backpack with padded hip belt
  • Dry Bag for critical items – 1 change of clothes and sleeping bag
• Sleeping
  • Sleeping bag, mummy style (In stuff sack lined with plastic bag)
  • Sleeping pad (Closed Cell or Therm-a-Rest)
  • Sleep Clothes – preferably, only worn only in sleeping bag
  • Light or Inflatable Pillow
  • Hand warmers – at least 4 per night!
• Clothing
  • Hiking Boots (Well Broken In)
  • Heavy Socks – 3 Pairs
  • Light Inner Socks – 1 or 2 Pairs
  • Sweater/ Fleece/ Down Jacket (Not something too heavy)
  • Long Pants
  • Rain Gear
  • Gloves, hat
• Personal Equipment
  • Headlamp – fresh batteries
  • Hiking/ Trekking Poles
  • Water bottles or bladder – plan on AT LEAST 2 quarts of liquid
  • Mess kit – no trailer, so no paper supplies
  • Pocket Knife
  • Matches and Lighter
  • Flashlight
  • Compass
  • Whistle

Food:

• We will be eating trail food … the same food backpackers eat on the trail at Philmont. Picky eaters should fill pockets with snacks …

 “Shake Down” Meeting before the trip:   Please pack your backpack and bring it fully loaded to the Troop Meeting on March 9, 2017.  At this meeting each scout will be weighed to determine the maximum pack weight.  Also each scout will choose a food buddy and divide up the food needed to be carried between each other.