Wilderness Survival Outing

1.0 Overview

Troop 45 will go on an overnight hike to learn to make survival shelters and spend a night on the equipment you would take on a day hike. Experienced Scouts who wish to try their hand at constructing and sleeping in expedient shelters may do so. Scouts who wish to use tents and conventional gear may do so. We will try our hand at utensil-less cooking and also get some backpacking experience.

2.0 Concept

2.1 Description

A. Wednesday 4 June meeting: On Wednesday, we will review several packs with the gear and food needed for the outing describing what to bring and not to bring. We will also review survival shelters, cooking and first aid.

B. Outing 7 and 8 June: We will meet at Mr. Hoge's house on Ferson Road. We will inspect everyone's pack before heading out. We will hike to the summit of the South Peak of Moose Mountain. At the summit we will have lunch and have some time to examine the historic site of the airplane crash that occurred there in the early 1970's. In the afternoon we will proceed northward along the ridge of Moose Mountain towards the North Peak where there is a suitable camp site and a source of water. At the camp site, we will set up our shelters or tents. We will also get a fire started so it will get hot enough to cook on. We will spend the night and leave early to mid-morning. The map shown below shows our approximate route for Saturday. On Sunday we will have breakfast, break camp and either hike back to Mr. Hoge's house directly, or continue north to Goose Pond Road for an arranged pick-up.

2.2 Schedule of Events

Saturday, 17 May
0930 - Assemble at Mr. Hoge's house and check equipment.
1000 - Begin hike to South Peak.
1200 - Lunch at South Peak.
1330 - Begin hike to North Peak.
1500 - Make camp and build shelters
1700 - Dinner
2030 - Night Activity TBD
2130 - Bed Prep
2200 - Lights out
Sunday, 18 May
0800 - Breakfast
0900 - Break Camp, pack up.
0930 - Begin hike out.
1300 - Return to Mr. Hoge's house for pickup.

2.3 Expected Conditions and Difficulty

The hike to camp will be moderately difficult. The trails are muddy in places and have turned in to streams in other places. The Saturday hike will be about three miles with an elevation gain of slightly less than 1000 feet. The Sunday hike will be slightly shorter and down hill. Participants must but be properly equipped and packed for a hiking approach. Waterproof hiking boots and extra socks will be important.

Check the weather and dress appropriately. The weather is expected to be cool, and it has rained the past two times that we've had outings similar to this, so count on it raining. It will be a cold and uncomfortable night if you are not prepared.

This is the height of the black fly season. Insect repellent will be needed. Mosquito netting will be useful for those sleeping in expedient shelters. Those in tents will want to be sure that the tents are bug-proof.

2.4 Special Requirements

Open to all scouts, scouters, and parents.

There are no skills prerequisites for this outing.

3.0 Administration and Logistics

3.1 Announcement Date: 21 May 03

3.1 Closing Date: 6 June 03

3.3 Costs

None.

3.4 Equipment

3.4.1 Individual Equipment

  • Class B uniform for hiking and suitable clothes for the weather..
  • Overnight gear as described in the Personal Equipment handout. Pay particular attention to the clothing, winter supplement, and survival equipment sections. Remember, the objective is to be able to spend the night with equipment that you would normally bring if you were well equipped for a day hike. Be Prepared for a day hike in cold, wet weather!
  • Pocket Knife (in your pack, not your pocket)
  • Tenting will be done by buddy group.
  • Everyone is responsible for their own food. Cooking in buddy pairs is encouraged. Remember, a good dinner meal and snacks at night will give your body the fuel it needs to keep warm. We will also have steak on a rock cooking in the evening.

    3.4.2 Patrol Equipment

    None

    3.4.3 Troop Equipment

  • Flag
  • First Aid Kit

    3.5 Transportation Plan

    Dropoff Point: Hoge's house; 46 Ferson Road

    Dropoff Time: 0930 Saturday, 7 June 03

    Pickup Point: Hoge's house; 46 Ferson Road

    Pickup Time: 1300, Sunday, 18 May 03

    Directions to Hoge's House: From downtown Hanover, take East Wheelock Street and Trescott Road to Etna. Turn left in Etna and follow the Hanover Center Road north to Hanover Center. Continue north about one and three quarter miles beyond Hanover Center to Ferson Road. Turn right on Ferson Road and follow Ferson Road up the hill for about 1 mile. 46 Ferson Road will be on the left. If you get to the T intersection at the top of the hill, you went about 100 yards too far!

    4.0 Leadership

    4.1 Planning Committee

    Christian

    4.2 Adult Leaders

    SMIC: Gregg Hoge, SM
    Mr. Simpson
    Mr. Danna

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