T355 Completes Backpacking Seminar in Preparation for Isle Royal

Over the weekend, Troop 355 participated in a new Backpacking seminar designed to teach Scouts the basics of preparing for hiking trips. The seminar was a requirement for Scouts, and adults, to participate in Isle Royal, and Philmont. Topics on the agenda included proper use of hiking equipment, planning, meal preparation, and much more.

Scouts were able to have a first hand experience in learning about different types of equipment while backpacking in remote wilderness areas. Backpacking stoves, cooking equipment, water purification methods, backpacks are just a few of the items experienced.

During lunch, Scouts were able to prepare some different types of meals that may be used on trips. Some of the meals that were introduced were Mountain House freeze dried meals, Meals Ready to Eat, and a hodgepodge of different items mixed together. Food dehydration was also a topic of discussion as a way to reduce cost and increase options.

Towards the end of the course, Scouts were able to plan a 3 day trip in their groups. Scouts needed to present an itinerary and budget to the group to demonstrate their knowledge from the course.