Backpacking Manual 2017 01132017 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................. 1 CHAPTER 1: RULES AND READINESS ............................................................................................................. 2 Backpack Training Certification Process for Adults .................................................................................. 2 Requirements for Advanced Trips ............................................................................................................ 2 Wilderness First Aid Requirements ........................................................................................................... 3 Lifeguard Requirements ............................................................................................................................ 3 Required Training Summary ..................................................................................................................... 4 Additional Safety Policies .......................................................................................................................... 4 Girl Scout Adult Ratios .......................................................................................................................... 4 Swimming .............................................................................................................................................. 5 Non-Scout Participants ......................................................................................................................... 6 Other Policies ........................................................................................................................................ 6 Know Your Group .................................................................................................................................. 6 Participant Readiness ................................................................................................................................ 6 Girl Scout Outdoor Progression ................................................................................................................ 7 Including Girls with Disabilities ............................................................................................................. 7 Skill Progression for Backpackers .......................................................................................................... 7 CHAPTER 2: Planning for Your Trip ............................................................................................................... 8 Choosing a Trail That Fits Your Group....................................................................................................... 8 Finding A Place to Go ................................................................................................................................ 9 Door-to-door Trip Length .......................................................................................................................... 9 Daily Hiking Distance and Time, Rules of Thumb .................................................................................... 10 Reservations, Permits, and Paperwork ................................................................................................... 10 Reservations and Tickets ..................................................................................................................... 10 Adventure Permits, Special Use Passes, and Campfire Permits ......................................................... 11 Maps.................................................................................................................................................... 11 Council Approval ................................................................................................................................. 12 Summary of Forms .............................................................................................................................. 12 Planning for Medical Concerns ............................................................................................................... 13 Medications and Chronic Illnesses ...................................................................................................... 13 Immunizations..................................................................................................................................... 14 Share Your Plan with Parents! ............................................................................................................ 14 CHAPTER 3: Prepare for the Trip ................................................................................................................. 15 Prepare Your Body .................................................................................................................................. 15 Prepare Your Gear................................................................................................................................... 16 Personal Gear .......................................................................................................................................... 16 Electronic Devices on the Trail ................................................................................................................ 17 Shared Gear ............................................................................................................................................ 17 Fill Your Pack ........................................................................................................................................... 18 Prepare Your People ............................................................................................................................... 18 Patrols and Kapers .................................................................................................................................. 19 Food Planning Matters - Menu Considerations ...................................................................................... 19 Packaging and Food Logistics .................................................................................................................. 20 Trail to Home Communication Plans ...................................................................................................... 20 At Home Group Contact Paperwork ................................................................................................... 21 CHAPTER 4: On the Trail.............................................................................................................................. 21 Outdoor Ethics ........................................................................................................................................ 21 Leave No Trace Seven Principles ......................................................................................................... 21 General Trail Courtesy ........................................................................................................................ 22 Girl Scouts on the Trail ............................................................................................................................ 23 Avoiding Hazards ................................................................................................................................. 23 Survival Gear ....................................................................................................................................... 24 Water Crossings and other Trail Hazards ............................................................................................ 24 Environmental Hazards ........................................................................................................................... 25 Weather Dangers ................................................................................................................................ 25 Sunburn and Sun Blindness ................................................................................................................. 25 Heat Exposure - Preventing Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke .......................................................... 25 Cold Exposure - Preventing Hypothermia and Frostbite .................................................................... 25 Lightning .............................................................................................................................................. 25 Preventing Altitude Sickness ............................................................................................................... 26 Forest Fires .......................................................................................................................................... 26 Human Hazards ................................................................................................................................... 26 Hunters................................................................................................................................................ 26 Injuries and Illness ............................................................................................................................... 27 Flora and Fauna ....................................................................................................................................... 27 Black Bears .........................................................................................................................................