OMSI Outdoors Summer 2018 PROGRAM INFORMATION TITLE: Backpacking: Wallowas PROGRAM DATE: July 30 – August 4, 2018 GRADES: 9, 10, 11, 12 DROP-OFF: Date Monday, July 30 Time 7:00 AM Location OMSI North Parking Lot (see map) PICK-UP: Date Saturday, August 4 Time 5:00 PM Location OMSI North Parking Lot (see map) Dear OMSI Family, Welcome to Backpacking: Wallowas! We are all looking forward to a summer full of unforgettable experiences in the Eagle Cap Wilderness. To ensure your camper is ready for adventure, please read the enclosed material immediately. In this packet you will find the following information: Drop off and pick up information page 2 Activity and Curriculum information page 3 Sample activity schedule page 4 Equipment list page 5-6 Backpacking Tips page 7-8 Tips for campers and families page 9 OMSI Outdoors rules and policies page 10-11 Alternate transportation form – for any campers NOT riding the bus to or from camp page 12 Life Flight Information page 13 Extended Photo/Video Release page 14 By becoming familiar with this information, you can help make sure your camper is safe, comfortable and ready to enjoy their outdoor experience. For additional registration, billing, or transportation questions, please contact OMSI Registration at [email protected], or 503-797-4661. Specific site or program questions may be directed to the Coastal Discovery Center by calling 541-819-0030, or by emailing [email protected]. Sincerely, OMSI Outdoors Summer 2018 | Backpacking: Wallowas 1 CAMPER DROP OFF AND PICK UP INFORMATION Please park vehicles in OMSI’s North Parking Lot and use the crosswalk to check in your camper across the street. The check-in tables are at 1800 SE Water Avenue, however, there is no parking at that location. Pick up will be in the same location, at 1800 SE Water Avenue. Please relay this information to anyone dropping off or picking up your camper this summer. If you have questions, please contact registration at [email protected] or 503-797-4661. If there are delays or changes at drop off or pick up, the OMSI registration department will notify the primary contact via email or phone. In an emergency, notification is done by phone. *** All authorized persons picking up children from OMSI programs must show valid government-issued photo ID at the time of pick up. If you do not have a government-issued ID, please let OMSI staff know in advance so alternate arrangements can be made. *** AUTHORIZED PICK UP POLICY Adding additional persons to any child’s authorized pick up list must be conducted by the primary contact person listed on the registration form, or by the secondary contact if approved by the primary contact at the time of registration. In the interest of safety, these people, and these people only, will have the opportunity to call, email, or discuss in person with the registration office, exactly whom they would like to be on their child’s pick up list. All changes to the list must be made by contacting the registration office by phone (503-797-4661) or email ([email protected]). Please remember that all authorized persons picking up children from OMSI programs must show valid government-issued photo ID at the time of pick up. We understand that emergencies do arise and we will work with each person on an individual basis to come to a solution. It is our intention that this policy does not add any additional stress to your already busy days, but that it helps put you at ease concerning your child’s safety while at OMSI. Summer 2018 | Backpacking: Wallowas 2 BACKPACKING: WALLOWAS ACTIVITY INFORMATION Become a modern adventurer as you explore the cultural and natural history of the "Alps of Oregon," the exquisite Wallowa Mountains. This trip is an amazing opportunity for anyone interested in alpine ecology, glacial geology and wilderness skills. You'll practice low-impact camping, wilderness survival skills, and orienteering with map and compass. Participants should be in good physical condition, and backpacking experience is recommended. LEVEL OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: 4: ■■■■ The demands of this program are “Level 4: “Challenging”. Participants must be able to walk 6-8 miles a day while carrying 40lbs in a backpack. The main activities will be hiking, backcountry travel and living, leave no trace camping, and learning about the environment they are traveling through. The majority of this trip will be in a backcountry setting, which means the nearest hospital or medical facility is more than an hour away. Potential hazards of backcountry travel include: dehydration, sunburns, ankle and knee injuries, blisters, sickness from bug bites, burns from camp stoves, and inclement weather. OMSI Outdoors Instructors are Lifeguards and Wilderness First Responders; certified in first-aid skills for patients who are more than one hour away from advanced medical care, and they are familiar with how to deal with these situations in the backcountry. The trip leaders all carry extensive first aid kits while on trail as well as satellite phones. Routes are subject to change due to fire, weather, or other safety concerns. CURRICULUM INFORMATION Concepts to be introduced: The geology of the landscape directly effects the ecology of the area. Landscapes result from the dynamic interplay between processes that form and uplift new crust and processes that destroy and depress the crust. Components of Earth’s systems may appear stable, change slowly over long periods of time, or change abruptly. Program goals: Describe the biodiversity within alpine ecosystems in terms of the relationships between environmental stressors and physical adaptations. Examine rock outcroppings for evidence of geologic processes. Practice Leave-No-Trace camping techniques Navigate Route using map and compass. Summer 2018 | Backpacking: Wallowas 3 SAMPLE ACTIVITY SCHEDULE Below is an activity schedule from a previous year. The activities are a sample of what your camper may be doing during their camp session. A current schedule will be provided to families at check-in. Due to possible weather variations, scheduling with partner organizations and outside agencies, and various other circumstances, All schedules are approximate, and subject to change. Summer 2018 | Backpacking: Wallowas 4 BACKPACKING EQUIPMENT LIST We have included a list of items that each person should bring, along with an explanation for why certain items are necessary. Before we set off on the trail, we will take an inventory of everything we have with us and organize groups to share gear. Any extra items we do not take with us can be picked up at the end of the trip. All campers will be sharing a tent with at least one other person. If you have any questions about the trip please contact the OMSI Outdoors registrars at [email protected] or 503- 797-4661. Packing for the trip: The most important thing about packing for a backcountry trip is bringing gear that will help you to stay warm and dry. One of the most problematic fabric to wear in the backcountry is cotton. This is because when cotton gets wet it does not keep you warm (in fact it draws heat away from your body) and it takes a long time to dry. Cotton sweatshirts are heavy, bulky, in addition to being a poor insulator. Cotton socks will keep your feet cold, but also tend to cause blisters when they get sweaty and wet. Minimal cotton clothes, are okay for in camp, but not while hiking, and you must make sure you keep them dry. Synthetic or wool materials are great things to have in the backcountry; these materials will keep you warm when wet, dry faster, and generally breathe better than cotton. REMEMBER: EVERYTHING YOU PACK YOU WILL CARRY! More gear and clothes means more weight. Think about bringing one set of clothes to wear everyday on the trail, and one set of clothes to wear in camp. When you arrive tired and sweaty into camp, or in the case of bad weather, you will have a dry set of clothes to put on. Wearing clean clothes is not as important as having a light-weight pack. Also bring clothes that you can layer, so you can add or subtract a layer depending on the conditions. Adding extra socks will help your feet stay dry which will help prevent blisters. Extra underwear and an extra t-shirt may also be a good idea as it can make you more comfortable. As you pack, try to include items that can be used for multiple purposes. Please make sure all these items are brought along, so that you do not need to borrow from others. SLEEPING GEAR: ___ very compact sleeping bag (no large, cotton bags) ___ sleeping pad (small and easy to pack) CLOTHING: ___ 1 pair of shorts (optional, can double as swim wear) ___ 2-3 t-shirts (one for hiking, one in camp, one extra) ___ 1-2 pair long pants (1 pair for hiking in, one for in camp) ___ 2-3 warm top layers (different weights for versatility, i.e. fleece, jacket, long-sleeved shirt) ___ long underwear top and bottoms ___ rain gear (jacket and pants) ___ wool or synthetic hat ___ hiking socks (3-5 pairs) ___ underwear (3-5 pairs) ___ Hiking boots (See the tips section for more info on boots.) ___ sneakers or sports sandals (light footwear for low impact use in camp) ___ a set of clean clothes to wear home in the van (pack in separate bag) Summer 2018 | Backpacking: Wallowas 5 BACKPACKING EQUIPMENT LIST CONTINUED… PERSONAL GEAR: ____ sunglasses ____ toiletries: (toothbrush/toothpaste, comb/brush, deodorant) ____ sunscreen (25 SPF or higher) ____ lip balm with sun screen ____ personal hygiene items ____ insect repellent EQUIPMENT: ____ minimum 2 water bottles (or bladder), must be able to carry at least 2 liters ____ external or internal frame backpack (See the tips section for more info on backpacks.) ____ backpack rain cover and large garbage bags for waterproofing ____ flashlight with extra batteries, headlamp preferred ____ bowl, cup/thermal mug, spoon ____ sack lunch for van ride on first day OPTIONAL: ____ gaiters (invaluable in wet weather, snow or dust to keep boots and socks dry or clean) ____ camera ____ small stuff sacks to organize gear ____ hiking poles ____ small repair kit (for backpack/tent/outerwear) ____ small towel (or bandanna) ____ sun hat (with brim/bill) ____ light gloves * OMSI tents will be shared by campers.