Hello Scouts,

Just wanted to let all of you know that the backpacking trip that was recently cancelled for the weekend of the 24th is no longer cancelled. There are two different trips, a beginner and intermediate trip, and I highly encourage all of you to go, as backpacking can be really fun!

There is more information in the teamsnap events (or here) if you are interested. Because of the change in tier for the county where Henry Coe is located, they have been able to allow us to attend and increase the number of people in a group camp. Because of this, there is a limit of 16 people per trip, more than before, and priority will be given to people that need a req or already went to the planning meeting that we had a few weeks back. Please email Joshua W. or Mr. Dickinson if you have any questions.

Pack Check:
There is a Pack check for the upcoming trip on the weekend of the 24th. Intermediate at 9:00 am. Intro at 10:30 am. Make sure to pack your pack as you would on the actual trip, the only things being absent your food and such. Contact Joshua W, Mr. Dickinson, and Jason L with any questions regarding getting packs lent, or any other supply issues.

Intermediate Backpacking:
This is a 14 mile 2 night backpacking trip hiking from the Hunting Hollow entrance to the Coe Ranch HQ. Meeting up with Intro to Backpacking crew at Blue Oak Horse Camp on Saturday night. This is a longer trip for Scouts who have previously taken part in a troop backpacking trip. Meet at Hunting Hollow Entrance at 6pm Friday. Pick up from Coe Ranch HQ 12.00pm Sunday.

Intro to backpacking:
This is an overnight backpacking trip. Perfect for trying out backpacking for the first time, or as an easy fun overnight for those who’ve done it before. The trail is 2.5 miles each way from Coe HQ to Blue Oak Horse Camp. Meet at Henry Coe State Park Headquarters at 11.00am Saturday. Pick up from same location 12.00pm Sunday.

Hike & Car Camp at HWC State Park:
An opportunity for up to 14 Scouts from T175 and T4175 as well as AOL Scouts to camp at Henry W Coe State Park along with the two backpacking crews. Cooking will be centralized for the ‘car campers’. The campground is hike-in only but two vehicles are allowed to bring in gear, water etc. Campers will therefore hike the 2.5 miles to camp with a daypack while their gear is driven in. Carpooling currently not permitted so Scouts need to be driven to Coe HQ (1hr 20 minutes from FC) and dropped off, then picked up again on Sunday at around noon.

Please sign up by Friday April 16 for any of these events. For any of these events, the packing list is on T175.com. We have a limit of 14 Scouts + 2 adults. Tents/stoves to be provided by troop. Lead Scout will arrange for group through Quartermaster (Jason L). Backpacks are available to borrow through Quartermaster or Mr Dickinson. No carpooling outside of family due to Covid restrictions. As usual, masks, distancing will be enforced; health screening on arrival. Each of the three groups sharing the large campground will be a cohort of 16 max Scouts/adults and will maintain separation throughout the event. Masks and social distancing will be mandatory at all times and Scouts will tent alone (or with a sibling depending on age gap).

Please contact Joshua W. or Mr. Dickinson for additional details.