Team Leaders: Pierce H. & Guerin W.

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For the first time since 1996, Troop 233 organized and took a 50-mile backpacking trip. The eight hikers included four Scouts between the ages of 14 and 17, and four adult leaders (ages not disclosed).

The hike began at Gianelli Cabin Site above Pinecrest with a short hike to Powell Lake for a clear and windy night of camping on granite. The next day, the hikers trekked to Toejam Lake and camped on the grassy shore.

The third day’s hike took the hikers to Buck Lakes for a stormy night of thunder, lightning, and hail. The fourth day was spent at Buck Lakes. After drying out, the group picked up trash along the shoreline as a service project.

The fifth day took the hikers above the tree line to 9600 feet on Emigrant Meadow Lake. Map and compass skills came in handy on the sometimes unmarked trail.

After cracking the ice off of their tents from the overnight freeze, the hikers took a 12-mile hike past Huckleberry Lake to Cow Meadow Lake. Arriving as the sun went down, the hikers ate and slept in a wooded campsite near the lake’s shore.

The seventh day was a short hike to Gem Lake where some of the group did some swimming before dinner. The open campsite showed off the clear sky as the hikers spent their last night under the stars.

The hike to Bell Meadow was over ten miles, but went fast as the hikers anticipated the showers at Pinecrest and dinner at Burger King.

Route Planning Team:
Scouts: Pierce H., Alex L.
Advisor: Dirk L.

• Plan Complete Route of Hike (including side trips)
• Plan Campsite Locations
• Make Daily Schedule (including checkpoints)
• Plan and Supervise Service Projects (10 hours)
• Secure Permissions and Permits (Wilderness, Fire, Tour, etc.)
• Plan and Implement Duty Roster
• Provide Maps of Route for All Participants
• Arrange Transportation
• Develop Emergency Escape Plans
• Prepare Written Plan for Parents
• Arrange Phone Tree

Menu Planning Team:
Scout: Matt E.
Advisors - Mike E., Lawrence S., Doug W.

• Plan Complete Menu (including 7 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, & 7 Dinners)
• Develop Recipes with "Fool-Proof" Instructions
• Purchase Ingredients
• Collect Money from Participants
• Repackage Food to Minimize Size, Weight, & Trash
• Store Food Before Trip
• Arrange for Transportation of Food to Trail Head
• Make Packing Plan to Include All Participants
• Rearrange Packing Plan on Trip

Equipment Planning Team:
Scout: Guerin W.
Advisor: Gary W.

• Determine Equipment Needs (including cooking, sleeping, hygiene, and first aid equipment)
• Take Inventory of Existing Equipment
• Make "Wish List" with Costs to Present to the Troop Committee
• Purchase Additional Equipment
• Arrange for Expendables (such as, fuel, toilet paper, bandages, etc.)
• Make Packing Plan to Include All Participants
• Maintain Equipment on Trip
• Arrange for Packing Out of Disposable Items

Trek Leaders
Pierce H., Guerin W.

• Provide Leadership for the Entire Group
• Take Responsibility for the Planning Process
• Work with Team Leaders to Facilitate Planning Each Event
• Represent the Group, when needed
• Make Decisions Before and During Trek Based on Group Consensus
• Oversee the Activities of Each Team Before and During the Trek
• Make Sure the BSA Wilderness Policy is Upheld and that the Group Observes "Leave No Trace" Principles At All Times
• Choose Campsite and Layout for Each Night While on the Trek
• Take Responsibility for Final Inspection Before Leaving Campsite Each Morning.