BSA
Troop 474
Boy Scout Troop 474
Guilford, Connecticut 06437
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Dear Scouts & Scouters,
There is a special meeting this WEDNESDAY night at 7:30 at the First Congregational church for those backpacking this weekend to Wiley Shelter on the AT on the NY CT border in the Kent region. There is a developing array of experiences signed up for the trip, which is a good thing. The best way to research gear is to come on trips and see what others use. Please feel free to ask to borrow…there is plenty to go around. The purpose of the meeting will be to sort out review of the topographical map, patrol groupings for meal planning and tenting, issuance of troop gear where needed (i.e. tents), identification of those needing to borrow gear, stoves, water filters, cook kits…camping checklist, proper breathable fabric vs. improper plastic rain gear…hiking sticks, what to bring and what not to bring, review of packing a pack for those interested, silly little tips such as clip your toenails to BRING A HEADNET since it is mayfly season. Known experienced adult leaders going include Mr. Federici (Wood Duck Chairman…won’t get more experience that that folks), Mr. Pecoraro, Mrs. Jagielski. Lairds and Edgertons are signed up too. Rumor has it the Braccios and Aerys are in?…some serious experience there too. The VanSteenbergens, Landons, and others have expressed interest…should be a good diverse crew and not a bad number given so many are away this vacation week. If in doubt about any of your gear, bring it to the meeting for review and discussion.
The weatherman is anticipating rain…we are Wood Ducks and a core group will go no matter what. Prior to departing on foot from Bulls Bridge, we will shuttle a few cars to a parking lot two miles from Wiley Shelter, a parking lot we will pass on foot when we march on the AT to Wiley Shelter. Although it is not encouraged, the advantage to this is those who want to cheat a little by leaving some gear in the cars we will pass to lessen the distance one has to carry. It also serves as a safety net in the event a tsunami wave of rain were to strike…seriously rain and 50 degree weather is recipe for hypothermia. The trip is considered moderate although 40 or 50 pounds on your back for 5 or 6 miles on some up and down up and down terrain is not a walk in the park…certainly is doable for those new to it or those who have not backpacked in recent years. Lastly, this is a wonderful opportunity for a crossover to satisfy a billion requirements in one weekend by the very nature of the trip. After all, how can a Scout really learn about hot spots and blisters in the basement of a church? This trip could almost get a new scout to Tenderfoot literally overnight. Crossovers should bring their books to the meeting this Wednesday to review what will be satisfied…although they should not bring the books on the backpack trip (unnecessary weight).
For any scout not planning on backpacking but wants to listen in…you are encouraged and welcome on Wednesday.
We are Troop 474. We are Friendly Courteous & Kind.
Any Questions contact Mr. Pecoraro 457 0266 cell 413 478 5983 jpecoraro@snet.net or jpecoraro@nvems.com
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Mr. Federici (WDC) 458 6726 |
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