Sonoran Sunset Scouts are Getting Outdoors

Troop 828 set off in November for the newbie backpack trip. A short trip in and out of the Superstition Mountain area. Enough to get away from it all, but short enough for the first timers to get an idea what it means to have everything you need on your back.

The night was cold and early morning was approaching freezing. No complaints from the scouts as they were running on adrenaline of excitement for surviving the night of their first backpack trip. The long-time backpackers were warm due to planning ahead and preparing with enough clothing. Yes, the extra five pounds on the back was worth it.

The scouts set out on Saturday morning with a bit of good news, fire restrictions were lifted and second-class rank requirements of prepping and building a fire could include the fun part, the lighting.  This also allowed for the practicing Leave no Trace and Outdoor Ethics related to campfires.

After camp was established, it was time for lunch.  Simple meals which the first timers were thrilled to be able to provide for themselves.  A hike along First Water creek actual revealed some water puddles.  Very surprising since north Glendale could count rainfall by droplets.  This water was used later.

The scouts spent part of the afternoon making their tinder and kindling.  A free time hike let them walk to the top of one ridge where they could see the city.  Removed, yet not too far away.

After dinner, which was mostly Mountain House packets, the empty packets were brought to the puddles and filled with water.  These were to be our water buckets for that evening’s campfire.  Personal shovels were already in place.

The scouts had practiced their designs and layouts for the main fire.  ASPL Joel selected what he thought was best, and that was the design used.  The one match rule failed as the tinder was too few and burned before catching the kindling.  A learning opportunity presented itself.  The lesson taught, then the scouts worked together to build a one match campfire.  That time it did only use one match.

The night was cold and early morning was approaching freezing.  No complaints from the scouts as they were running on adrenaline of excitement for surviving the night of their first backpack trip.  The long-time backpackers were warm due to planning ahead and preparing with enough clothing.  Yes, the extra five pounds on the back was worth it.

The scouts have gained confidence on backpacking and are already discussing a bigger challenge for the next time.

– David Charron – SM Troop 828