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Spring Basic Backpacking
Feb 28-29, 2020

Winter Basic Backpacking
TBD, 2020

Desert Basic Backpacking
TBD 2020
Basic Backpacking
Learn the skills you need to take your scouts into the wild with confidence.
The course is organized around three components:
1. Classroom session focused on deep content (Friday evening / Saturday)
2. "In the field" map & compass day hike
3. Overnight backpacking trek with fellow classmates & a HAT Instructor
Syllabus
Adult Leadership
Bear Management
Clothing
Low Impact Camping
Mountain Medicine
Places To Go
Scout's Own
Stoves
Tents
Camps & Parks Guide
Backpacks
Boots
Food Planning
Map & Compass
Physical Conditioning
Putting It All Together
Sleeping Bags
Ten Essentials
Wilderness Survival
HAT Awards

John's Meadow, San Gorgonio Wilderness
Dinkey Loops Trail

Sponsoring Council
Verdugo Hills Council
Award Dimensions
4” x 4”
Summary
Backpack the Dinkey Lakes Loop over the course of 5+ days in the Western Sierras. Trailhead location is near Shaver Lake, east of Fresno/Clovis.
Map Link (where applicable)
External Reference (where applicable)
Detailed Requirements
1. Comply with the Area 4 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS.
2. At least one of the adults participating in the outing must have completed the Basic Backpack Awareness Course.
3. Each person must complete two 5-mile training hikes and one 7-hour weekend hike prior to hiking the Dinkey Lakes Loop.
4. It is recommended that units spend the first night (prior to leaving on the trail) at Camp Silver Fir to acclimatize and that they check in with the Campmaster at Silver Fir prior to leaving on the trail. Units must make advanced reservations for Camp Silver Fir through the Verdugo Hills Council.
5. Units must obtain wilderness and fire permits from the Forest Service.
6. Participants must spend a minimum of five (5) nights on the trail.
7. Each participant must climb Dogtooth Peak and one of the Three Sisters.
8. Each participant must complete a minimum of 25 hiking hours during the trek.
9. Participants must complete a 2-hour conservation project cleared by the local Ranger or the Silver Fir Campmaster while on the trail or in Camp Silver Fir.
10. It is recommended that units check in and make a brief report to the Silver Fir Campmaster upon returning from the trail.
11. Units must pack out all trash and properly dispose of any trash generated at Camp Silver Fir.
12. While on the trip/trail adhere to the seven (7) principles of the Leave No Trace outdoor ethics:
a. Plan Ahead and Prepare
b. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
c. Dispose of waste properly
d. Leave What You Find
e. Minimize Campfire Impacts
f. Respect Wildlife
g. Be Considerate of Other Visitors