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Summer Camp - Teen Adventures: Intro Backpacking - Tacoma - 2023

Youth Program

Summer Camp - Teen Adventures: Intro Backpacking

Teens age 13-17 join us for a multi-day backpacking adventure! This week is geared toward new backpackers or those who prefer an easier trail.

Contacts

Sarah Holt
Sarah Holt
Leader

Teens age 13-17 have the chance to join us for teen adventure camp! Participants will spend Tuesday at our Program Center in Tacoma learning backcountry skills, such as first aid, navigation, using the 10 essentials, Leave No Trace principles, and practicing using backpacking gear. On Wednesday morning, we will head out into the wilderness for a multi-day backpacking adventure! 

This week is geared toward novice backpackers and/or those who prefer an easier trail. We will explore some beautiful mountain trails, but limit our daily mileage and elevation gain to keep things on the moderate side. Still, participants should expect to work hard and carry a pack that weighs 30-35 lbs.

*Please note that Tuesday will NOT be an overnight, so campers will still have the chance to enjoy fireworks and Independence Day festivities with their families, before heading out for their backpacking adventure on Wednesday.

Program Requirements

This program has no scheduled activities.

Roster
Required Equipment

Below is a list of equipment that will be needed for the backpacking trip. Please keep in mind that The Mountaineers can provide most equipment if needed! Please contact the trip leader with 1-2 weeks advance notice for any gear you would like to borrow.

  • Backpack (about 60 liter capacity, with a waist strap and chest strap)
  • Sleeping pad
  • Sleeping bag
  • Hiking boots
  • Personal toiletries (toothbrush, hairbrush, etc)
  • Personal First Aid Kit
  • Headlamp 
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Hiking poles (recommended)
  • Water bottles (minimum 2 liters capacity)
  • Food (see below)
  • Mess kit (bowl, utensils, mug, if needed)
  • Toilet paper/hand sanitizer
  • Clothing (non-cotton please)
    • Rain jacket
    • Insulating layer, such as a puffy jacket or fleece
    • Wool or poly base layers
    • Hiking pants (mandatory 1 pair long pants. Optional to bring shorts as well)
    • 1 long sleeve shirt and one short sleeve shirt 
    • Changes of underwear
    • Wool socks (minimum 3 pairs)
    • Hat
    • Gloves
  • Bug Spray (recommended)
  • Camera (or phone)

Food Details

We recommend foods that are calorie dense and pack up light. Your lunch for the first day can include perishable items (such as cold cuts, cheese, etc), but you’ll want to make sure the rest of your items won’t go bad if not refrigerated. Here are some ideas below:

  • Breakfasts: Instant oatmeal, energy bars, dehydrated breakfast (such as Mountain House) granola, bagels
  • Lunches: Beef jerky, peanut butter and jelly sandwich, tuna or salmon packet, bean and veggie wraps, summer sausage
  • Dinners: For dinners, we highly recommend a dehydrated meal packet, such as Backpacker’s Pantry or Mountain House. There are many different options available at REI and other sporting good stores.
  • Snacks: Dried fruit, energy bars, trail mix, crackers, pretzels, chocolate, nut butter packets, hot chocolate packets

  • These are things staff will provide, but if you have your own you are welcome to bring:
  • Jetboil stoves/fuel
  • Tents
  • Water filters
  • Bear cans
  • Maps/compasses/GPS
  • Pocket knife
  • Duct tape
  • Personal Locator Beacon



Program Materials

There are no materials for this program.