A Scout’s Campfire

Backpacking - A Team Building Exercise

May 31st, 2007 spryken

Looking at Backpacking related websites you might get the idea that Backpacking is a solo activity. Lone Hikers are not uncommon, but I think that groups of solo hikers may be more common.

What I mean by a “group of solo hikers” is a group of people who join up for a hike. They each bring their own food and gear. So in essence they each are a loosely affiliated group of solo hikers. Some Scout Troops approach backpacking that way, at least at first. There are important skills to learn in the solo hiking method. How to fend for yourself, what gear is required, how to pack that gear, etc.

Another way is Team Backpacking. You have a crew that meets and decides what gear to share. The team decides what meals to eat which involves some compromises. The team shares the duties involved in camp and food preparation.

When we took a crew to Philmont in 2005, we used the Team Backpacking method. We didn’t have to plan meals, meals were provided. But we did have to setup duty rosters, split crew gear for carrying, etc. The adult leaders provide guidance and advice, but we allowed the boys to make the decisions and do the work.

It was amazing to see the maturity and confidence level rise over the 10 days we were on the trail. There was squawking about whose turn it was to do cleanup or cooking. That is part of the growing process. So are making poor decisions.

Five boys and two leaders, including myself, are about to undertake a Team Building Backpacking trip. We have already met to make some initial decisions on what to eat. We will be in the back country of the Great Smokey Mountains National Park on the Appalachian Trail. So far the team gear list includes:

• Water Treatment tablets
• bear bags/rope
• 2 backpacking stoves/fuel
• 1 large pot for cooking
• turkey roasting bags for cooking
• lighter/matches
• first aid kit
• toilet paper and poop scoop
• map/compass
• camp suds

You may notice an odd item in that list, turkey bags. That deserves its own post so more on that in my next post.

We will meet at least one more time before the trip to review our plans. I will probably try to nudge them to consider creating a duty roster. With just 2 1/2 days on the trail and 5 boys, I will try to get them to change Hike Master and Navigator duties every 1/2 day so that everyone gets a taste of being “in charge”. The leaders’ hardest job is keeping our noses out!!

Let the team build itself.

Entry Filed under: Backpacking, Boy Scouts, Gear