Women's Backpacking

Spring 2017

A workshop series and three-day wilderness experience for women cadets of any class. Those cadets who complete the workshop series qualify to attend a backpacking trip on the weekend of March 3 - 5, 2017.

Previous backpacking experience is not necessary.

Prerequisites:

1. Declare your interest in participating. Email Mr. Henry Bouton at Henry.Bouton@citadel.edu by the end of the day on January 25, 2017.
2. Complete and turn in a Player Packet to Deas Hall 202 by the end of the day on February 7, 2017.
3. You must be academically and conduct proficient, and medically eligible to join the backpacking trip.

To qualify for the backpacking trip, participants must:

1. Attend each of the five (5) weekly Wilderness Skills Workshops.
2. Review frequently web-based resources.
3. Reply promptly to all workshop and trip emails.

Wilderness Skills Workshop Series

Where: Deas Hall 218
When: Tuesdays, 1830 - 2000
How We Help: We will request Special Orders for these weekly workshops. Therefore, it is important to declare your interest in participating by emailing Mr. Henry Bouton at Henry.Bouton@citadel.edu by the end of the day on January 25, 2017.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 31: INTRODUCING TEAM LEADERSHIP, TRIP GUIDES, PARTICIPANTS AND THE TRIP.

• Where will we be backpacking and camping?
• Cook food!
• Introduce gear list and requirements.
• What are some issues women might have in the outdoors?

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7: MORE ABOUT FOOD AND COOKING IN THE OUTDOORS.

• How to make camp. What are the logistics of sleeping?
• How to build and maintain a fire.
• How to keep food safe from animals.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14: HOW DO WE CARE FOR OURSELVES AND OTHERS?

• Bring the footwear you will wear on the backpacking trip!
• How to prevent and care for blisters.
• How to treat water for drinking. How to hydrate in the outdoors.
• How to dress to stay warm or to stay cool.
• How to maintain energy stores.
• Notice if someone is struggling.
• How to rotate trip leaders.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21: GEAR, MIND AND SPIRIT CHECK.

• Bring your backpack and all gear!
• What is out there to be concerned and excited about?

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28: FINAL PREPARATION.

Grocery shopping with trip guides.

2017 Gear Checklist

2017 Trip Itinerary

Friday (4-5 miles)

• From Deas Hall, load vans and depart by 0600.
• Park vans at East Entrance (Cold Mountain Gap) to Panthertown Valley. Arrive by 1200.
• Hike on Devil’s Elbow Trail for 40 minutes and turn west (right) on Little Green Creek Trail.
• Hike 1-1/2 hours to intersection with Shelton Pisgah Trail at base of Cold Mountain. Arrive ~1430.
• Set-up camp.
• Hike (south) up to High Bethel Altar.
• Return to camp. Arrive ~1630.

Saturday (5-6 miles)

• Hike north on Shelton Pisgah Trail.
• Lunch at overlook on Shelton Pisgah Mountain.
• Steep downhill (at times), turn east (right) on West Fork Way
• Turn south (right) at trails going to Dismal Falls and stop.
• Set-up camp in large clearing near streams.

Sunday (2 miles)

• Return to the East Entrance (Cold Mountain Gap) to Panthertown Valley by following the West Fork Way.