Backpacking

What is backpacking? 

Backpacking combines hiking and camping together.  You carry all your camping gear in a backpack and go for a multiday hike.  Backpacking allows you to go further than you would with a traditional day hike.  

Troop 154 Requirements for backpacking:

Our troop requires scouts to be Second Class and have at least 5 days of camping in a tent with the troop.  Our goal is a fun and successful trip and not just a complete trip.  Scouts need to be organized, work well in the patrol method, and be independent.  This ensures not just a successful trip but also a safe one.  

Is there a merit badge?

There is a merit badge for backpacking!  It involves takeing three separate treks of atleast 15 miles across three days with two different campsites as well as a 30 mile Trek.  Don't worry, its not a required merit badge but if your scout is interest in doing it we will!  

Philmont, what is it?

Scouting America also has a high adventure camp called Philmont where scouts can choose from 6,9, or 12 day treks in the mountains of New Mexico.  Summiting Mount Baldy, The Tooth of Time, or seeing a real T-Rex footprint.   Scouts must be 13 years old and have completed the 8th grade or 14 years old.  Scouts interested in Philmont should talk with troop leaders to see if there are any local councils organizing a trip.