Scoutmaster to Scoutmaster
We've had some fun campouts. Here's a few, with tips on getting the most out of the experience.
As with any Boy Scout adventure, getting the most fun out of an experience involves being prepared. Call ahead or check web sites and verify information, current conditions, and check if you need any permits or passes. Remember to bring your 10 Essentials on any trip. Even if you only expect to be out an hour, you never know when you'll find the trail does not loop around like the map shows or the trail has been washed away and you have to double back.
Be prepared and practice Leave No Trace!
(Guide to Safe Scouting: http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/HealthandSafety/GSS.aspx)
(Leave No Trace: http://www.lnt.org/)
Ape Cave - Mt. St. Helens
Fort Worden - Port Townsend
"If you aren't living on the edge, you're taking up too much space." Jim Whittaker
For fun on any campout try geocaching. It can take you places you would have never discovered on your own. Go to http://www. geocaching.com to sign up. It's free!
Can't think of a place to go? Here's a list of links that have great suggestions.
Great Washington State outdoor links*:
http://wdfw.wa.gov/lands/wildlife_areas/
http://wdfw.wa.gov/lands/water_access/index.html
http://www.parks.wa.gov/parks/
Tacoma Mountaineers: http://www.tacomamountaineers.org/
Washington Trails Association: http://www.wta.org/
Washington Water Trails Association: http://www.wwta.org/index2.asp
REI's web site features great expert advice and each store hosts training classes. Check out http://www.rei.com/getoutthere OR http://www.rei.com/expertadvice
The Tacoma News Tribune has a lot of great links, and each Thursday features an outdoor section including a Hike of the Week: http://www.thenewstribune.com/adventure/ OR http://wwwb.thenewstribune.com/hikes/
Snowshoeing Mt. Rainier. For more information or to make a reservation for groups over 13 call 360-569-2211, ext. 3314: http://www.mt-rainier.com/snowshoe-hikes.htm OR http://www.thenewstribune.com/adventure/story/564341.html
Camping Mt. Rainier: http://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/camping.htm
Winter Camping Paradise, Mt. Rainier (Note: you must pre-register!): http://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/upload/winter_group_camping.pdf
Mt. Adams: http://www.fs.fed.us/gpnf/recreation/mount-adams/
Road Condition Information can be found at the Washington State Department of Transportion: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/
*Note: BSA Troop 51 is not responsible for upkeep of the linked web sites. Some information they contain may be outdated. Always call ahead to verify the information is correct or check the web sites for current closures and conditions.
Maps:
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) sells topographics maps for Washington and Oregon. Go to http://www.blm.gov/or/pubroom/mapsales.php
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has maps available. Go to http://www.dnr.wa.gov/BusinessPermits/Topics/Maps/Pages/photo_and_map_products_and_services.aspx.
DNR has free downloadable trail maps available at http://www.dnr.wa.gov/RecreationEducation/Topics/TrailsMapsFacilities/Pages/trail_maps.aspx.
The US Forest Service also has maps available. Go to http://www.fs.fed.us/maps/
The National Park Service (NPS) has their web site at http://www.nps.gov/
A clearinghouse of government recreation sites can be found at http://www.recreation.gov/welcome.do?topTabIndex=Home.
Don't forget your local library as a great resource for books and information.
