If you’re new to backpacking this trip is a great way to get a taste of combined camping and hiking. If you’re an experienced trekker, it’s an opportunity to hone your skills and your kit, and light the fire of adventure in someone new.
We’ll pack in (and out) everything we’ll need on this East Bay backpacking trip. You’ll earn two nights of camping, 15 miles of hiking¹, and can satisfy the following requirements:
Tenderfoot: 1a, 1b, 1c, 2a, 2b, 2c, 5a, 5b, 5c
Second Class: 1b, 1c, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 3b, 3d, 4
First Class: 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 4a, 4b, 5a
Backpacking Merit Badge: 1, 2a, 2b, 3, 6a, 6b, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e, 10 (partial)
As always, you can check out the full route on our Alltrails channel.
Planning Resources
1. Read the Planning Document
If you don’t have the link, ask your patrol leader. This shared document includes the list of who’s going, carpool and tent assignments, driving directions, packing lists, special instructions, our emergency plan, and more.
2. Patrol Leaders and Grubmasters
Plan your food (and equipment) carefully. Start with this Grubmaster Guide…but be aware that this trip has special requirements that are different from a regular campout.
3. Pack Appropriately
Every trip has slightly different packing requirements. Use this packing list and bring your packed pack and printed checklist to out October 21 Meeting.
Itinerary
Friday
5 pm — Stage at Lakeside Landing
5:15 pm — Depart for Anthony Chabot Park
Drivers may car camp with us Friday night if desired and depart Saturday morning as the backpackers head out.
Saturday
7 am — Breakfast and strike camp
8:15 am — Backpack to next campsite
2 pm — Arrive at Fern Dell Campsite
Sunday
7 am — Breakfast and strike camp
8:15 am — Backpack to pickup location
3 pm — Arrive at pickup point
4pm — Return Scouts to Lakeside Landing or homes.
Note: Not all Scouts will be able to complete all practical demonstrations. Be sure to speak to your patrol leader well in advance if you’d like to demonstrate one or more of these on this trip.
¹ Hiking miles may be applied toward Hiking merit badge or Backpacking merit badge, but not both.