Backpacking

Love the outdoors? Want to spend more time outside? Join Backpacking! Girl Scouts have monthly weekend trips from October to April in Eastern and Central Texas. With experience, backpackers have opportunities to go on summer trips to exciting places like Colorado and New Mexico Rockies and the Ozarks. Backpacking groups are a great way for new backpackers to gain skills by learning from experienced backpackers, and it’s an excellent way for both experienced and novice backpackers to meet people who share the same interests and love for the outdoors. Don’t worry if you might be the only girl in your troop or a Juliette who might be interested in backpacking. You won’t be the only one. Sign up for an orientation and join the fun! And don’t worry if you don’t have all the gear. Arrangements can be made to rent equipment at the Girl Scout Center through a backpacking group coordinator. To join in the fun, or for more backpacking information contact at Nicole McInnes at 713-292-0353 or nmcinnes@sjgs.org.

Upcoming Events include:

• Backpacking Orientation at Camp Camwood on February 5-6
• Special Beginners Trip at Camp Misty Meadows on
  February 26-27
• Rendezvous where you will learn advanced backpacking skills on April 2-3
• Spring break and summer trips are now being planned.

Backpacking Orientation

Girls and adults will master the basics of backpacking in this orientation. The course covers equipment needed, what to bring, how to pack, how to cook on the trail, and backpack and tent usage. Participants will learn to: gather information to prepare for the trip, pitch a tent, tie a sleeping bag to a backpack, and cook on
a sterno stove. Each participant will pack their own backpack and go on a short hike, then pitch their Council tent for spending the night under the stars. This course prepares girls to backpack with a Council group or with a troop. Adults must complete the Adult Backpack Training course to be certified to take girls backpacking outside of a Council-sponsored backpack group. The fee covers equipment rental (both backpack and tent), backpack manual, and nylon rope. A packing list and more information will be sent with your confirmation.

February Backpacking Orientation is also open to Bridging Juniors. Get a start on your Cadette program opportunities! Call for details.

Backpacking Rendezvous

Backpacking Rendezvous is scheduled for April 2-3 at Camp Misty Meadows Outback. Rendezvous is when backpackers from across GSSJC get together as one big group for fun and excitement. This year’s theme is “An Outdoor Adventure.” Sharpen your outdoor survival skills (includes cooking alternatives and techniques, lashing, advanced orienteering, fire making, and much more) and generally have fun.

If you would like to enhance your outdoor survival skills, then we have an adventure for you. You don’t have to be a backpacker or have gone through Backpacking Orientation to attend this year’s Backpacking Rendezvous. So, mark your calendars and save the date!

Who: All Cadette and Senior Girl Scouts are invited to join the adventure, Bridging Juniors are also welcome to visit on Saturday, April 2 as day-only.
Where: Camp Misty Meadows Outback
When: Saturday, April 2-3
9 a.m.-Sunday noon
Min/Max: 25/200
Cost: $10, due two weeks prior to event
Register: Use Program Registration Form
Event Code: 10-56-05-6241
Deadline: March 25
Contact: Nicole McInnes at 713-292-0353 or nmcinnes@sjgs.org and/or Dave Lee at 713-824-2897 or dlee@kingwoodcable.com

Troops must have an adult with Standard Troop Camp certification. All Juliettes and individual girls are welcome to join in the fun. Specify on your registration if you will be attending the event by yourself. Additional information will come in your confirmation letter.