Home.27 August 2002
Preliminary Comments:
(1) Other than your sleeping bag, foam pad and pillow, none of the stuff in your backpack should be used on the trip out. You've (hopefully) packed your backpack very methodically here; you don't want to leave things behind in the rush and perpetual pandemonium at Basecamp - leave it in your backpack. In order to avoid this common mistake, a number of items in the "Carry-On" list are intentionally duplicated! Note: 1 set of clean clothes should be kept in reserve for when you get off the trail.
(2) Remember, we're traveling in vans - your total luggage cannot be too bulky, or we'll have a devil of a time fitting it (and us) in. Don't be ridiculous. As a pertinent aside, keep in mind that the only real "down-time" is on the flights out and while traveling in the vans - virtually the rest of each day is filled with program activities. In addition, 90% of our time will be spent in either Class A's or program appropriate clothing; you don't need extra clothing. There are few/no opportunities for sports, swimming, etc.
(3) Carry-On luggage means it’s going through Airport Security (X-ray for sure, plus hand searches possible). After 9/11, even Scouts in full Uniforms will be thoroughly searched. Knives, fireworks, or any illicit materials or substances may result in your arrest. In addition, Airport Security personnel now have zero sense of humor with respect to smart-ass remarks concerning "hijackings", "bombs", "guns", "terrorism", etc., etc., etc. If you’d like to remain at the airport (and spend half a day with several stone-faced FBI Agents), and then (if you’re lucky) go home, this is a great way to ensure just that.
(4) Your carry-on luggage will be stored in the vans for the 11 days we're on the Ranch; beware, they’ll be parked on a dusty field in the open sun - very, very hot! CD's and tapes may not survive!***
(5) Pack in a small, soft-sided duffel bag - and pack nothing breakable. Liquids should be doubled-packed in zip-lock bags for extra protection against leakage. Remember, they may travel depressurized!
| Clothing: | _____ Extra pair of sneakers | _____ 4 pairs underwear |
| _____ 3 pairs shorts | _____ A towel | |
| _____ 4 pairs white athletic socks | _____ A light jacket | |
| _____ A hat, socially acceptable, please! | _____ A dirty clothes bag, not plastic | |
| _____ Swimtrunks (for Whitewater Rafting) | _____ 1 pair long pants | |
| _____ 4 light T-Shirts, socially acceptable, please! |
| Other: | _____ Pair of Sunglasses | _____ Supply of stamps |
| _____ Toothbrush, small tube of toothpas | _____ Medications (if any) | |
| _____ Wallet | _____ Aqua-socks (optional) | |
| _____ Electronics*** | _____ Camera and Film (optional) | |
| _____ A personal flashlight, with freshbatteries | _____ Reading Materials |
| _____ "Croakies" or some other similar means for keeping glasses on your head | |
| _____ Personal hygiene gear (soap, shampoo, razor, deodorant, comb/hairbrush, etc.) |
*** As your primary Adult Advisor, I infinitely prefer that we actually talk to each other versus solitary confinement listening to Walkmen or playing private electronic games. [We will be regularly shifting people between vans to facilitate conversation and interaction.] The vans will have tape/CD players; I don't object to group enjoyment of halfway decent music. By now, you are aware that I will listen to just about anything music-wise - so long as the language doesn't get too ridiculous and the themes don't involve putting down and/or killing off half the human race. Be reasonable in your musical selections - leave the Gangsta-Rap and the other garbage at home. Absolutely no electronics will be allowed on the trail.
Questions, please email me.... - Dr. Bob, Scoutmaster, Troop 111
August 2002 printing
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