When: October 25-26, 2014
Where: Dolly Sods Wilderness, Monongahela National Forest, WV
Time: Arrive at the St. Francis parking lot at 6:30 AM on Saturday, October 25th
Return to St. Francis by late afternoon on Sunday, October 26th
Dolly Sods is a Troop 55 backpacking tradition and scout favorite! Dolly Sods and its’ environs are considered the premier backpacking locales east of the Mississippi River. They feature varied terrain and eco-zones more reminiscent of parts of Canada than the mid-Atlantic. The scouts will camp in patrols and enjoy campsites along Red Creek or along the many scenic meadows above the bogs of the wilderness.
Scouts must be prepared for creek crossings and cold nights (it sleeted and snowed on our Oct trip in 2009 and there was frost on the tents in 2011) when we camped. This means a change into warm dry clothes (no cotton) for sleeping, extra layers (no cotton) to add on as we climb in elevation and extra pairs of dry socks (no cotton) if they get wet on the crossings. You may have noticed we discourage cotton for our outings in the troop. They should have a minimum of two, preferably 3 1-liter nalgene bottles filled with water when we meet at the church. As always, the boys must bring raingear for both the upper and lower body. They should have water shoes to change into for the creek crossings.
Scouts will need to bring a heavy-duty backpacking backpack (REI will help you fit your scout and advise you on your purchase), not your basic day pack. Heavy and un-necessary gear should be left at home. Patrols will work together to help new scouts pack and to distribute patrol gear and food among the scouts in the patrol. Tent-mates will split up the tent pieces to carry equal parts. If you have questions about gear for Dolly Sods, backpacking equipment, etc. please contact your Patrol Leader and/or Patrol Aide. There will be several troop meetings this month prior to the outing focused on helping the scouts prepare for this outing.
Scouts must arrive at St. Francis at 6:30am Saturday morning after having breakfast. They must bring a personal trail lunch for the hike on Saturday. Patrols will prepare Saturday dinner and Sunday breakfast. Scouts should bring either a bag lunch for the return trip Sunday or money for a quick lunch stop. Return is estimated by 4pm Sunday. Scouts will call their parents as they near the church.
There is a $42 fee ($20 transportation) for each scout and parent attending. THE TRANSPORTATION FEE IS WAIVED FOR BOTH SCOUT AND PARENT IF THE PARENT IS DRIVING. Early payment price $32 non driver/$12 if driving, if registration & payment are received by October 15, 2014.
Questions?
Please contact Teri Fahlgren 703-757-0055 or tfahlgren [at] gmail [dot] com
Payment – Please use the PayPal button at top right labeled “Paypal for October 25-26, 2014 Dolly Sods Outing” to pay the fees for this outing or bring a check for the total fees made payable to BSA Troop 55 to the next troop outing.
Permission Submission – Use the form below to submit outing information. A copy of the submitted information will be sent to the email you input below for your records.
If you would prefer not to submit online, please:
LINK TO PREZI ONLINE PRESENTATION OF OUTING DETAILS