Inclement weather conditions postponed Troop 542’s annual September backpacking trip for a week. Nevertheless, 17 Scouts and six adults stepped up to the challenge on September 30, 2023. Hikers were bused to the Appalachian Trail in Little Gap, PA to travel from Saturday to Sunday along trails leading to Wind Gap, PA. On arrival, the Scouts divided into a novice group of nine Scouts and an advanced group of eight Scouts. The novice group, primarily made up of new Scouts without hiking experience, traveled nine miles, whereas the advanced group of older, more experienced Scouts hiked 16 miles. Unlike other camping trips, Scouts had to rely on only what they were physically able to carry up the trail. Every Scout carried his sleeping bag and either a tent or cooking equipment. Rather than setting up formal cooking equipment, the hikers prepared meals with small, mobile propane tanks carried in their bags or consumed small, ready-to-eat food packages. After the fun overnight adventure, all Scouts returned home on Sunday afternoon.
Categories: Troop Trips