In just a few hours students will arrive and here's a run down of what we'll be doing this morning. Taken all together we call it the 'duffle shuffle' because students transition from their duffle bag to their back pack.
- First up is clothing check, we've already started this but now it gets down to nitty gritty, if a student is missing something we might send them back to the dorm, or pull from our supply of loaners
- Next groups are introduced to group gear and food, everyone gets some of this so it's important to learn how to pack it
- Which brings us to the next part: making it all fit. Packing a backpack is really more of an art than a science... heavy things go on the bottom, things you need handy on top. Everything gets bagged in plastic so it will stay dry (we provide the bags). The canoe trip packs in 'dry bags' to protect their gear in case they capsize or drop a bag in the water.
- Now it's time for some lessons... we often teach the top three lessons before we even get out of the gym. Three things you want to know how to do in the woods: how not get lost (and what to do if it happens), what to do in a thunder and lightning storm, and how to pitch a tent. (Note - to download a section of our trip safety protocols visit the parents tab above)
- Brunch! At New Hampton School brunch has to be the best meal of the week and you can't head out on the trail without a proper breakfast!
Do you have questions about the start of SophX? Have you been on a long hike and have words of wisdom to share? Maybe you want to give words of encouragement to the sophomores? Just click the 'comment' button below!
3 comments:
Have an awesome experience.....stay dry!
Thank you! Sophomores looked excited today.
Regarding the rain I did give out all the rain pants I bought yesterday, but I still had 10 good rain jackets after the students left so that means they were very good in the rain jacket department.
Sounds like quite an adventure! As far as words of wisdom I have two pieces of advice. The first is very simple: don't overspend. There is a lot of equipment you will NEED and you can spend a LOT of money on the basic essentials, basically try to gauge what you will need and shop accordingly. Don't ever buy something "just because" or because it is an expensive model, make sure it fits YOUR needs. I recommend you visit The Sportsman's Guide, specifically their camping page. They will have anything you need and generally for cheaper than most other dealers (but that doesn't mean you should just buy the first thing you see on their site, make sure you compare prices to other websites/stores!). The second is a cliche but: be careful. Out in the wilderness there are plenty of ways to end up hurt, lost, or worse. Always have a buddy with you, or have some way to make your location known, bring a cell phone or GPS, and a warning flare isn't a bad idea either. Last isn't a tip so much as a rule: Have FUN!
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