There will be a group of experienced adult leaders that will be camping near the falls. Of those who are camping near the falls, we will be able to swim in the clear cool spring-fed pools. Those scouts that wish to swim must be current with their swim check (within one year) and we will need sufficient adult supervision to satisfy the requirements of Boy Scouts Safe Swim Defense. A refresher on Safe Swim Defense can be found online at http://usscouts.org/safety/SSD_slides.pdf. Any adult leaders that do not have Safe Swim Defense, the online course can be found at: https://www.scoutbook.com/mobile/forums/venturing/140920/online-training-for-safety-afloat-and-safe-swim-defense/
For those that are hiking down to the falls, this is one of those Arizona gems that really makes a Scouting weekend fantastic. There are 2,700 cf of water per minute rushing out of the ground at Fossil Spring. It produces so much water that there was a discussion of constructing a hydroelectric dam to power the copper mines of Jerome.
The trail is 8.4 miles round trip. The elevation change from the trail head goes from 5,783’ at the parking area to 4,281’ at the spring, a difference of 1,502’. So you can anticipate some fairly steep ascents coming out but nothing anyone shouldn’t be able to do.
Itinerary:
Saturday, March 30 th 6:30 AM – Rally at Church for a 7:00 AM departure
Sunday, March 31 th 2:00 PM – Return to Church
Wear Full Field Uniform (Class A) for traveling
Meal Planning for those who wish to hike down to the falls:
Saturday Breakfast: Eat at home
Saturday Lunch: Pack a trail lunch and snacks
Saturday Dinner: Patrols will coordinate
Sunday Breakfast: Patrols will coordinate
Sunday Trail: Bring trail snacks
Sunday Lunch: Bring some cash for lunch in Payson
Bring non-perishable food like Mountain House or oatmeal (nothing you’d refrigerate).
Meal Planning for the new crossovers who are car camping:
Saturday Breakfast: Eat at home
Saturday Lunch: Patrols will coordinate
Saturday Dinner: Patrols will coordinate
Sunday Breakfast: Patrols will coordinate
Saturday Trail: Bring trail snacks
Sunday Lunch: Bring some cash for lunch in Payson
Packing for new crossovers:
10 Essentials (consult your Scout Handbook)
tent to share
Sleeping bag and sleeping pad (or cot)
Warm clothes (especially hat, gloves and jacket)
Extra socks
Water bottle
Eating kit: utensils/bowl
The crossovers will have a patrol box with camping stove and fuel, utensils, etc.
Packing for new crossovers:
10 Essentials (consult your Scout Handbook)
Lightweight backpacking tent to share
Sleeping bag and sleeping pad
Warm clothes (especially hat, gloves and jacket)
Extra socks
Backpacking stove with fuel
Water bottle
Eating kit: utensils/bowl
Water:
There is water available for the car campers. For those backpacking down to the falls, the water is non-potable. The adult leaders will have filters but bring one if you have one.
Admin:
Bring your signed troop permission slip to the Monday meeting along with $15 gas money.
Weather:
The weather forecast calls for clear skies with highs in the 60s and lows in the 40s.
Backpacking Tips:
20% rule: Your backpack should weigh approximately 20% of your body weight.
Footwear:
Running shoes especially trail runners with lots of cushion are great.
Foot care: Extra socks, moleskin and sports tape (leukotape) are mission critical
Safety:
Those scouts that have a current swim check (within one year) will have an opportunity to swim in Fossil Creek, assuming we have enough adults that are prepared to set up a swimming area in accordance with the Guide to Safe Scouting.
Fire Restrictions:
No fires are allowed in the Fossil Creek wilderness so only backpacking stoves.
More Information:
Scouts can get additional information from their Patrol Leaders (who should have the
information but can get from the Senior Patrol Leader if necessary).
