For our upcoming outing, the Troop will be heading to Zion National Park. According to National Geographic, “Zion National Park could be called a heaven on earth, a red-rock wonderland created by wind, water, and snow. Mormon pioneers arriving in the area in the 1860s were so overwhelmed by the natural beauty of Zion Canyon and its surroundings that they named it after the Old Testament name for the city of Jerusalem.”
Summary:
Monday, August 26th bring gear to Troop Meeting and load trailer
Friday, August 30th, Scouts will rally at St. Bernadette’s at 3:30 PM for a 4:00 PM Departure.
Monday, September, 2nd return to St. Bernadette’s about 3:00 PM
Outing Plan
Monday, August 26th at 7:00 pm– bring Scout Packs (gear, tents, supplies, etc.) to St. Bernadette Catholic Church to load into the Troop Trailer which will depart early with the Advance Leader Team on Thursday. The Scouts will be travelling in minivans, so there is very little room for gear. Also since the Scouts will be arriving late to the Watchman Campground, the Scout tents will be set up and waiting for the Scouts, so they can quickly and quietly settle in for the night. We are in a formal National Park campground so we will have neighbors and our hikes and activities will start early Saturday morning.
Friday, August 30th, at 3:30pm – Scouts meet at St. Bernadette Church to load. It is important that the vans depart by 4:00pm, as it is a long drive to Zion.
Saturday, August 31st – Troop Hike in the Narrows (see photo above), this hike is up the Virgin River, so be prepared to be wet (old shoes, swimming trucks, etc.).
Sunday, September 1st – Troop Hikes to point of interest determined by Scouts (divided into ability groups)
Monday, September 2nd – break camp and return to St. Bernadette Church (ETA is 3pm-ish).
MEAL PLANNING:
Friday Dinner – the minivans will be stopping in Flagstaff for dinner, so Scouts can bring money for dinner or pack a dinner to eat.
Saturday Breakfast – Scouts will eat by Patrol, breakfast will be “no cook” to aid in departure time for Narrows hike, for example Bagels, dry cereal bars, fruit, etc.
Saturday Lunch – Scouts should pack individual trail lunch for themselves as they will be eating on the Narrows Hike, be sure to pack your lunch in something waterproof and be prepared to “pack in and pack out” everything.
Saturday Dinner – Scouts will eat by Patrol.
Sunday Breakfast – same as Saturday Breakfast, “no cook” as Scouts will be departing early and quickly for the days’ activities
Sunday Lunch – same as Saturdays’ Lunch, Scouts will be eating on their hike.
Sunday Dinner – Scouts will eat by patrol
Monday Breakfast – Breakfast in Camp by Patrol, plan something easy as the Troop will be cleaning up the campsite and departing to return to Phoenix.
Monday Lunch – Vans will be stopping for lunch, so Scouts should have money or pack a lunch to eat at the planned stopping point.
MEALPLAN SUMMARY:
Patrols / Patrol Grubmaster should be coordinating 3 “no cook” breakfasts and 2 glorious dinners.
Each Scout should have money or planned van food for Friday Dinner and Monday Lunch, plus 2 hiking/trail lunches for Saturday (Narrows) and Sunday (Observation Point). Scouts should also have enough nutritious snacks for the hikes to maintain their energy.
SPECIAL GEAR / GEAR NOTES:
Scouts should be mindful that gear space is limited and that we are staying in a formal National Park Campground. Water and restrooms are available. Scouts should pack and prepare for this outing as they have prior outings, with the following notes:
– Expect evening rains, so raingear and rainflies for tents are required
– Saturday’s hike (Narrows) is in/thru the Virgin River, bring separate shoes that can get wet in the muddy ankle high water. Tevas or Keens Water Shoes are ideal for this hike. Everything you bring on this hike can and probably will get wet.
– Sunday’s hike is 4+ miles on established trails, so good hiking boots or shoes and light pack with plenty of water and snacks is essential.
– Troop Uniform is a must for travel days and our religious ceremony.
CONCLUSION
This has been one of the most popular Outings and one the Scouts overwhelming voted to do again for 2019. There is a lot of logistics and details for this outing. If a parent has any questions, please to not hesitate to contact me. If a Scout has questions, he should ask his Patrol Leader.
