Backpacking on the FLT Allegheny SP

[mbal1856]

Had a great time this past weekend with CaptainCoupal and our son's Boy Scout Venture patrol. Hiked along the Finger Lakes trail in Allegheny State Park from ASP3 to the Willis Lean-to. Boys stayed in the Lean-to, us in our hammocks. Boys started showing some interest in getting off the ground, and learned a lot about carrying their gear on their backs. Weather was great, only reached a low of 27* Sunday morning and made it to the 50's for the hike out. Sat night enjoyed a nice strip steak and baked potato dinner cooked over an open fire. At least my son and I did. Looking forward to the next trip out.

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[JPFREEK]

Looks like a great trip. My majority of the leadership in my sons troop is anti-hammock for now, but I'm working on them.

[mbal1856]

JPFREEK
Honestly, most of the leadership in our troop would be happy in a cabin all the time, if you can call that camping. Trust me I've gotten into plenty of discussions with a couple of them if staying in a cabin can be considered camping. Even tent trips it seems we have a trailer full of gear. That's why Jonathan and I started the Venture Patrol. Older boys, they decide on the trips, and we nudge them in the right direction. We just give them options and let the boys decide. It seems like there is quite a bit of interest in hanging among the older boys.

[JPFREEK]

We are the complete opposite. Our troop leadership is hardcore; we have a troop trailer and we set up a pretty cushy camp kitchen but they are all tents or even just a sleeping tarp. There are two of us that hammock but the existing SM has said that boys need to sleep in tents to keep the patrols together. I can see his point but he is a little unbending sometimes. Baby steps

[Fronkey]

That looks like a great trip and those steaks looked great! Nom nom nom

Fronkey

[Scarab]

Hanging with scouts is the best!

[captaincoupal]

We definitly had a great time, and I agree with Mark - it's refreshing to finally have a core of boys who want to try new things, have adventures. Mark and I are teaching the Hammock Camping class at University of Scouting this weekend as well.