Backpacking

KAP's primary goal with this trip to bring all 6 participants back safely.  All the requirements are for this purpose. Staff will have both a satellite phone for emergency and a Garmin inReach handheld device so you can see our location during the trip. 

 

Backpacking is a basic, long-term practice which involves an element of comfort as an aspect of safety- to go great distances we need rest and recovery.  Backpacking is about thriving in the wilderness as opposed to survival. We practice minimalism- we pack in everything we need (and pack out everything we bring), and we develop endurance to travel the distance and learn about preparedness.  Backpacking is also about teamwork, knowledge, respect and teaches self-awareness and confidence. KAP Director and Lead Guide Andy Eisenberg has experience as a professional backpacking and climbing guide and has been enjoying his travels in the wilderness for three decades. As a professional Andy carries a National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) Wilderness First Responder certification. These trips are organized to benefit the participant's connection to the land upon which we travel. The goal is to teach the skill of staying safe in the wilderness and being open to experiencing the magic and beauty one can find in wild places. 

 

Water

We will need water to drink and to catch fish from, so water safety is twofold.

We will be fishing from forest Service skiffs and the shores of the Naha River, Jordan and Heckman Lakes. PFDs will be packed in for boating and we will fish in groups with Staff present and directing all fishing activities.

 

 

Hydration

We will use the Katadyn Hiker (0.3 micron pleated glassfiber filer) for our drinking water, hand washing and kitchen clean up. We will also boil water. This will be one skill we learn- how to manage drinking water safely. We will cover proper filtering practices and organization of water containers and gear, and how to prevent contamination from the filtering process. Dehydration reduces our capacity for good decision making, softens of coordination and weakens our body. We will stay hydrated as a matter of safety, but also because the water we drink will taste better than what we're used to. There is no shortage of fresh water on our trip and will draw from the best sources of clear running water.  

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Nutrition

Everything we eat we have to pack in so it creates a logistical challenge. Our menu relies on the tried and true backcountry kitchen. We will all have a chance to help prepare a meal and learn about backcountry food safety.  ITs important we eat at every meal and for some this will be a challenge. we will have some options for a variety of eaters but the nature of backpacking calls for packable staples, such as oatmeal, pasta, flat breads/tortilla, dried or canned meats and fish, dried fruits, cheese, trail mix, nut butter and some vegetables.  If you child is uneasy with these foods we encourage you to introduce some of these items  int he diet now in preparation for the trip. We use honey and raisin for sweetening, coconut oil and nut butter for fat/energy content and oats and wheat based foods for carbohydrates. 

 

Hand Washing

This is perhaps the most common cause of transient stomach/digestive illness in the back country.  We will wash hands before all meals, after the bathroom, and all fishing activities.  We will also use hand sanitizer when on the trail.

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The Trail

This is our biggest threat. Each step is an opportunity for a injury but fortunately we all have a lot of experience walking!  We need only stay focused on the trail at our feet and think "one step ahead". We won't be in a rush and  we'll take several breaks so our pace will be easy going. Trail safety is  easily managed but avoiding injury requires each hiker to stay relaxed and focused.

 

Wilderness 

We will be in a wilderness environment so as a rule we don't take unnecessary risks, which includes rough-play, or any behavior which can cause accidents or injuries- there is plenty to do otherwise. We must treat all gear with respect as it provides us with sustenance, shelter, warmth and comfort and all of that equals safety.  Backpacking teaches us to appreciate the tools which allow us to go further in relative safety and comfort. Staff will be present at all times to instruct and assist participants.

 

All trip participants, along with KAP Staff, are responsible for maintaining camp. Participants must follow direction from Staff at all times. We will learn to share the tasks required to maintain our health and keep the group safe and ready for adventure. We also have a responsibility to care for the land and we will practice Leave No Trace skills and act as stewards of the Naha while are on this adventure. We will work together, each taking a turn and the many disciplines required each day and learning the skill of wilderness travel. 

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Overall, this trip is easy to moderate, and the distances we must cover and short. We need to behave with respect to both the  beauty and risk inherent in wilderness adventure and accept the personally responsibility to be safe and maintain comfort. We will only be successful in accomplishing our goal if we can instill this respect in our participants.  Please help by introducing these ideas with your child and talking about wilderness safety. KAP staff is available for any questions or comments you may have.